In our post this morning on the October job numbers, we wrote that the third quarter’s increased productivity was a sign that employers have been successful in meeting their demand with fewer employees. Doing more (or about the same) with less is just one factor that’s holding back job growth.

Another factor holding back job growth is uncertainty. With the latest version of the health care bill circulating through Washington, small business owners are beginning to get a taste of what their future costs may include if the legislation is passed. Until employers get a concrete sense of what their wallets are up against,  hiring is likely to remain languid to say the least: