Businesses are blaming Obamacare for holding back hiring, according to the Federal Reserve's Beige Book.
This report, which is based on surveys from the Fed's 12 regional districts, carries more weight than usual, given other key economic indicators have been delayed by the federal government shutdown.
It also comes as Federal Reserve officials debate when to reduce their stimulus policy. Minutes from the Fed's September meeting show members were split on when to start gradually winding down their $85-billion-a-month bond-buying program.
In the Fed's Richmond district, small retailers are limiting workers' hours to control health care costs.
"Several Districts reported that contacts were cautious to expand payrolls, citing uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the Affordable Care Act," the Fed said Wednesday.
Bright spots included high-skilled jobs in technology, health care, and engineering in Richmond, economic and health consulting in Boston, legal and compliance positions in the financial services industry in New York, and accountants and financial analysts in the Dallas district.
Builders in the Cleveland district also reported difficulty in finding high-skilled trade workers. As a result, construction wages are rising there.
http://money.cnn.com/2013/10/16/news/economy/beige-book-shutdown/