Results of the Employment Outlook Survey, conducted quarterly by Manpower Inc., indicate that 24 percent of all companies expect to add employees in the fourth quarter, while 11 percent will reduce their workforce. No change is anticipated by 60 percent, and 5 percent are uncertain.
In the prior quarter, 27 percent projected increases, and 9 percent planned reductions. The fourth quarter outlook represents a decline from the levels of the final 3 months of last year, when 32 percent would add workers and only 7 percent projected declines.