Manpower Releases Survey Results

Manpower has released its Global Outlook Survey for the first Quarter of 2009. The results of the survey taken on a worldwide basis and covering 71,000 global employers revealed the following indices of the job market

• 25 out of 33 countries and territories still expect positive hiring activity in Q1 2009
• 30 countries say that the pace of hiring will slow
• 25 countries see year to year hiring activity weaker with 21 countries reporting the lowest hiring rate on record
• Most active were Peru, India, Costa Rica, Canada, Romania, Columbia, South Africa, Australia, Poland, The US and China
• The Weakest countries were Singapore, Ireland,, Spain and Italy
• 67% of American employers plan to hold their staff levels steady for Q1 2009
• 16% of American employers anticipate increased hiring
• 13% of American employers anticipate layoffs

Strongest US market industry sectors include Mining, Professional and Business Services, Wholesale and Retail trades, Financial Activities, Education and Health Services, Leisure and Hospitality, Other Services and Government.
Weakest markets are Construction, Durable and Nondurable manufacturing and transporationa nd utilities.