Mass. employers more optimistic on economy

Massachusetts employers appear to be gaining confidence in the economic recovery, but a surprising number are also reporting trouble finding qualified candidates to fill job openings.

Associated Industries of Massachusetts' monthly Business Confidence Index rose 2.8 points in March to stand at 54.0. The index works on a 100-point scale with any reading above 50 indicating more optimism than pessimism about business conditions.

AIM says 52 percent of employers answered "yes" when asked if -- despite continued high unemployment -- they were having trouble finding qualified job applicants. In some cases, employers said some applicants lacked the technical skills for a job while others possessed the technical skills but were lacking when it came to other relevant skills. (AP)