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Jobs growth slowing down, but 42 percent of businesses plan to fill the gap with temp workers

Posted on January 7th, 2014 Read time: 1 minutes

The jobs recovery is slowing down a little amid concerns about debt issues and other post-recession worries. Twenty-four percent of companies reported they will add full-time, permanent employees in 2014, according to CareerBuilder's annual forecast. That number is down two percentage points from last year. Additionally, 23 percent of employers in HR Administration said they would hire at a slower rate or not expand their headcount at all until the debt ceiling is resolved in the first quarter.

Thirteen percent said they planned to decrease staff size in 2014, 54 percent anticipate no staff changes, and 10 percent of those surveyed said they have not yet made definite plans on whether to hire or fire in 2014.

Many companies are using temporary workers for their needs. The CareerBuilder survey indicates 42 percent of employers plan to hire temporary or contract workers in 2014. Temp workers are a great way to save money. CNN reports on one small business led by Xan Hood that has hired contractors to fill nearly every position. He saves money because he doesn't have to pay taxes or unemployment.

"That's how we've kept our company lean and mean," Hood said. "I'm watching every dollar coming in or out of the company."

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