Businesses in the US are still taking stock in the aftermath of the attacks on New York and Washington, DC on 11 September, according to Manpower chairman Jeff Joerres.

Joerres said Manpower has put on hold its plans to open another 40-50 new offices worldwide by the end of the year. He gave uncertainty in the market as the reason for the change of heart. So far this year, Manpower has added 180 offices to its global network.

"I don't think it's financially responsible at the height of uncertainty to just plough ahead," Joerres said. "I don't know what's going to happen."