Seasonal hiring for the upcoming holidays is expected to decline, with estimates from the National Retail Federation suggesting that retailers may hire between 265,000 and 365,000 workers. This figure marks a decrease from the 442,000 seasonal positions filled last year. The reduced hiring is attributed to a variety of factors including economic caution among businesses, inflation, and the increasing reliance on automation.
Nicholas Strahl, a 41-year-old part-time retail sales associate from Indianapolis, has found it challenging to secure extra holiday work this year. He applied to major retailers but has yet to receive any offers. Strahl expressed concern about the current job market, noting that it leaves little power for those seeking additional employment opportunities.
Challenges also extend to smaller retailers. For instance, Michael Brey, president of Hobby Works toy stores in Maryland, reported difficulties associated with rising costs and hesitancy regarding the federal government’s economic policies. This resulted in a delayed hiring timeline for seasonal workers amid concerns over reduced consumer spending.
The labor market appears highly competitive, as economist Allison Shrivastava of the Indeed Hiring Lab noted, highlighting a larger pool of job seekers for fewer available positions. While job postings for seasonal work are holding steady compared to the previous year, many individuals are actively searching for these roles, creating a challenging environment for job seekers.
Reports indicate that major retailers like Walmart and Target have not disclosed specific hiring numbers for this season, opting instead to allocate extra hours primarily to existing employees. This caution reflects broader trends in the labor market, including significant layoffs in the retail sector.
As seasonal employment opportunities shrink, individuals like Tanya Secord, who previously found holiday jobs easily, are facing frustration. After struggling to find positions this year despite her retail experience, she finally secured a role in early November while stressing the impact of rising living costs.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce3kqw82j07o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss