Media Contact: Janet C. Hart, CFEE (704) 927-8617 office
Charlotte, NC – October 7, 2008 – With the downward economic trend, the
National Retail Federation estimates that holiday retail spending will increase
by a paltry 2.2 percent, the slowest rate of growth in the last six years. As a result, companies are expected to hire fewer
seasonal employees and, unfortunately, this means fewer jobs for cash-strapped
consumers looking to supplement their holiday spending money. The Better Business Bureau recommends that job
hunters start looking for seasonal jobs now.
In 2007, retail
stores added 618,000 workers to handle the holiday rush, but seasonal
employment is expected to be far less this year. The U.S. retail sector shed
almost 20,000 jobs in August—the ninth consecutive month of job losses—as businesses
continue to struggle against the downturn in consumer spending and the increase
in fuel costs. According to an estimate
by Manpower, Inc., the number of holiday jobs available this year may reach a
low not seen since 1991. In fact, 52
percent of retailers surveyed said they do not plan on hiring any seasonal
employees this year.
“Many people
count on seasonal jobs every year to offset holiday spending and provide relief
for January credit card bills,” said Tom Bartholomy, President & CEO of The
Better Business Bureau of Southern Piedmont. “People who need extra holiday
income from seasonal jobs this year should start looking now, and plan on being
flexible in the work that they are willing to do and the hours they are willing
to work. This is going to be one of the
tightest seasonal job markets the U.S. has seen in more than a decade.”
The BBB offers the following advice for
seasonal job hunters this holiday season:
- Start the job search now.
- Work where you shop – You will be familiar with the
store and get an employee discount.
- Put your best foot forward - Dress their best and be
prepared for an interview.
- Be flexible - Seasonal employees may work long hours,
weekends and holidays, like
Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.
For more
trustworthy advice on finding a job, as well as tips for making it through the
holidays on a tight budget, please visit www.bbb.org.
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