Upbeat hiring climate for second quarter

One-fifth of employers plan to increase payrolls: Manpower

Canadian employers expect the hiring climate to remain upbeat for the second quarter of 2012, according to the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey.

With seasonal variations taken into account, a net employment outlook of 13 per cent is a slight decrease from the outlook reported in the previous quarter. This outlook, however, shows no change from the outlook reported during the same time last year.

The survey of 1,900 Canadian employers reveals 21 per cent plan to increase payrolls in the second quarter of 2012, while five per cent anticipate cutbacks. Almost three-quarters (72 per cent) expect to maintain current staffing levels while two per cent are unsure of hiring intentions for the upcoming quarter.

"Strengthened by an active outlook in the mining industry sector, where efforts are underway in Alberta to develop the largest oil field outside the Middle East, the net employment outlook for the upcoming quarter indicates a respectable hiring climate for the April to June time frame," said Janis Sugar, director of marketing at Manpower Canada. "Overall, Canadian employers tell us that they plan to maintain their payrolls during the upcoming spring months which is positive for jobseekers. If we look at longer-term hiring trends, compared to last year this time, outlooks are stable or improved."

Regionally, employers in Western Canada anticipate the most upbeat hiring climate for the upcoming quarter, said Sugar.

"The seasonally adjusted data indicates employers expect a favourable environment for jobseekers, reporting a net employment outlook of 17 per cent. The positive forecast for this region is due in part to the robust hiring forecast reported by employers in the construction industry sector.”

In Quebec, employers anticipate an upbeat hiring climate for the upcoming quarter, reporting a net employment outlook of 15 per cent, she said.

“Meanwhile, employers in Atlantic Canada project a steady hiring climate with an outlook of 14 per cent, and Ontario area employers anticipate a hopeful second quarter reporting a net employment outlook of 12 per cent."

Net employment outlook, by sector

Sector

Forecast for
second quarter, 2012

Forecast for
first quarter, 2012

Forecast for
second quarter, 2011

Mining

21%

16%

25%

Transportation, public utilities

16%

13%

16%

Construction

15%

13%

14%

Services

15%

12%

15%

Wholesale, retail trade

15%

14%

12%

Manufacturing — durables

13%

18%

12%

Manufacturing — non-durables

10%

13%

9%

Finance, insurance, real estate

9%

10%

14%

Education

8%

5%

9%

Public administration

6%

9%

13%

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