The Randstad Employee Confidence Index decreased last month to 51.7, breaking a previous two-month climb in confidence. In the November Index, employees showed increased uncertainty around the availability of new jobs and in the strength of the economy.
Despite the decrease in optimism, the majority of US workers (59%) maintain strong levels of confidence in their employers’ future. Additionally, slightly more workers expressed an increased sense of job security.
“November was a month of ups and downs for the US labour market, but for the most part, our Index has remained fairly high given the mixed economic headlines,” said Jim Link, managing director of human resources for Randstad US.
“With the presidential election behind us, economic anxiety still exists around the so-called fiscal cliff, potential sharp tax increases, and the economic outlook overseas. Yet, there are some very positive signs as we move into the last month of the year.”
He added that the retail holiday season started off strong with more sales activity in stores and online when compared to 2011. “Despite this welcoming news, the economy still remains fragile and the unemployment rate will likely show little movement as we close out 2012,” Link said.
