The average number of manufacturing workers who said they expected their company to add staff rose from 31% in 2005 to 33% in 2006. On the flip side, the number of employees who predicted layoffs dropped from 24% in 2005 to 22% in 2006. Job-loss concerns also dropped from 29% to 27% when comparing 2005 to 2006.
In the coming year, 78% of manufacturing workers surveyed expect their job prospects and the employment market to be as good as, if not better than, 2006. And, 40% of workers believe it is very likely or somewhat likely they will be actively seeking a new job over the next 12 months.
