Fiscal cliff threat notwithstanding, more metro Atlanta businesses are looking to boost their payrolls come the new year, than trim them.
According to the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey, 16 percent of employers here plan to add workers in the first quarter of 2013, while only 8 percent expect to reduce staffing levels. Another 71 percent anticipate holding the line on employment numbers.
The resulting “net employment outlook” of 8 percent is considerably better than what was expected for the current three-month period in which 13 percent of employers looked to add staff and 9 percent projected cutting back.
“Hiring activity is expected to increase during the first quarter of 2013 compared to the fourth quarter of 2012 … ” said Beth Herman, Manpower spokesperson.
However, she noted, “Employers expect weaker employment prospects compared with one year ago.”
In the first quarter of 2012, 18 percent of employers anticipated adding to their payrolls, and only 6 percent expected cutbacks in staff, leaving a net employment outlook of 12 percent.
Job prospects in the first three months of 2013 are best in durable goods manufacturing, transportation and utilities. Reductions are expected in non-durable goods manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade and financial activities.
Nationwide, 17 percent of the 18,000 employers surveyed expected to add to their staffing levels in the first quarter of 2013, while 8 percent figure they’ll cut back.
About the Author
