EconoPlay anticipated every point ahead of December nonfarm payrolls data "surprise"!

December saw a stronger than expected increase in job orders right to the end of the holiday shopping season – and the momentum should carry into the first quarter, staffing executives say.

Such seasonal updrafts usually mean some form of payback in January. But a steadily improving economy and a big inventory-replenishment push after a successful holiday season suggest lighter than normal layoffs to come, to say the least.

Other areas also held strong, especially manufacturing and information technology. Even the long-depressed commercial construction sector is beginning to show signs of revitalization, testifying to the power of pent-up demand.

Employers are now running into a wall of skills shortages, resulting in recruiting issues. And as much as companies desire maximum flexibility in their headcounts, they no longer have that luxury and are compelled to hire on a full-time basis or not at all.