Fewer local employers intend to hire staff in the coming year, while more expect to cut jobs, according to a survey conducted by staffing firm Manpower Inc.
The survey found that eight per cent of employers in Ottawa plan to hire new workers in the first three months of 2003, compared to 14 per cent in last year's comparable survey.
Eighteen per cent plan layoffs, compared to 14 per cent last year.
About 74 per cent of the respondents in the most recent survey expect no change.
The gloomy results come at a time when Ottawa now boasts more workers on the job than it did at the height of the tech boom two years ago. Two weeks ago, Statistics Canada released its Labour Force Survey data for October. Ottawa achieved its fifth consecutive month of job gains.
Statscan's Geoff Bowlby said the strong results indicated the local economy had gone "from recovery mode to expansion mode.?
However, employers tend to reduce hiring in the first quarter as seasonal work slows and retailers cut back after the holidays, according to Manpower's Wende Windle.
Results from Ottawa were weaker than average. Nationally, 15 per cent expect to hire, 16 per cent will make cuts, and 67 per cent, plan to hold pat.
Manpower said the national results are "very similar" to last year's comparable survey.
The survey found that eight per cent of employers in Ottawa plan to hire new workers in the first three months of 2003, compared to 14 per cent in last year's comparable survey.
Eighteen per cent plan layoffs, compared to 14 per cent last year.
About 74 per cent of the respondents in the most recent survey expect no change.
The gloomy results come at a time when Ottawa now boasts more workers on the job than it did at the height of the tech boom two years ago. Two weeks ago, Statistics Canada released its Labour Force Survey data for October. Ottawa achieved its fifth consecutive month of job gains.
Statscan's Geoff Bowlby said the strong results indicated the local economy had gone "from recovery mode to expansion mode.?
However, employers tend to reduce hiring in the first quarter as seasonal work slows and retailers cut back after the holidays, according to Manpower's Wende Windle.
Results from Ottawa were weaker than average. Nationally, 15 per cent expect to hire, 16 per cent will make cuts, and 67 per cent, plan to hold pat.
Manpower said the national results are "very similar" to last year's comparable survey.
