Employers upbeat about staff recruitment in 2005

Firms are more optimistic about recruiting staff in the New Year than at any time since 1998, says a report.

A survey of 2,100 employers showed a positive outlook for jobs in the next few months, especially in finance and business services.

The poll, by employment group Manpower, reveals that agriculture is the only sector where cutbacks are expected.

Sign up to our weekly round-up of HR news and guidance

Receive the Personnel Today Direct e-newsletter every Wednesday

Email(Required)

OptOut

From time to time, we will send you emails about selected products, events and services from Personnel Today - but you can choose to opt-out at any time. If you do not wish to receive these emails, please tick this box.

Phone

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Δ

Employers in the North East are most optimistic, while those in London, the North West, West Midlands and Eastern regions are least likely to take on new staff.

Manpower’s Mark Cahill said: “These figures are extremely positive, particularly as the first three months of the year are traditionally a quieter time for recruitment.”