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*SMLR-Net, the source of news on labor and employment relations and human resource management.* * * * * http://press.manpower.com/press/2012/talent-shortage/ ManpowerGroup Annual Survey Reveals U.S. Talent Shortages Persist in Skilled Trades, Engineers and IT Staff

*Nearly Half of U.S. Employers Struggling to Fill Mission-Critical Positions *

MILWAUKEE (May 29, 2012) – ManpowerGroup today released the results of its seventh-annual Talent Shortage Survey, revealing 49 percent of U.S. employers are experiencing difficulty filling mission-critical positions within their organizations. Although slightly lower than the 52 percent of employers struggling in 2011, a significant percentage of total U.S. employers continue to face hiring challenges despite continued high unemployment. U.S. employers are struggling to find available talent more than their global counterparts, where 34 percent of employers worldwide are having difficulty filling positions.

According to the more than 1,300 U.S. employers surveyed, the positions that are most difficult to fill include Skilled Trades, Engineers and IT Staff, all of which have appeared on the U.S. list multiple times since the survey began in 2006. The survey also highlights the most common reasons employers say they are having trouble filling jobs, including lack of available applicants, applicants looking for more pay and lack of experience.

“Based on the many conversations we have with employers every day, ManpowerGroup recognizes the ongoing challenge business leaders face when looking for the right talent,” said Jonas Prising, ManpowerGroup president of the Americas. “This skills mismatch has major ramifications on employment and business success in the U.S and around the globe. Wise corporate leaders are doing something about it, and we increasingly see that they’re developing workforce strategies and partnerships with local educational institutions to train their next generation of workers.”

In the United States, the top 10 hardest jobs to fill in 2012 include:

1. Skilled Trades 2. Engineers 3. IT Staff 4. Sales Representatives 5. Accounting & Finance Staff 6. Drivers 7. Mechanics 8. Nurses 9. Machinists/Machine Operators 10. Teachers For full press release, go to http://press.manpower.com/press/2012/talent-shortage/

For pdf of the Manpower Talent Shortage Survey, go to : http://www.manpowergroup.us/campaigns/talent-shortage-2012/pdf/2012_Talent_S...