The Spherion(R) Employee Confidence Index rose 0.7 points to 46.9 in May, showing the first increase in nine months. The survey, conducted by Harris Interactive(R) on behalf of Spherion Corporation, reflects workers' increasing confidence in the economy, as more workers report that the economy is getting stronger in May.

More workers, however, expressed concern about their personal job security. Seventy-five percent say it is unlikely they will lose their job in the next 12 months, a decline of three percentage points from the prior month. Two other key indicators also declined slightly. Sixty-four percent said they are confident in the future of their current employer, while just over half (51 percent) express confidence in their ability to find a new job. Both indicators dropped one percentage point from April.

"While some industries, such as manufacturing, have been performing better than expected, the simmering fears about job loss persist," said William Grubbs, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Spherion Corporation. "Even if they are employed and feel that their employer is doing well, many people know someone who has been laid off or is struggling and that insecurity creates a ripple effect, however subtle.

"What's important to keep in mind, however, is that the jobs picture is multifaceted. While some industries are in decline, others are growing rapidly. In addition, the prospects for college graduates, although not as expansive as in past years, are still relatively good. Some regions, particularly those with colleges and universities, have put a strong focus on recruiting talent prior to graduation. In turn, these areas have become major employment centers. Although there may be common threads, people in different industries or at different stages of their careers will have varied experiences. Right now, there is no 'one' economy or 'one' job market. These 'mixed messages' are evident in the survey, where workers' views about the strength of the economy are inching up even as they express doubts about their own job situation."

Results from the May Spherion Employment Report:

Confidence Level Up for the First Time in 2008: The Spherion Employee Confidence Index increased for the first time in nine months, rising 0.7 points to 46.9 in May. The Index, which measures workers' confidence in their personal employment situation and optimism in the macroeconomic environment, reveals that while workers' personal confidence has declined slightly, their views of the macroeconomic situation is on the rise.

Macroeconomic Confidence:

- Twelve percent of U.S. adult workers believe there are more jobs available, unchanged from the previous month.

- Seven percent of workers report that the economy is getting stronger, increasing two percentage points from April.

Personal Confidence:

- Sixty-four percent of U.S. adult workers feel confident in the future of their current employer, a decrease of one percentage point frombApril.

- The percentage of U.S. adult workers confident in their ability to find a new job decreased one percentage point to 51 percent in May.

Job Security: Three-quarters of Workers Say it is Unlikely they will Lose Their Job

- Seventy-five percent of U.S. workers say it is unlikely they will lose their jobs in the next 12 months, a decrease of three percentage points from April.

Job Transition: Percentage of Workers Likely to Look for a New Job Unchanged

- Thirty-five percent of workers are likely to look for a new job in the next 12 months, unchanged from the prior month.