Some good news for job hunters

Nearly one in five Los Angeles businesses plan to add workers during the next fiscal quarter, an encouraging sign that the recession's grip is easing, according to a survey released Tuesday.Gregory J. Wilcox in the Daily News.

The forecast from Manpower Employment Inc. found that 17 percent expect to hire personnel between April and June, 11 believe more cutbacks are inevitable and 6 percent are unsure of their plans. The remaining 66 percent expect to maintain current staffing levels.

"Employers are much more optimistic about hiring activity as compared with one year ago," said Carla Moore, Manpower's sales manager for the Los Angeles area, adding that this is the best job outlook for this market in 18 months.