Jobs not scarce in Knox area
Wednesday March 12, 2008
32% of employers may hire in 2nd Quarter
Bucking a national forecast, Knoxville-area employers planning to hire more workers in this year's second quarter outnumber those planning to reduce staff by a 6-to-1 margin, according to a survey of employers.
The Manpower Employment Outlook Survey says 32 percent of those surveyed plan to hire more employees from April to June, while 5 percent plan to reduce payrolls, 56 percent expect to maintain current employment levels and 7 percent were uncertain.
The optimistic forecast contrasts sharply with Manpower's national survey, which projects a slowing pace of new hires.
The survey also provides good news for the entire state at a time when much attention is being given to a souring economy.
All of Tennessee's major cities are projected to have increased hiring percentages.
"Employers are slightly more optimistic about hiring activity as compared to one year ago, when 30 percent of companies surveyed planned to increase staff levels and 5 percent expected to cut payrolls," Manpower spokesperson Jamie Jones said.
Of the surveyed cities, Knoxville's forecast was surpassed only by Nashville's, which projects 33 percent of its employers are planning new hires.
In the Knoxville area, prospects appear best in construction, durable and nondurable goods manufacturing, wholesale/retail trade, finance/insurance/real estate and education, the survey forecasts.
But nationally, a gradual decline in hiring for the quarter is forecast.
Of the 14,000 employers surveyed nationally, 26 percent expect to increase their work forces while 9 percent expect reductions.
Source: Knoxville News Sentinel
