CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Finding a part-time job for the holidays will be tough this year. An Ipsos Public Affairs poll estimates the number of holiday jobs is down 40 percent from 2007.
At the Park Road Shopping Center, one of the few "help wanted" signs was for a cake decorator with experience.
"People looking for a job, I'm afraid, will not find it with us," said Ann Sessler, who runs a toy shop in the mall. That is because she has already hired the extra people she will need this season, but the number of jobs she had was lower than last year.
"We're being very careful with the rotation of schedules and keeping up with how the crowds are coming in," she said.
The Ipsos survey found that stores that might have hired nine seasonal workers last year are hiring only six or seven this year.
Park Road Books did take on a few part-timers, but only hired former employees who are already trained and who were looking for a few extra hours of work.
"During Christmas, we think we are going to be busy again and we want to make sure everybody gets the time and attention," said Sally Brewster.
There is a flip side. If you are lucky enough to find a seasonal job you will likely be paid a bit more than last year. That is because of a hike in the minimum wage last summer.
Those who do get hired can expect to work about the same number of hours as last year. The average is about 19 hours a week.
