The latest report shows that 19.8% of businesses intend to increase their permanent headcount this quarter (down 0.5% on the last quarter) while most are planning to keep current staff numbers steady.
“This slight dip is on the back of five quarters of increasing positive sentiment so we shouldn’t be overly concerned by these results, ” notes Hudson executive general manager Marc Burrage. “It’s widely accepted that our road to economic recovery will be slow and gradual affair.”
About half the industries surveyed reported lower levels of optimism compared to the previous quarter, including construction/property/engineering, financial services, professional services, manufacturing, IT and FMCG. Telecommunications, private healthcare, retail and education were more positive in their outlook.
However, the continuing cloud of economic caution has silver lining for the contracting industry where employment expectations increased for third consecutive quarter. “It’s good news for the increasing number of skilled professionals who are opting for contracting careers, ” says Burrage.
For the full report visit: http://nz.hudson.com
