Survey: hiring down in manufacturing, services

The Atlanta Business Chronicle

Compared with a year ago, hiring in manufacturing is down by two-thirds and one-third in services, according to a survey by the Society for Human Resource Management.

The two sectors employ more than 90 percent of the nation’s private-sector workers.

 … A report earlier this week by the Econometric Center at Kennesaw State University ’s Michael J. Coles College of Business showed Georgia’s manufacturing activity continued slight improvement in February but remains anemic. Georgia’s Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) -- a reading of economic activity in the state’s manufacturing sector -- rose five points from January to 40.4 in February.

The February number shows continued weakness, but was supported by healthy increases in new orders, production and finished inventory. It follows a months-long decline that hit bottom last December.