The private sector has shown willingness to help solve this problem.

And, as in recent months, when shoppers seemed to be spending more, each sector showed a mixture of results for its members.

By mid-2002, most sectors of the economy were showing gains.

That is because broad sectors within the jobs report showed a mixed performance.

Depending on the bearing, red light is shown in the east sector while the other sectors show white.

Such growth, he reckons, will centre around local government, although the private sector is also showing some interest.

It has now been more than a year since the sector showed any significant growth.

It was the first time in about 30 years that this sector has shown a deficit.

"Here's a case where the private sector has very effectively defined a problem and shown leadership," he said.

Another key sector, finance, was also showing signs of distress even before Sept. 11.