Florida workers gain confidence in economy

By Palm Beach Business.com

FORT LAUDERDALE — Florida’s job market shows little signs of improving anytime soon, but workers in the Sunshine State are more confident that a recovery is underway.

Spherion Corp.’s Florida Employee Confidence Index jumped 4.9 points to 42.7 in July, as workers were more confident in the economy and in the future of their employers. Florida workers, however, said they’re less likely to look for a new job in the next 12 months.

Florida's Agency for Workforce Innovation released its jobless rate for July on Friday, which showed little change statewide and locally during July.

"While this is certainly one of many signs that suggest the economy may be closer to stabilization, we are still a long way from a full recovery,” said Paula Franco, branch manager for Spherion Staffing Services in Florida. “However, it does appear that the pace of U.S. job loss is slowing. In fact, we are seeing more clients engage in hiring discussions, as many have come to realize that their initial cost-savings measures may have been too deep."

Results from the Florida Employment Report:

— In July, more workers reported the economy is staying the same, while fewer workers report that the economy is getting weaker. Specifically, 40 percent of workers believe the economy is getting weaker (compared to 61 percent in June) and 49 percent believe it is staying the same (compared to 26 percent in June's report).

 — Seventy-four percent of Florida workers believe there are fewer jobs available, decreasing 10 percentage points from June.

— More workers are confident in the future of their current employer. Specifically, 56 percent versus 48 percent in the previous month.

— Fewer workers are likely to look for a new job in the next 12 months, with 30 percent reporting a likelihood of doing so. This represents a decrease of 12 percentage points from June.

Harris Interactive conducted the survey on behalf of Spherion.