More Illinois workers feel they could lose their jobs

The Illinois Employee Confidence Index increased for the second consecutive month in January, rising 2.8 points to 61.5, according to the latest Spherion Employment Report, released March 7. The monthly survey of Illinois workers, conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Spherion Corporation, shows that more workers were optimistic about the strength of the economy and job market, and confident in their ability to find a new job in January. However, workers' confidence in the future of their current employer decreased by 7 percentage points, and workers who believe that they may lose their jobs increased by 12 percentage points to 17 percent.

Results from the Illinois Employment Report:

• Workers' optimism in the strength of the economy increased by 8 percentage points from 21 percent in December to 29 percent in January.
• Nearly one-third (30%) of workers believe that more jobs are available, a 13-point increase from December.
• Seventy-one percent of workers believe it is unlikely that they will lose their jobs in the next year, decreasing 15 percentage points from 86 percent in December.

"Although Illinois workers are confident in the economic environment and in their ability to find a job, the latest report indicates that more are concerned with the prospects for their current employers," said Michael Ruter, managing director of Spherion Professional Services in Chicago. "While we don't foresee any unique trends in the state over the coming months, we are seeing slowing job growth in certain sectors, but this may be a result of seasonal hiring factors versus a broader downward trend."

Link to full Report & Methodology: http://www.spherion.com/press/employment_report/IL_employment_report_1-07.jsp