This most recent jobs report indicates greater job losses and a higher unemployment rate. We anticipate both trends will continue into 2009 with a challenging first quarter ahead for the labor market.

While manufacturing, construction, financial services and retail have been the sectors hardest hit this year, we still see strong demand for workers with professional skills in sectors like accounting and finance, IT/technical, engineering, healthcare, etc. In these areas, the unemployment rate is less than half the national average as highly skilled, educated and trained workers continue to be sought after by employers.