Manpower Group has released the results of its newest quarterly hiring outlook survey. For the second quarter, modest growth is expected on a global basis, as reported by survey respondents throughout the Americas, Asia Pacific and EMEA. Year-over-year results are more robust in many locations than quarter-over-quarter comparisons. A few of the most salient points are highlighted below. The full report is available here.
The Americas
- A positive hiring outlook is reported in nine of the 10 countries in the Americas that participated in the survey.
- Employers in the USA report the strongest hiring plans for the third consecutive quarter, with strongest prospects in the leisure and hospitality, transportation and utilities, and wholesale and retail trade sectors.
- Some growth is expected in each industry sector in Canada, although the pace is expected to slow down from the prior quarter.
- Steady payroll gains are expected in Peru, especially in the construction and agricultural sectors.
Asia Pacific
- For the second consecutive quarter, the hiring outlook in Taiwan is the strongest in AsiaPac. Transportation and utilities is especially optimistic, with employers reporting their strongest numbers since October 2008. The wholesale and retail trade sector is also at a 10-year high.
- After multiple consecutive strong quarters, hiring expectations in India are at their weakest levels since joining the survey in 2005. Employers are still adding to their payrolls, but at a slower pace than previously reported.
- After a long drought, there is finally some good news in the mining and construction sector in both Australia and New Zealand. This is the currently the strongest sector in New Zealand, while Australian employers are more optimistic since Q4 2012.
- Employers throughout China are expecting modest payroll growth. However, there continues to be a fair amount of uncertainty as China transitions to a service-based economy. Many employers are unsure how this transition will impact payrolls.
EMEA
- Modest hiring growth is expected in 22 of 25 countries during the second quarter. However, on a year-over-year basis, the hiring outlook has improved in 75% of the countries surveyed.
- The strongest reports are coming from Germany, which is expecting strong growth in the construction and finance sectors.
- Spain’s outlook is at its highest level since 2008.
- Hiring plans in the UK are more mixed. Most employers anticipate some growth, but the pace is lower on both quarter-by-quarter and year-over-year comparisons.
- The hiring outlook remains negative in Italy for the second consecutive quarter.
How does this data match up to what you are seeing in your own marketplace? Where are you seeing the strongest hiring activity? Weakest? Add your comment below!
