If there were any doubts about New Zealand’s financial recovery, the country’s employers are starting to shake them. A new survey has revealed that significantly greater numbers of New Zealand employers are looking to hire in 2010.
According to the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey, the last quarter hiring sentiment has improved across all sectors surveyed.
A total of 521 New Zealand employers answered the survey and revealed a seasonally adjusted net employment outlook – the result of the percentage looking to increase staff numbers minus the percentage looking to cut staff – of 13%, representing an increase of 12 percentage points from the previous quarter.
Of all sectors surveyed, the wholesale and retail industry was the most optimistic, with a net employment outlook of 21%, followed by the services sector with 21% and real estate with 16%. The transportation and utilities sectors followed with 13%, while manufacturing revealed a net employment outlook of 11% and mining and construction showed 10%.
In regional terms, Auckland is the most optimistic region (15%), followed by Christchurch (14%) and Wellington (10%).
According to Manpower New Zealand general manager, sales and marketing, Chris Riley, employers should be careful, as they run the risk of seeing their staff go elsewhere once hiring really picks up again.
“Competitive pay, career opportunities, work-life balance and management quality should be focus points for organisations looking to keep existing employees and attract new talent,” he said.