Hiring Outlook Bright For 2006

(AP)  The employment picture remains bright for early next year, according to the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey.

The quarterly survey by the employment services firm found 23 percent of the 16,000 employers surveyed expect to increase hiring activity for the first quarter of 2006. Ten percent expect to decrease staff levels.

Construction looks to be the strongest employment sector for first quarter of 2006, despite interest rates and housing bubble speculation. Manpower Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Joerres says construction employers are "forging ahead with their most optimistic job forecast in 27 years."

The projections vary somewhat by region. Stronger hiring patterns are seen for the South and the West, compared with the fourth quarter outlook. Little change is anticipated in the Midwest, and employers in the Northeast forecast a noticeable chill in hiring.