11.03.14
Most public sector employers plan to hire more people
Employers in the public sector have increased their hiring intentions in Q2 2014 with a net employment outlook of +2%, up from zero in the last quarter, research has revealed.
Based on responses from 2,112 UK employers, 264 of them public sector employers, the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey asked whether employers intended to hire additional workers or reduce the size of their workforce in the coming quarter.
Nationally, while 10% of public and private sector employers expect to increase staffing levels, 3% anticipate a decrease and 86% forecast no change, resulting in an overall net employment outlook of +7%.
“Overall, recruitment in the public sector remains steady, and is actually probably outperforming public perception,” said Nick Heckscher, ManpowerGroup sector director – Government. “People might have anticipated a dip in Q2 2014 to coincide with the start of the new fiscal year in the sector, but, so far, we haven’t seen this materialise. What we have seen is much higher demand for interim, short term and flexible roles, which might reflect some nervousness about medium-term hiring intentions.”
In the private sector what is particularly interesting this quarter, according to the research, is the strong message coming from large firms, who are increasing their focus on getting young people into work.
Mark Cahill, ManpowerGroup UK managing director, said: “Larger firms can afford to invest in initiatives such as graduate recruitment schemes and apprenticeships in a way that others simply can’t.
“There are long-term benefits to be gained from big business hiring, such as training, which helps both job seekers and their future employers. After a sustained period of record youth unemployment, 2014 is promising to be the best year for young people and graduates in a long time.”
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