L.A. employee confidence remained steady in October as optimism regarding job security and job satisfaction was offset by declining perceptions of personal finances.

According to the Hudson Employment Index, the confidence level of employees in Los Angeles County in October was 101.2, just 0.6 points higher than in September, but a full two points below the October 2005 level.

Los Angeles was also on a par with the national employment confidence reading of 101.4, but well behind the California index of 111.6. A reading above 100 indicates optimism about the employment and economic picture.

In L.A., 76 percent of workers surveyed said they were happy with their job, up three points from September and the highest level in nearly a year. Also, layoff concerns eased as only 18 percent of local workers indicated their organizations would be reducing their work force in coming months.

On the down side, those reporting their personal finances were improving fell to 40 percent from 44 percent as the slowing housing market took its toll.