Bay Area Q3 2009 Economic Forecast Survey Results

Jul 22, 2009: BAY AREA Q3 2009 ECONOMIC FORECAST SURVEY RESULTS
Majority of companies continue to report increase or flat hiring needs

SUNNYVALE, CA (July 22, 2009) – According to the West Valley Staffing Group Quarterly Economic Forecast Survey, the majority of Bay Area employers expect their hiring needs to increase or remain flat in Q3.

Each quarter, West Valley Staffing Group (WVSG), polls a variety of hiring managers in various sized companies throughout the Bay Area about their upcoming hiring needs. Every participant is asked the same question, "Do you anticipate your hiring needs to increase, remain steady, or decrease in the next quarter and beyond?"

Much like the first half of 2009, over half (63%) the companies surveyed said their hiring will either remain steady or increase in Q3 (versus 51% for the last quarter), while 37% said their hiring may decrease.

Though this isn't the best news, what does it actually mean? A significant percentage of companies’ hiring needs will reportedly decrease, yet the percentage of companies reporting an increase or steady hiring needs has increased by approximately 12% since the first half of the year.

“Everything we’re hearing right now indicates that the remainder of 2009 will remain steady and the worst is behind us,” says Mike Williams, President and CEO of West Valley Staffing Group. “This recession could be over before we know it.”

For a fresh perspective on the Bay Area hiring forecast, or for additional information about the statistics above, call us at 408.735.1420 or visit us online at www.westvalley.com.

_{West Valley Staffing Group (WVSG), an independent and privately owned staffing agency, brings over 40 years experience providing comprehensive staffing services and solutions - through four specialty companies. Established in 1968 as West Valley Engineering, the company was one of the first in the valley to offer temporary technical services to Silicon Valley companies. In 1984, Prostar Staffing was founded to provide clerical and administrative personnel to the growing number of companies in the area. In 1995, West Valley Technology and Accountants Now! were founded to satisfy the demand for specialized information technology and accounting professionals, respectively. Today, all four companies fall under the umbrella organization, WVSG, which has offices in Sunnyvale, Pleasanton, and beyond.}

West Valley Staffing Group conducts extensive research on hiring and employment trends through our ongoing surveys of executives and hiring managers. Please contact Mary Tran for more information:

West Valley Staffing Group
390 Potrero Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94085

Media Contact: Mary Tran
(408) 735-1420 ext. 3023
mtran@westvalley.com