U.S. Bureau of Labor Reports That U.S. Jobless Rate Dips to 8.1 Percent
MILWAUKEE (7 September 2012) – ManpowerGroup (NYSE: MAN), the world leader in innovative workforce solutions, advises U.S. companies to focus on building out flexible work models over the long term, as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics today reported that the overall August jobless rate dipped to 8.1 percent. The U.S. private sector added 96,000 new jobs last month, while summer jobs figures were revised down, and from 64,000 to 45,000 in June to 163,000 to 141,000 in July.
“Flexible work models – which include temporary, part-time, full-time and virtual workers – remain the best option for an economy beset by wildly fluctuating demand,” said Jeffrey A. Joerres, ManpowerGroup Chairman and CEO. “U.S. employers face extreme uncertainty from what’s happening in the Euro Area and with the U.S. general election two months away, yet demand exists and employers continue to need the right workers at the right time to meet that demand.
“A flexible work model that enables companies to react quickly to demand and that aligns with companies’ business strategies is essential for winning in today’s volatile economy,” Joerres added. “In turn, individuals benefit from flexible work options, as they gain on-the-job training and experience – while earning income.”
Employment in food services and drinking places increased by 28,000 last month and by 298,000 over the past 12 months. Finance and insurance added 11,000 jobs; health care added 17,000. Professional and technical services added 27,000 jobs, including 11,000 in computer systems design and related services and 9,000 in management and technical consulting services.
According to ManpowerGroup’s 2012 Talent Shortage Survey results, 49% of U.S. employers struggle to fill mission-critical positions. Skilled trades, engineering and IT positions continue to place on this list year after year.
Also, 56% of employers, worldwide, indicate unfilled positions are expected to have little or no impact on key constituents, such as customers and investors. This proportion has grown considerably worldwide from 36 percent in 2011 to 56 percent in 2012.
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