The Rasmussen Employment Index, a monthly measure of U.S. worker confidence in the employment market, gained six points in September to 88.1. This is the third straight monthly increase and the Employment Index now documents the highest level of confidence since January. However, the current levels of confidence are lower than in every month from January 2004 when the Index began until December 2007.

Twenty-three percent (23%) of workers report that their companies are hiring while 20% say they work for organizations laying people off. That’s an improvement since August when just 21% said their companies were hiring.

Forty-three percent (43%) of U.S. workers now say their personal finances are good or excellent. That’s up a point from last month and three points from two months ago.

Twenty-nine percent (29%) say their finances are getting better, up three points over the previous month.

Typically, an increase in the Employment Index suggests that the government report on job creation will be better than the month before. (See history).

The Rasmussen Employment Index is based upon telephone interviews with approximately 9,000 employees each month. Results are released on the Tuesday preceding the government report on employment.

A related survey, the Discover Small Business Watch, found that the confidence of small business owners fell in September.

Another survey, the Rasmussen Consumer Index, has found consumer and investor confidence falling to record lows as the Wall Street debacle unfolds.