Manpower Inc. Outlines Actions to Address Challenges Facing America's Workforce in Post-Recession New Normal

NEW YORK, Oct. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Manpower Inc. (NYSE: MAN) Chairman and CEO Jeff Joerres will today recommend that customized public-private programs to spur jobs, business creation and job training should be implemented if the U.S. is to retain its global economic leadership position, when he participates in a roundtable discussion at the Al Miller Center's Future of WORK Symposium.

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"Today's rapidly-changing jobs market is forcing American workers to up-skill and migrate to new locations and industries, but to make these transitions successful they require comprehensive public-private support that prepares them for entry into a new industry or to launch their own business," Joerres said. "Real job creation comes from demand and each successful new business will result in direct job creation."

The symposium brings together 100 distinguished business, government and independent sector leaders at the Time Warner Center in New York City and other panelists joining Joerres include the Honorable Colleen C. Gardner, Commissioner, NYS Department of Labor and James S. Tisch, President & CEO, Loews Corporation.

Earlier this year, Joerres testified before the U.S. Joint Economic Committee as Manpower's perspective and expertise was sought on what policymakers can do to foster economic growth and job creation. In his testimony, Joerres identified the need for investment in new business creation, relocation assistance for unemployed homeowners and skills development for industry migrants.

As the U.S. faces a "less jobs" recovery, Manpower believes small business creation is an increasingly viable option for tackling unemployment, and advocates for entrepreneurial programs and assistance to help cover capital access and the costs of real estate and employment. To increase the number of startups and ensure their sustainability, Manpower has also suggested ways to streamline program application processes and has pushed for graduation criteria.

Manpower's recent fifth annual Talent Shortage Survey revealed that skilled trades positions are the vacancies American employers have most difficulty filling as they are unable to find the right talent in the right place at the right time. This shortage will become exacerbated as demographics shift and experienced workers retire without adequate replacements. Manpower advocates aligning technical training more closely with business needs and promoting positive attitudes toward skilled trades to ease the mismatch.

"These are potentially lucrative careers with the added incentive that they create the possibility of owning a business and having three or four employees within a few years," added Joerres. "It is exactly these potential small business owners who will drive long-term job creation in this country. Streamlined and effective ways need to be found to get investment dollars into their hands so that they can start these businesses and work hard to grow them."

Joerres' full testimony before the US Joint Economic Committee can be viewed at:

http://www.manpower.com/press/testimony.cfm

For more information about the Future of WORK symposium, visit:

http://www.manpower.com/press/future.cfm

About Manpower Inc.

Manpower Inc. (NYSE: MAN) is a world leader in innovative workforce solutions; creating and delivering services that enable its clients to win in the changing world of work. With over 60 years' experience, Manpower offers employers a range of solutions and services for the entire employment and business cycle including permanent, temporary and contract recruitment; employee assessment and selection; training; outplacement; outsourcing and consulting. Manpower's worldwide network of 4,000 offices in 82 countries and territories enables the company to meet the needs of its 400,000 clients per year, including small and medium size enterprises in all industry sectors, as well as the world's largest multinational corporations. The focus of Manpower's work is on raising productivity through improved quality, efficiency and cost-reduction across their total workforce, enabling clients to concentrate on their core business activities. Manpower Inc. operates under five brands: Manpower, Manpower Professional, Elan, Jefferson Wells and Right Management. More information on Manpower Inc. is available at www.manpower.com.

SOURCE Manpower Inc.