KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — The Upjohn Institute in Kalamazoo says they’re not expecting changes in holiday hiring this year, despite stronger retail sales.
Brian Pittelko, who is with the organization, said it’s difficult to track just how many people get hired for seasonal work each year, but he also said analysts tend to notice a pattern of layoffs every January and February.
“About 900 people in the area lose their jobs because of seasonal employment, almost like clockwork,” Pittelko said.
Those numbers are staying constant because of slow retail growth.
“The overall size of the retail industry is definitely getting bigger, but the amount of seasonal fluctuation seems pretty constant,” Pittelko said.
Kalamazoo-Portage unemployment has been trending lower after a slight summer increase, dipping to 3.9 percent in September.
– Anthony Pollreisz
