Employers Expects to Hire ‘On Demand’

March 10, 2010 – According to the global Manpower Employment Outlook Survey results released by Manpower Inc., employers in most major labor markets expect to hire in the second quarter at a pace equal to, or stronger than, the same period last year. The Manpower survey shows employers in 27 of 36 countries and territories expect some positive hiring activity in the second quarter, while those in eight are reporting negative hiring expectations – an improvement in comparison to the 18 countries and territories reporting negative outlooks last year at this time. Employers in 23 countries and territories are reporting stronger year-over-year outlooks, with those in India, Brazil, Taiwan, Peru, Costa Rica, Australia and Singapore noting the strongest job prospects. Job prospects in the Asia Pacific region remain strong, with the exception of Japan, and hiring outlooks continue to improve modestly in most of the Americas region. In Europe, hiring patterns remain mixed with employers in eight countries indicating modest improvements compared to three months ago and the same period last year. Hiring plans are weakest in Italy, Spain and Ireland. Employer hiring intentions are strongest in India, Brazil and Taiwan, while in the U.S. they are similar to three months ago, but more optimistic compared to last year at this time. “While hiring intentions improved in the U.S., when you factor in the effects of seasonality, it's very similar to last quarter,” said Jeffrey A. Joerres, chairman and CEO. “This is because unlike previous recessions, companies have become more sophisticated in knowing when they need workers and will no longer hire in anticipation of demand. Instead, companies will continue to push their organizations to do more with less and wait for clear signals of an increase in demand before hiring.”