Employers are less likely to hire as a result of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), according to a survey by Sageworks. Sageworks surveyed 300 accounting professionals about the hiring plans of their business clients. Sixty-six percent said that businesses are less likely to add new employees in the next year due to the ACA. Sixteen percent say the ACA will have no effect on hiring, and 14% are not sure about the effect. Only 2% say the ACA makes businesses more likely to hire new employees.
Sageworks Chairman Brian Hamilton said, “Private companies are performing well, but they’re simply not hiring with the same volume and consistency that we’d expect from them at this point in the economic recovery. The recent delay in the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, and the uncertainty that accompanies such a delay, won’t help the employment situation. Private businesses are trying to map out their hiring and investment plans for the next 12 months, and a last minute delay like this will increase the likelihood that companies remain on the fence about hiring.” For more information, visit sageworks.com.