Booming Economy Adds 310,000 Jobs in July; Demand for Temp Workers Reaches 19-Month High.

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 6, 1999--

Job growth continued to climb vigorously in July, as the U.S. economy generated 310,000 new non-farm jobs, compared to 273,000 new jobs in June.

The U.S. unemployment rate at 4.3 percent remained unchanged from June, the 14th consecutive month in which the unemployment rate was at or below 4.5 percent. New unemployment claims across the nation dropped to the lowest level since last March.

"There is no longer a 'summer slump' in the job market, as the economy continues full speed ahead," said Tim Loncharich, Chairman and President of Snelling Personnel Services in Dallas. "Employers are still challenged to find the qualified workers they need in the tightest job market in decades.

"Because of the shortage of qualified workers, employers are increasingly relying on temporary workers to keep operations flowing smoothly," Loncharich said. "Demand for temporary workers has spurred the greatest climb in business at staffing service firms in 19 months."

A third of all the new jobs created in July were in service-producing industries, with significant gains in computer services, engineering and management services, Loncharich pointed out. "Retail job growth was also robust, up by 91,000 jobs for the month."

Snelling Personnel Services, based in Dallas, specializes in providing temporary, temp-to-hire and career placement opportunities to companies in all industries. There are more than 300 Snelling locations across the country.