No drastic flux seen in area job market

Modest personnel activity is planned in the Ventura/Santa Barbara area for the fall, based on the latest hiring survey by Manpower, Inc., released for the October through December period. Manpower provides workforce management staffing services.

"As we approach the final months of the year," said Irene Solovij of Manpower, "22 percent of business respondents will expand their workforces this fall, while 13 percent report plans to cut back. Another 62 percent expect no change and the remaining 3 percent have not determined their needs."

For the ending quarter of 2001 the job market reflected instability when 22 percent anticipated recruiting more workers and 17 percent forecast diminished payrolls. Employers were more hopeful three months ago, as 24 percent said staff increases were indicated while 10 percent predicted workforce declines.

In the fourth quarter, postings are planned in construction, durable and non-durable goods manufacturing, transportation/public utilities and education. Staff reductions are scheduled in mining, finance/insurance/real estate and public administration. Expectations are mixed in wholesale/retail trade and services.