82 percent agree that Washington should get out of the way of small businesses;

59 percent believe the recent healthcare law makes it harder for small businesses to hire more employees

RENO, Nev.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 19, 2012-- Nearly half (46 percent) of small businesses believe America’s best days are behind it, according to a recent Small Business Opinion Poll conducted by ORC International, commissioned by EMPLOYERS®, America's small business insurance specialist®. Similarly, small businesses share negative feelings about Washington D.C. with 82 percent agreeing federal government should get out of their way and 72 percent agreeing federal taxation, regulation and legislation make it harder for small businesses to hire more employees.

Though many small business decision-makers are decidedly pessimistic about the U.S. economy and legislation coming out of Washington D.C., they maintain a much more positive outlook about their individual circumstances with 65 percent believing their businesses are headed in the right direction. The EMPLOYERS Small Business Poll also found that only 39 percent of small businesses feel their best days are behind them compared to the 46 percent who believe the national economy’s best days are behind it.

EMPLOYERS Small Business Opinion Poll Snapshot:

• 46% agree that America’s best days are behind it
• 82% agree that Washington should get out of small business’ way
• 65% feel their own business is moving in the right direction
• 34% believe that economic uncertainty is the biggest challenge to small businesses today
• 70% feel that federal government regulations on small businesses today are not reasonable

About the Small Business Opinion Poll

The study commissioned by EMPLOYERS surveyed 501 owners or managers of small businesses with 1-99 full-time employees. Data was collected through telephone interviews during the period Oct. 6 – Oct. 13, 2011 at the 95 percent confidence level. The sample is stratified across business size and industry grouping, including manufacturing/construction, transportation/ communication, wholesale/retail, financial services, or personal/professional services businesses. The survey was conducted by ORC International, an Infogroup company through their Small Business CARAVAN.

About Employers Holdings, Inc.

Employers Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: EIG) is a holding company with subsidiaries that are specialty providers of workers' compensation insurance and services focused on select small businesses engaged in low-to-medium hazard industries. The company, through its subsidiaries, operates throughout the United States. Insurance is offered by Employers Insurance Company of Nevada, Employers Compensation Insurance Company, Employers Preferred Insurance Company, and Employers Assurance Company, all rated A- (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company. Not all insurers do business in all jurisdictions. Additional information can be found at: www.employers.com.

Copyright © 2012 EMPLOYERS. All rights reserved.

Source: Employers Holdings, Inc.

Employers Holdings, Inc.
Media:
Ty Vukelich, 775-327-2677
Vice President, Corporate Marketing
tvukelich@employers.com
or
Analysts:
Vicki Erickson, 775-327-2794
Vice President, Investor Relations
verickson@employers.com