Recent surveys predict a few more Nashville employers are planning to hire than to fire in the coming quarter. Staffing agency Manpower, Inc. reports 14% of Nashville area employers plan augment staff, and only 12% plan to reduce. The 2% net gain may seem small, but Manpower spokesperson Dave Patterson says this slight increase represents a boost of confidence.
“There’s a lot more optimism at this point than there was maybe six or nine months ago. Specifically in this part of the country, I think you’re seeing more and more people who are starting to feel like their prospects for the long term are looking better and they’re starting to hire some staff.”
For the Nashville area, employment prospects for July through September appear worst in Government, and Education & Health Services. Manpower gives a sunnier forecast for summer fields like Construction, Leisure & Hospitality, and Retail. The majority of employers – 68% – do not predict any change in hiring activity.
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