Manpower Employment Outlook Survey 1Q 2009 Results Now Available

The Manpower Employment Outlook Survey of global hiring trends released today reveals that the pace of hiring is set to slow further in the first quarter of 2009 most notably in Singapore, India and Taiwan. The survey, conducted by Manpower Inc., shows that employers in 25 of 33 countries and territories still expect positive hiring activity in the coming quarter; however, those in 30 say they will slow the pace of hiring from three months ago. Year-over-year hiring forecasts are also weaker in 25 countries and territories; and employers in 21 countries and territories are reporting the weakest hiring plans since the survey was established there by Manpower.

The survey data reveals that the most favorable first-quarter hiring plans globally are reported by employers in Peru, India, Costa Rica, Canada, Romania, Colombia, South Africa, Australia, Poland, the United States and China. Conversely, employers in Singapore, Spain, Ireland and Italy are reporting the weakest hiring expectations for the quarter ahead.