Confidence grows as firms look to take on workers
DEMAND for workers in the North West has jumped four points as the region’s employment outlook reached its highest level for 18 months.
According to Manpower’s Employment Outlook Survey, hiring intentions have jumped to +11%, and twice the national average of +6% for the second quarter.
The survey is based on responses from 2,100 UK employers. It asks whether employers intend to hire additional workers or reduce the size of their workforce in the coming quarter.
It is the most comprehensive, forward-looking employment survey of its kind and is used as a key economic statistic by both the Bank of England and the UK government.
Operations manager at Manpower UK, Gret Hollis said: “Employment prospects in the North West look solid going into the second quarter, and are well ahead of the national average.
“Not only are an increasing proportion of the roles we’re seeing full time – a sign of improving economic sentiment – but there is also a shortage of candidates in some key areas.
“These conditions may well drive pay growth, as companies seek to attract the candidates they need. In addition, we’re seeing employers investing in training to upskill people where the relevant skills are in short supply.
“Engineers are in high demand across the region, including in the manufacturing jobs market in Liverpool and Warrington, as well as in the utilities sector in Wigan.
“In Manchester, the market is particularly candidate-driven, with many employers finding it challenging to obtain the talent they need across sales, travel and finance.
“In this candidate-driven market, those with the right experience could find themselves with several attractive job offers to choose from.”
Going into the second quarter of 2015, the national seasonally adjusted net employment outlook remains at 6% for the third successive quarter, indicating that the UK jobs market continues to plot a steadily optimistic course.
