Positive jobs outlook for public sector

Employers in the public sector are reporting a positive employment outlook for the three months to March 2005, according to Manpower, the UKís leading workforce management company.

The independent research carried out by NOP and reported in the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey, shows that the balance of public sector employers looking to take on more staff is 15% - the highest Q1 result for four years and a year on year increase of four percentage points.

Chris Cox, business manager at Manpower says: These results are great news for those seeking employment in the public sector. Weíve been seeing a gradual increase in orders, although much of the demand has been for administration staff. The majority of positions are temporary assignments, lasting an average of three months, however we are seeing an increase in demand for permanent staff - a sure sign of confidence.

The Manpower Employment Outlook Survey provides a forecast of employer hiring intentions for the quarter ahead: January to March 2005. 2,100 UK employers were surveyed in the UK and over 35,000 employers in 19 countries globally. The UK average is 14%.

Chris continues: With low levels of unemployment, it is very much a candidate driven market at the moment and security cleared staff have been in short supply. The public sector offers great career opportunities, training and support and many people are attracted to such a career.

Across the UK, eight of the nine industry sectors surveyed by Manpower are planning to take on staff next quarter. Employers in Transport and Communications; Finance and Business Services; and Manufacturing, all reported figures above the national average. The Agriculture sector is the only sector to expect cutbacks with an outlook of -8% - a decline of nine percentage points over the last quarter and a year-on-year decrease of four percentage points.