The percentage of employers who will reverse pay cuts jumped to 44% in August from 30% just two months ago, consulting firm Watson Wyatt said.
About one-third of companies plan to unfreeze salaries within the next six months, up from 17%, according to the report that surveyed 175 large employers.
"Some employers are seeing the light at the end of tunnel and feeling optimistic," said Laura Sejen, a director at Watson Wyatt, in a statement..
Almost one-quarter of employers plan to reverse reductions to 401(k) match contributions in the next six months, up from just 5% in June.
However, health care did not fare as well. The survey found 66% of companies that increased the percentage employees pay for health care premiums do not expect to reverse that decision.
And 40% are planning to increase the percentage employees pay for health care premiums. About the same number expect to increase the deductibles, co-pays or out-of-pocket maximums for 2010 health care plans.
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