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International Survey by Kelly Services Shows More Robust Training Needed to Compete in a Global Economy

TROY, MI -- (Marketwire) -- 04/29/2009 -- The effects of a global recession and a rapidly changing workplace are creating anxiety among individuals who are apprehensive that their skills might not be adequate to help them find work and compete in a global market, according to a recent workplace survey.

The survey, by global workforce solutions leader Kelly Services, finds that more than 80 percent of individuals surveyed are concerned that their current skill levels will not sustain them for more than five years. Almost half of the respondents say training currently provided by employers is not sufficient to enable them to upgrade their skills and advance their careers.

The findings are part of the Kelly Global Workforce Index, which obtained the views of approximately 100,000 people in 34 countries covering North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.

Kelly Services Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, George Corona says the need to advance skills is vital in today's global labor market. "With new technology and the increased competition for jobs, people are keenly aware that their current skills must be enhanced," Corona says.

The survey also shows that Gen X workers (aged 30-47) feel most threatened by the erosion of skills, yet they and the older baby boomers (aged 48-65) say that they receive less support from their employers than the younger Gen Y group (aged 18-29).

"The overall results show that skills and training remain vitally important. Many organizations may be tempted to cut back on training in the present climate but that could be a grave mistake which would adversely impact performance once the economy emerges from the recession," Corona concludes.

For more information on the survey results, visit www.kellyservices.com

About the Kelly Global Workforce Index

The Kelly Global Workforce Index is a survey revealing opinions about work and the workplace from a generational viewpoint. Results of the current findings from across Kelly's global operations in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific will be published throughout 2009 in a series of six releases.

About Kelly Services

Kelly Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: KELYA) (NASDAQ: KELYB) is a world leader in workforce management services and human resources, offering temporary staffing services, outsourcing, vendor on-site and full-time placement to clients on a global basis. Kelly provides employment to nearly 650,000 employees annually, with skills including office services, accounting, engineering, information technology, law, science, marketing, creative services, light industrial, education, and health care. Revenue in 2008 was $5.5 billion. Visit www.kellyservices.com.

Contact Information:     Media contacts:

Asia Pacific
Jaquilin Ang
Kelly Services
(65) 6494 6066
Jaquilin_ang@kellyservices.com.sg

Europe
Tamara Achba
Kelly Services
+41 (0) 32 7371829
Tamara.achba@kellyservices.eu

North America
Judith Clark
Kelly Services
(248) 244-5362
judith_clark@kellyservices.com