Employer Survey: Wisconsin In For Slight Hiring Slowdown

A Wisconsin hiring survey shows a positive picture for the next three months, but one that’s weaker than the national forecast.

According to the latest report from Milwaukee-based temporary services firm ManpowerGroup, 17 percent of Wisconsin employers interviewed expect to add workers, while 5 percent forecast layoffs. More than three-quarters predict no change in staffing.

Manpower’s Chris Layden said the state’s net employment outlook of 12 percent puts it 4 points below the national employment outlook.

“Wisconsin had been in the top quartile of our employment outlook survey for a lot of the last eight quarters,” said Layden. “We are seeing it trail back into the middle of the pack.”

Layden said most employment sectors in Wisconsin predict job growth but durable goods manufacturers plan to reduce staffing. Hiring in construction, information and government is expected to remain flat.

Some of the expected hiring slowdown will be in the Milwaukee market, Layden said.