Public sector leads UK Summer Hiring Plans

Employers in the public sector expect to hire more people this summer than their private sector counterparts, according to Manpower, the UKís leading employment services company.

The research ñ detailed in the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey ñ reveals that 22 per cent of public sector employers will increase their headcount in the next quarter (July-September) and just five per cent expect to make cut-backs; compared to 17 per cent and six per cent respectively of those in the private sector.

These latest results for the public sector show an uplift from the previous quarter when 16 per cent of employers took on more staff and seven per cent reduced numbers.

Chris Cox, Head of Public Sector Business at Manpower, comments: ìBudgetary constraints of the last financial year have eased slightly and public sector employers are now more positive about their hiring plans as we enter the summer period. However, the growth is very much dependent on specific employer needs: we are seeing growing demand for staff at central government level as well as from a number of local authorities. This uplift in activity is accompanied by an increasing focus on delivering value for money in all recruitment decisions.î

The latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey results provide a forecast of employer hiring intentions for the next quarter: July - September 2006. 2,100 employers were surveyed in the UK and over 47,000 employers in 25 countries globally.

Mike Walker, Director of the Local Government Employers, says: ìThe employment growth predicted for the wider economy is reflected in the public sector. The growth is modest, but will help councils and other employers in the sector to meet public expectations of improved services. The efficiency savings made by local authorities appear to have been spent on front line staff where we know that public demand remains high for good quality local services.î