Hiring Likely To Slow in Second Quarter

Milwaukee, WI, March 11, 2008-- U.S. employers anticipate a decline in hiring for the second quarter, according to the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey.

"A slowing in hiring intentions reflects a widespread wait-and-see approach among employers," said Manpower CEO Jeffrey A. Joerres.

"However, the survey data points to a gradual and measured downshift, not a sudden and overwhelming change. Interestingly, this data does not look like previous recessionary periods where we experienced much more accelerated declines."

Of the 14,000 U.S. employers surveyed, 26 percent expect to increase their workforces in the quarter, while 9 percent expect to reduce staff levels. Sixty percent expect no change in the hiring pace, and 5 percent are undecided.

The results show the weakest employment outlook since the first quarter of 2004, as hiring activity is expected to remain stable or decrease in all industry sectors but one.

Employers in services sectors anticipate stable staffing levels, while employers in manufacturing and construction all report a decrease in hiring confidence.

Employers in the Northeast and South project hiring plans similar to the previous quarter, while those in the Midwest and West anticipate weaker hiring conditions during the next three months.