Hudson Employment Index(SM) Essentially Unchanged at 100.1 NEW YORK, Nov. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. workers' confidence in the employment market held steady in November as the Hudson Employment Index(SM) slipped just 0.4 points to 100.1. A significant jump in perceptions regarding personal finances was offset by modest declines in job security and job satisfaction, although most factors changed very little from the previous month. The Index approached its pre-holiday level reported this time last year (103.9), narrowing the year-over-year gap to just four points, compared to a ten point gap in August and September. Financial Outlook Up in November, But Still Down From Last Year Forty percent of the workforce reported that their finances were improving, up from 37 percent in October. With the uptick, sentiments returned to where they were prior to the hurricanes and the spike in gas prices earlier this year, easing concerns about dampened holiday shopping. Additionally, fewer workers (42 percent compared to 44 percent) believed that their finances were worsening than in October. However, just 36 percent of the workforce felt this way one year ago, a substantial year-over-year difference. Not only were workers feeling better about their finances, but managers and investors were, too. The percent who reported improved personal finances rose three and five points, respectively. In addition, investors were more confident than managers and the general workforce about hiring plans. Overall, expected hiring levels stayed flat, although 21 percent expressed concern about losing their own jobs -- a one point increase. "It's a relief to see confidence levels returning to where they were before this summer's devastation, although a year-over-year decline in the Index indicates that events have clearly taken their toll on workers' finances and overall confidence," said Steve Wolfe, executive vice president, Hudson, North America. "The final weeks of the year tend to be difficult, as companies curtail hiring and employees increase spending, but the situation could be much worse." All Workers All Workers All Workers November 2005 Average 2005 November 2004 Hudson Employment Index 100.1 101.3 103.9 Expect hiring 30% 31% 31% Personal finances improving 40% 41% 42% Personal finances worsening 42% 41% 36% Happy with job 74% 74% 71% *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 solution providers, publishes the Hudson Employment Index, a monthly measure of U.S. workforce confidence in the employment market. Results are not seasonally adjusted. Next month's Hudson Employment Index will be released on January 4, 2006. The Hudson Employment Index The Hudson Employment Index (Hudson-Index.com) measures the U.S. workforce's confidence in the employment market. Based upon monthly telephone surveys with approximately 9,000 U.S. workers, the Index tracks aggregate employment trends around career opportunities, hiring intentions, job satisfaction and retention. The data is compiled each month by Rasmussen Reports, LLC, an independent research firm (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 four occupational sectors surveyed are accounting and finance, healthcare, information technology, and manufacturing. The Hudson Employment Index also measures employee confidence by age, gender, race and compensation levels. Data reported in this release is based upon a national telephone survey of 9,474 working Americans during the month of November. The margin of sampling error for a survey based upon this many 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. Note to Editors Hudson recently launched an updated Web site (http://www.hudson-index.com/) with easier access to metro market and occupational sector data. 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 the world's leading professional staffing, retained executive search and human capital solution 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. DATASOURCE: Hudson CONTACT: Jennifer Bernhart of Hudson, +1-813-890-7379, ; or Sarah Kafenstok of Ogilvy Public Relations, +1-312-397-6025, Web site: http://www.hudson.com/ http://www.hudson-index.com/

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