MarketWatch (07/02/12)

Randstad’s latest Employee Confidence Index was 51.1 in June, recording its third consecutive decline in overall confidence levels among U.S. workers. Macroeconomic concerns contributed to the continued retreat in overall optimism, as workers’ apprehensions about the strength of the economy and job availability increased. While the overall June Index dipped by 2.1 points, it still remains three points higher than this time last year. Employee confidence in the ability to find a new job is up four points over the January number. In both May and June, 41% of respondents expressed confidence in being able to find new employment.

“These first six months of the year have certainly been different than what analysts and economists expected, with less job creation posted in the second quarter,” says Joanie Ruge, senior vice president and chief employment analyst for Randstad Holding. “While the economy has unquestionably added jobs at a very modest pace, it is certainly interesting to see that workers remain confident about the stability of their current jobs, employers, and ability to find employment.”