County Employers More Optimistic About Jobs

Ventura County employers are more positive in their hiring plans for the second quarter than they were a year ago, a survey shows.

Among the county’s largest companies, 23% expect to increase their payrolls this spring and none are planning layoffs, according to a quarterly report by Manpower Inc. The vast majority--77%--said they foresee no change or aren’t sure what to expect.

The latest outlook appears far brighter than a year ago, when 17% of the firms planned increased hiring while 27% expected cutbacks.

Nationally, Manpower, a temporary personnel agency, said 30% of respondents plan staff increases while 7% foresee declines.

“The spring quarter is traditionally one of recovery from the mid-winter lull and usually signals employers’ renewed interest in hiring,” said Manpower spokesman Hank Hinse.