MANPOWER SURVEY: JOBS PROSPECTS ON UPSWING IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI

The job prospects climate in Southeast Missouri has a pleasant atmosphere heading toward the first quarter of 1993.

Barbara Larkins, spokesperson for Manpower Inc., said 27 percent of area firms interviewed for the latest Employment Outlook Survey expect to increase hiring levels next year.

"This is good news," said Larkins. "In most markets these months represent one of the weaker hiring periods of the year, which is mostly a reflection of decreased staffing activity in post-holiday and other seasonally-affected industries."

The survey indicates that 56 percent of the businesses polled are planning no changes and that 17 percent are preparing for employment cutbacks.

"Our results are better in Southeast Missouri than those of three months ago," said Larkins. "Only 17 percent planned workforce additions with 23 forecasting personnel reductions for the final quarter of the year."

Job prospects for the first quarter of 1993 appear more likely in the service field, said Larkins. "Lower staffing levels are anticipated in construction, and mixed intentions were voiced in durable and non-durable goods manufacturing and wholesale-retail trade."

Nationally, the picture changes some, with only 17 percent intending to increase staff and 67 percent expecting to remain at present levels.

Although job formations in the first quarter of '92 may be low, the survey indicates that employment conditions may be improving during 1993.

"This national outlook is a modest one," said Larkins. "But it is still the most optimistic first-quarter forecast since 1990."

The survey in Southern Illinois revealed that only 7 percent of area firms were expecting to increase hiring levels, with 73 anticipating no change and 13 percent preparing for cutbacks.

The survey is conducted on a quarterly basis.

"Our surveys are based on telephone interviews with more than 15,000 public and private employers in 468 U.S. cities," said Larkins. "It has been a significant indicator of employment trends over the past 16 years."

In the Southeast Missouri area, businesses from several different categories are contacted.

"We talk with people in construction, manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, finance, insurance and real estate, education, services and transportation and public utilities," said Larkins.

Manpower, a temporary help firm, provides employment to about 1.5 million people through more than 1,850 offices in 34 countries.