A net 18% of firms plan to add staff in Q2, according to Manpower's latest jobs survey. That's the lowest since early '04. Construction firms have slashed hiring plans. Factories and service firms also have cut back. It's the latest evidence of easing labor markets. Fri.'s Feb. job report showed the weakest hiring in 2 years. Jobless claims also have trended up.
While plans can always change, this is not good news on the employment front.
