Monthly Measure of Worker Confidence Climbs 5.6 Points in February NEW YORK, March 8 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hudson Employment Index(SM) climbed to 108.2 in February, up 5.6 points from January's 102.6 reading. The rise is attributed to a significant increase in the percentage of workers and managers who expect their employers to hire, as well as improved expectations regarding personal finances. The latest Index is among the strongest readings on record, and considerably higher than the 102 recorded in February 2005. Workforce Foresees Hiring Bump Workers overall were more likely to anticipate hiring in February than at the very start of the year. One-third (33 percent) of the workforce indicated their firms had plans to hire, the most optimistic they have been in this respect since October 2004. This figure had held steady near 30 percent for the last four months. Notably, 45 percent of managers in the private sector projected an increase in head-count, up from 38 percent in January. There was also a four-point jump to 34 percent in the number of all managers forecasting hiring within their organization. "On the heels of a conservative start to the year, managers are feeling more comfortable putting their 2006 hiring plans in gear," said Steve Wolfe, executive vice president, Hudson, North America. "This news along with a strong GDP, lower unemployment rates and the growing demand for skilled labor in certain sectors such as healthcare, financial services and IT are strong indications that the economy is growing steadily." Confidence in Personal Finances Supports Worker Optimism Worker sentiment regarding their financial situations also improved in February. The number who rated their finances favorably (good or excellent) was at its highest level on record at 46 percent. At the same time, there was a one-point increase among employees who said their finances were improving to 43 percent, a level that has not been topped since last February. All Workers All Managers Private Sector All Workers February February Managers February 2006 2006 February 2005 2006 Hudson Employment Index 108.2 119.4 126.7 102 Expected hiring 33% 34% 45% 31% Expected lay offs 17% 16% 14% 18% Personal finances improving 43% 50% 54% 44% *A more detailed data report is available at http://www.hudson-index.com/. Hudson, one of the world's leading professional staffing, outsourcing and human capital solutions providers, publishes the Hudson Employment Index, a monthly measure of U.S. worker confidence in the employment market. Results are not seasonally adjusted. Next month's Hudson Employment Index will be released on April 5. The Hudson Employment Index The Hudson Employment Index (Hudson-Index.com) is based on monthly telephone surveys with approximately 9,000 U.S. workers. The Index tracks aggregate employment trends regarding career opportunities, hiring intentions, job satisfaction and retention. The data is compiled each month by Rasmussen Reports, LLC, an independent research firm (http://www.rasmussenreports.com/). Survey results are segmented by 11 cities: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Tampa, and Washington, D.C. The Index surveys five occupational sectors: accounting and finance, health care, information technology, manufacturing and legal. The Hudson Employment Index also measures employee confidence by age, gender, race and compensation. Data reported in this release is based on a national telephone survey of 9,536 working Americans during the month of February. The margin of sampling error for a survey based on this number of interviews is approximately +/-1 percent with a 95 percent level of confidence. The data is not seasonally adjusted. It will be reviewed at year-end to determine if seasonal adjustments are appropriate. The Hudson Employment Index is a service mark owned by Hudson Highland Group, Inc. Hudson Hudson delivers specialized professional staffing, outsourcing, and human capital solutions worldwide. From single placements to total solutions, the firm helps clients achieve greater organizational performance by assessing, recruiting, developing and engaging the best and brightest people for their businesses. Hudson is a division of Hudson Highland Group, Inc. one of leading professional staffing, retained executive search and human capital solutions providers. The company employs more than 3,800 professionals serving clients and candidates in more than 20 countries through its Hudson and Highland Partners businesses. More information is available at http://www.hudson.com/. Special Note: Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Except for historical information contained herein, the statements made in this release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding the company's strategic direction, prospects and future results. Certain factors, including factors outside of our control, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward- looking statements, including economic and other conditions in the markets in which we operate, risks associated with acquisitions, competition, seasonality and the other risks discussed in our Form 10-K and our other filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which discussions are incorporated in this release by reference. Contact: Sarah Kafenstok Anshula Ahluwalia Hudson Ogilvy Public Relations (312) 795-4202 (312) 397-6074 DATASOURCE: Hudson CONTACT: Sarah Kafenstok of Hudson, +1-312-795-4202, ; or Anshula Ahluwalia of Ogilvy Public Relations, +1-312-397-6074, Web site: http://www.hudson.com/

Copyright