Worker shortages are being felt in all industries and regions of the U.S., according to the latest report by Manpower Inc., the temporary-staffing firm. The company's president, Jeffrey Joerres, says the constriction "isn't plateauing" and is "continuing to constrict" employers' growth plans.

The level of hiring activity in recent quarters is at a rate "unsurpassed since the late 1970s," he says.

• In the latest survey of 16,000 employers, 32 percent said they needed to hire additional staff -- compared with 29 percent a year ago.

• The proportion who expect to cut their personnel remained at 6 percent.

• The survey found 58 percent planning no change in staffing levels -- compared to 61 percent a year ago.

• Hiring is strongest in the western states -- which have led the nation in new jobs for four consecutive quarters.

Source: James P. Miller, "Worker Shortage Stays Widespread, Hiring Study Says," Wall Street Journal, February 28, 2000.