NFIB Economist Says 'Weak Sales' Hurt Jobs

Washington, DC, June 3, 2011 -- Chief economist for the National Federation of Independent Business William C. Dunkelbergs said progress on the jobs front "has slowed to a trickle." 

NFIB’s will report on its monthly economic survey on Tuesday.

“The two NFIB indicators—-job openings and hiring plans—-that predict the unemployment rate both fell, suggesting that the rate itself will rise.
 
He said that 12 percent of small-business owners reported unfilled job openings, which was down two points. He also noted that in the next three months 13 percent plan to increase employment (down 3 points), and 8 percent plan to reduce their workforce (up 2 points).

"With one in four owners still reporting ‘weak sales’ as their  No. 1 business problem, there is little need to add employees," he said.