UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - The Utica-Rome area stands to lose hundreds of seasonal jobs. That's according to Regional State Labor Economist Mark Barbano. Recent studies suggest that local general merchandise retailers add 600-800 regional workers on average most years. This year, however, the number appears to be closer to 500-600 said Barbano.

A study performed in 2008 shows retail hiring trends over the past few years. It shows that in 2008 retail hiring (between September and December) rose from 7,504 to 8,100 or 7.9%. During that same stretch of 2007 it was 8.8% and 11.5% in 2006.

Barbano said part-time workers will find jobs a little harder to come by but there will still be hundreds of positions available. He expects retailers to cut back on seasonal staff in the wake of the recession, while adding hours to current full-time staff.