Staffing Up, Benefits Down: According to the 2003 American Express Monitor 35% of U.S. of small-business owners plan to hire full or part-time staff, up from 26% last fall. Companies with hiring plans are equally likely to add full-time or part-time workers, 41% for each. Nearly 20% plan to hire both full and part-time staff. 48% of the companies with hiring plans are adding workers to help drive business volume increases. Other small businesses are staffing up for new ventures. 22% are recruiting seasonal staff. At the same time, small business are managing through the uncertain economic environment by cutting expenses. The number of small businesses offering health care coverage fell to 55% compared to 61% last fall." (Small Business Trends 4/10/03)
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