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Clerical worker confidence slips in Q1

June 14, 2013

Office and administrative worker confidence edged down in the first quarter, according to Randstad US’ office and administration confidence index. The index reading edged down three-tenths of a point to a reading of 51.3 in the first quarter of 2013, after reaching its highest point since 2007 in the fourth quarter.

“The industry for administrative and clerical workers reveals slightly lower confidence levels than it did compared to 2012, but this reading could reflect overall economic uncertainty around sequestration, federal spending cuts, rising gas prices and payroll taxes, as well as never-ending budget talks on Capitol Hill,” said Phyllis Finley, executive vice president at Randstad US.

Eighteen percent of administrative and clerical workers believe there are more jobs available, down from 21 percent in the fourth quarter. The percentage of administrative and clerical workers who are confident in their ability to find a new job slipped to 35 percent from 36 percent in the fourth quarter.

Thirty-two percent of administrative workers are likely to look for a new job in the next 12 months, down two percentage points from 34 percent in the fourth quarter of 2012.

The index is based on an online survey of 433 U.S. office and administrative workers conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Randstad in January, February and March of 2013.