U.S. workers are less optimistic about the job market heading into 2008 than they were heading into 2007, according to a new survey by Hudson, part of the Hudson Highland Group Inc. (NASD: HHGP). The new survey found that 21% of workers think their employment prospects will be worse in the new year, compared to 15% a year ago.

The survey also found that 46% of workers felt their companies' leaders are expecting the economy to get worse next year compared with 22% who believe the economy is getting better. In addition, 30% say it's not at all likely they will look for a new job next year, compared to 26% a year ago.

The survey questioned 2,000 U.S. workers between Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.

Today's survey is separate from the survey for Hudson's monthly worker confidence index. Its employment index hit a record high in March 2007 with a reading of 109. However, it fell to a record low of 91.9 in November 2007, the most recent reading.