Hiring outlook is sunnier, survey says

Associated Press

MILWAUKEE — Companies expect to add more jobs in the third quarter, continuing a steady recovery from recession levels, a survey being released today shows.

Twenty-seven percent of the companies said they planned to add jobs in July through September, while 8 percent said they anticipated cutting staff, according to Manpower Inc.’s quarterly survey of 16,000 firms nationwide.

The rest of the companies said they either expected to maintain their staffing levels or were uncertain about hiring activities.

"The trend has definitely turned," said Jeffrey Joerres, chairman and chief executive of Manpower, the nation’s largest staffing company.

The third quarter results are nearly identical to the findings from the same period last year but still are not back to normal employment levels, Joerres said.

"Last year we were on the way down. This year we’re on the way up," he said. "There is still going to be pain associated with finding a job, but it’s going to be less painful."

The nation’s unemployment rate jumped to 6 percent in April, the highest in nearly eight years. Economists say companies are worried about the recovery’s staying power and are reluctant to quickly rehire workers.

The U.S. Labor Department reported last week that new claims for unemployment benefits dropped by a seasonally adjusted 11,000 to 411,000 for the previous week.

Findings from Manpower Inc.’s quarterly survey of 16,000 firms nationwide:

  • 27 percent of the companies said they planned to add jobs in July through September; 8 percent said they anticipated cutting staff.

  • The manufacturing sector improved the most, with 27 percent of manufacturers expecting to increase hiring in the third quarter.

  • When seasonally adjusted, the findings reflect a 14 percent increase in hiring activity compared with the first two quarters of the year.

    Copyright ©2002 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

    Talk to us

    > Give us your news tips.

    > Send us a letter to the editor.

    > More Herald contact information.

  • More in Local News

    Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

    Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

    Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
    Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

    Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

    Jasmine Donahue talks about being a place for people leave messages when looking for family members, friends or loved ones on the street on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Everett extends deadline for homeless service facing closure

    Hope ‘N Wellness must now comply with city zoning laws by April 30. The organization is “grateful,” its owner said, but still hopes for a permanent solution.

    New Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce CEO CEO Wendy Poischbeg speaks at a kick off event on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    ‘Everett Rising’: Wednesday’s chamber luncheon to showcase a new era of growth.

    The Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce is beginning its efforts… Continue reading

    The Edmonds School District building on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Edmonds School District faces estimated $8.5 million deficit

    The shortfall is lower than previous years, but the effects are “cumulative,” Superintendent Rebecca Miner said.

    Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

    Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

    People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

    The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

    Hundreds rally against Trump on Presidents Day in Everett

    People lined Broadway with signs and flags, similar to other protests across the country.

    The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

    The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

    The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
    Northshore School District bond improvements underway

    The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

    Alina Langbehn, 6, center, and Vera A., 6, right, sit on a swing together at Drew Nielsen Neighborhood Park after school on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Everett council votes to renovate Drew Nielsen Park

    Construction on the $345,000 upgrade could start as early as this fall.

    Northshore School District bus driver Stewart O’Leary pictured next to his buses shattered drivers side windshield on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Bothell, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    ‘Put me in, coach’: Bus driver back at work after struck by metal bar

    Stewart O’Leary, a Northshore employee, has received national attention for his composure during a frightening bus trip.

    Support local journalism

    If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.