Manpower: 6% of Honolulu employers to hire in 3rd-Q

Honolulu-area employers are expected to hire at a cautious pace in the 3rd-Q, according to latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey. From July to Sept., 6% of companies interviewed in the Honolulu metro area plan to hire more employees, while 11% expect to reduce their payrolls, according to the survey from Milwaukee-based Manpower Inc. 78% expect to maintain their current staff levels and 5% remain uncertain about hiring plans. Hiring is expected to be a little lighter than in the 2nd-Q, when 10% of companies surveyed planned to hire & 12% expected to cut payrolls, it said. For the coming quarter, job prospects in the Honolulu area appear best in wholesale & retail trade & leisure & hospitality. Employers in durable goods mfg., nondurable goods manufacturing, information, professional & business services, education & health services & gov't. intend to cut staffing. Hiring in construction, transportation & utilities, financial activities & other services is expected to remain unchanged. National survey results showed little change from the 2nd-Q. Of the more than 28,000 employers surveyed across the U.S, 15% expect to increase their staff levels in the 3rd-Q, while 13% expect to reduce their payrolls. 67% expect no change in hiring & 5% are undecided on their 3rd-Q hiring plans.