Moderate hiring is expected by local employers this spring in Mercer and Lawrence counties, according to a survey by Manpower Inc.

"After polling local employers,'' Michelle DiMuccio Hoffman of Manpower said, "the Employment Outlook Survey results found that 17 percent are intending to add personnel during the spring months, 10 percent foresee labor cutbacks and 73 percent will stay with current payrolls.''

Hoffman said that for the April-June period a year ago employers were upbeat when 27 percent stated they would upgrade their staffing levels, while 10 percent expected fewer workers on the job. The outlook was similar three months ago as 27 percent projected workforce additions and 10 percent planned staff reductions.

Looking ahead, hiring appears most likely in durable goods manufacturing, services and public administration. Non-durable goods manufacturing firms plan cutbacks. Expectations are mixed for wholesale/retail trade.

The national picture reveals that 22 percent of the employers interviewed intend to staff up this spring, while 9 percent indicate they will trim their rolls. Another 63 percent plan to maintain present levels, while 6 percent have not finalized their plans for the April-June quarter.

Manpower is a leader in the staffing industry, providing workforce management services and solutions to customers through 3,900 offices in 61 countries.