Some of the strongest hiring intentions recorded are in Singapore, India, Peru and Romania, while China reported the weakest hiring outlook according to Manpower’s latest Employment Outlook Survey.

Thirty-two countries and territories expect positive hiring activity for the second quarter.  However, as the majority of the predictions are weaker compared to the previous quarter, the general trend indicates a step back in hiring for many of the world’s largest economies, according to the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey.

Some of the strongest hiring intentions recorded are in Singapore, India, Peru and Romania.  These results reflect a high demand for talent in markets where foreign direct investment and labour mitigation are increasing.  China reported the weakest hiring outlook.

The US
In light of recent developments, the main focus with respect to the foreign Net Employment Outlook figures is on the United States.  It comes as no surprise that the figures showed a downward trend compared to the first quarter of 2008.  However, it is striking that the drop is relatively limited, falling only three percentage points from last quarter leaving a relatively optimistic outlook for USemployment.  

Europe

Netherlands
Optimism in the Netherlands is waning slightly, though the Net Employment Outlook Figure was an optimistic + 8 percent.  According to Hans Leentjes, Managing Director of Manpower Nederland, the slight downward trend can also be seen in the industry sectors and regional figures.  The biggest quarterly drop in the Netherlands can be seen in the south of the country, where employers indicate considerably fewer opportunities would be available for job seekers when compared to 2007. 

Belgium
Hiring is likely to slow down in Belgium over the next three months, however overall prospects remain positive and Belgian employers remain confident. Instead of reductions in staff like we would traditionally see in a recessionary period, we’re seeing an increase in the percentage of employers who are planning to put a hold on hiring and forge ahead with the people they already have, according to Philippe Lacroix, Managing Director of Manpower Belgium.  Lacroix suggests, employers are taking a “wait and see” approach as they evaluate where their economies are headed.  

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