Jobless Rate Unchanged, Could Be Call For More Temps in 2013

The Bureau of Labor Statistics announced Friday U.S. payrolls increased by 155,000 in December, while the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 7.8%.

Employment gains were reported in healthcare, food services and drinking places, construction and manufacturing.

Despite a decline of 600 jobs over the month, temp and staffing agencies say there will be a strong demand for temporary help services in 2013. 

Companies are increasingly turning to temporary professionals to help keep pace with rising workloads. According to a new survey from CareerBuilder, 40 percent of employers plan to bring in temporary and contract workers next year, up from 36 percent in 2012 and 34 percent in 2010. Additionally, 42 percent of employers plan to transition some temporary workers in full-time employees over the next 12 months.

Locally, Accountemps Branch Manager in Laguna Niguel, Jennifer Caison says: "We’re seeing hiring continue to stabilize rounding out 2012, and heading into the New Year.

"We anticipate hiring growth will continue to increase throughout the year as employer confidence starts to rise. As the economy continues to rebound, the need for specialized skill sets will become increasingly more important for organizations.

"Professionals will specialized skills in accounting, finance, IT and healthcare will have an advantage in today’s job market. This is evident in the numbers, with the unemployment rate for professionals in management and professional occupations sitting at 3.9 percent versus the general unemployment rate of 7.8 percent. Employers who don’t move quickly and offer attractive salaries run the risk of losing top candidates to other opportunities.”