Global Labor Market Optimism Improving

June 9, 2010 – According to the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey results employer optimism in the global labor market is improving, with employers in 30 of 36 countries and territories indicating stronger hiring plans compared to 12 months ago. Despite uncertainty in the European market, fewer employers are reporting negative forecasts for the quarter ahead. Meanwhile, employers in China and Taiwan indicate their most robust hiring plans since the Manpower survey began in these markets five years ago, and the forecast from U.S. employers is similar to three months ago but notably improved from last year at this time. Globally, the strongest job prospects are reported by employers in India, Brazil, Taiwan, China, Peru, Australia and Singapore. In contrast, the weakest third-quarter hiring plans are reported by employers in Italy, Ireland, Spain and Greece – all four countries have recently announced severe austerity programs to tackle their nation’s debt crisis. “Across the world, there is improved optimism towards hiring, which is typical for this phase of the recovery,” said Jeffrey A. Joerres, chairman and CEO of Manpower. “The majority of countries are emerging from the downturn, but still have a way to go as companies are feeling demand for their products and services, but it has not accelerated enough to excite hiring prospects. The U.S. is in the beginnings of a hiring recovery.”