While finding and keeping key staff is still an essential focus for employers, their hiring expectations have dropped to levels lower than they’ve been for two years, according to The Hudson Report on Employment Expectations.
Its survey of more than 2000 clients showed that the net positive expectation about taking on extra people for the first half of next year was 36.6 percent, nearly seven percent lower than the survey which covered the current six-month period (July to December).
While the results are down on what was six-year high, they’re veering toward caution rather than pessimism, says Hudson general manager Peter Harbidge.
“Nearly half the decline can be accounted for by employers who are intending to maintain current staffing levels. The percentage of employers indicating an intention to decrease permanent employment levels over the coming six months has increased by only 1.6 percent.”
Industries most bullish about employing prospects are IT (+55.8 percent); construction, property and engineering (+53.4 percent); telecommunications (+45.1 percent); professional services (+45 percent); and transport (+45 percent).
Chief economists warn global growth under strain from trade policy shocks and AI disruption
Management Editorial Team
May 29, 2025
The global economic outlook has worsened since the start of the year, as rising economic nationalism and tariff volatility fuel uncertainty and risk stalling long-term decision-making, according to a World
