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Manufacturing and logistics worker confidence falls in Q3

November 12, 2014

Confidence levels among US manufacturing and logistics workers declined in the third quarter of 2014 after hitting an all-time high last quarter, according the Randstad manufacturing and logistics employee confidence for the third quarter of 2014. The index fell to 53.2 from 56.0 in the second quarter, the highest reading since Randstad began tracking the index in 2005.

However, the index remained above 50, which indicates a positive reading.

The percentage of workers in the sector who believe there are more jobs available fell six percentage points to 24 percent, and 32 percent are confident in their ability to find a new job, down significantly from 49 percent in the prior quarter. Thirty-six percent say it is likely they will seek out new employment in the next year, down from 39 percent last quarter.

“It's clear by our own survey findings and economic indicators that manufacturing and logistics workers are optimistic when it comes to the current job market,” said Traci Fiatte, group president of Randstad Staffing. “Several trends are impacting the supply and demand of manufacturing talent, including an overall improvement in the unemployment rate for this profession, dropping from 6.9 percent to 4.5 percent over the past year.”

Manufacturing and logistic workers' sense of job security improved substantially this quarter; 71 percent said it is not likely they will lose their jobs in the next 12 months, a 13 percentage-point increase from the second-quarter report.

The index is based on an online survey of 167 manufacturing and logistics employees within the US conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Randstad during July, August and September of 2014.