US DATA: Aug Empire mfg text: “In a series of supplementary
questions, respondents were queried about difficulties in finding
workers proficient in certain types of skills; they were also asked to
estimate training costs to bring new hires up to speed. Manufacturers
responses to the August survey were not substantially different from
those recorded in March 2007, when these questions were last asked. The
workers seen as most difficult to find were those with advanced computer
skills, followed by those who were punctual and reliable. Training costs
to bring a typical new hire up to speed were estimated at 6.5 percent of
annual compensation, on average. Firms also reported that the wage or
salary of a typical worker was expected to rise by about 2.5 percent, on
average, over the next twelve months.