Workers Seek Second Jobs...

...to Make Ends Meet as Holidays Approach, Survey Finds

OKLAHOMA CITY, Nov 20, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- As unemployment rates skyrocket, workers report they are looking for second jobs to help pay the bills, a recent poll by staffing firm Express Employment Professionals found. More people are looking for a second job to make ends meet than any other factor cited in a recent poll on the company's blog, Movin' On Up -- http://blog.expresspros.com.

The web-based poll asked: "Are you looking for a second job?" Of over 1,400 respondents, 42% responded "Yes -- I am looking for a second job to make ends meet this holiday season," the No. 1 response to the survey.

In addition, 26% of respondents said they are currently unemployed and seeking a position, 18% said they are looking for a second job to get their foot in the door at a new company, 8% said they are not looking for a second job citing they do not have time to work one, and only 4% responded they are not looking for a second job because their finances are fine.

These results come on the heels of a recent Bureau of Labor Statistics report showing that the number of people employed both full-time and part-time increased in October by 11% to 1.92 million compared to the same period in 2007.

Much has changed in the last 10 months. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, overall employment has fallen by 1.2 million so far in 2008, with more than half of that decrease occurring in the last three months. In a similar poll Express conducted online in November 2007, the top response on why workers would consider taking a seasonal job was that they wanted to get their foot in the door at a company to get hired on full-time later (35%).

This year's poll findings illustrate the reality today's workers face heading into the holiday season in a weakening economy.

"Today's workforce has a mentality that reflects recent reports on unemployment, consumer confidence and the economic climate," said Express founder, chairman and CEO, Robert A. Funk. "Across the U.S. and Canada, our franchisees are seeing the results of this reality on a daily basis. The number of applicants continues to rise as people try to navigate these difficult economic times."

For more information on the poll, please see the attached chart. Express Employment Professionals puts 350,000 people to work each year, with more than 600 offices in four countries. Sales for the Oklahoma City-based company totaled nearly $2 billion in 2007. Express provides expertise in evaluation hire, temporary staffing, professional search and human resources. For more information, visit www.expresspros.com.

SOURCE: Express Employment Professionals

Express Employment Professionals
Sean T. Simpson, APR, 405-840-5000
Director, Corporate Communications
Toll-Free: 800-635-1608
sean.simpson@expresspros.com