Local Job Outlook Dim

Most Spokane-area companies say they will add few or no new employees during the first quarter of 2001, an employment survey reports.

A survey conducted of Spokane companies by Manpower, a recruitment firm, found only 13 percent of companies responding said they plan staff increases from January to March next year, while 17 percent expect staff reductions. About 67 percent said their staffing levels would not change.

Job gains locally are most likely in services. Reductions are forecast in transportation, public utilities and wholesale trade, said Tom Droz Manpower’s Spokane office.

Three months ago, 30 percent of area employers anticipated adding workers, he said.

A year ago the survey found a dead-even Spokane-area job projection: “Last winter, (Spokane) employers were divided, with 27 percent predicting gains and another 27 percent reporting cutbacks.”

Manpower conducts phone surveys with companies in 480 U.S. cities.

The national forecast for first quarter 2001 shows 27 percent of companies plan to hire workers, 10 percent expect cuts and 58 percent see no change, with 5 percent unsure.