Workers gain confidence in Florida's job market

FORT LAUDERDALE  — Unemployment rose statewide in December, but conversely, so did confidence among Florida workers, and sharply so.

Spherion Corp.’s  Florida Employee Confidence Index jumped 5.9 points to 49.4 in December, as more workers believe the economy is strengthening and generating more job opportunities.

The index is done monthly, using a survey of workers done for Spherion by Harris Interactive. The December reading is the highest for the index in a year.

Also Friday, Florida's Agency for Workforce innovation reported that unemployment in Florida jumped to 11.8 percent in December, the highest level since May 1975. If discouraged workers and those working part time because they can't find full-time jobs are included, the rate jumps to nearly 20 percent. Jobless rates fell in Palm Beach and Broward counties, but most likely because of seasonal hiring.

"Although the economic recovery in Florida appears to be slightly behind other parts of the country, it is certainly encouraging to see an uptick in confidence among Florida workers as we begin the start of a new year,”  said Paula Franco, Spherion Staffing’s.branch manager for Florida. “Our latest index hints that many workers are feeling a renewed sense of optimism in the economic landscape and job market.

"Additionally, we are beginning to see the demand for temporary employment rise, which is a good sign that the start of an economic recovery is near. We are advising job seekers to consider a temporary or contract assignment to get their foot in the door."

Results from the Florida survey:

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