U.S. employers are proceeding with caution when considering hiring for Quarter 1 2009, according to the results of the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey conducted quarterly by Manpower Inc.

"A significant percentage - 67% - of employers plan to hold staff levels steady for the first quarter of 2009," said Jeffrey A. Joerres, Chairman and CEO of Manpower Inc. "This may suggest that a majority of employers are carefully monitoring the uncertain economic environment prior to making any additional employment decisions."

Of the 31,800 employers surveyed, 16% anticipate an increase in their staff levels during Quarter 1 2009, while 13% expect a reduction in their payrolls, resulting in a Net Employment Outlook of 3%. Sixty-seven percent of employers surveyed expect no change and 5% are undecided about their January - March hiring plans. The percentage totals exceed 100% due to rounding.

"The large number of employers that plan to sit on the sidelines in terms of hiring suggests that while they may not be adding a lot of workers, they recognize that having available talent is critical to business success," said Jonas Prising, president of Manpower North America. "Employers who are smart are preparing now to be ready when the economy recovers."