Manufacturing jobs outlook dims

Fewer factories are looking to add jobs this year, and the outlook for those employed in the manufacturing sector will be weaker this July than in July 2006, according to the Leading Indicator of National Employment. Pay for newly hired manufacturing workers is rising slower than in previous months. Job vacancies are rising and recruitment of new manufacturing workers has some observers worried, the Alexandria, Va.-based group said. The group lowered its corresponding employment expectations index to 48.8, down from 52.7 last July.