The Texas Employee Confidence Index fell 4.1 points to 52.9 in December, the lowest level seen in the history of this survey, according to the latest Spherion(R) Employment Report. The monthly survey of Texas workers, conducted by Harris Interactive(R) on behalf of Spherion Corporation, showed that while fewer workers believe the economy is getting stronger and are confident in the future of their current employer, a greater number believe that more jobs are available. In addition, more workers are likely to look for a new job in the next 12 months.

Results from the Texas Employment Report:

- Thirteen percent of workers believe the economy is getting stronger, down 11 percentage points from 24 percent in November.

- Just over half (55 percent) of Texas workers are confident in the future of their current employer, down seven percentage points from the previous month.

- More workers are optimistic about job availability. Twenty-nine percent of workers reported an increase in the number of jobs available in December, compared to 26 percent in the previous month.

- Over a third (38 percent) of Texas workers report that they are likely to look for a new job in the next 12 months, up two percentage points from 36 percent in November.

"Although the Employee Confidence Index has continued to show a decline, workers are becoming increasingly more confident in the job market. According to the Department of Labor, the job growth in Texas is expanding at twice the rate of the rest of the country, especially in the business and professional services sector. This is consistent with the demand we are seeing from our clients," said Kim Lockhart, regional vice president for Spherion in Texas. "Compared to the rest of the nation, Texas has a solid economic foundation and now is a great time for job seekers to explore the many opportunities available."