Manpower Employment Survey Predicts Moderate Results for Year End

Despite mixed economic signals for most of 2003, Canadian employers expect to end the year with cautiously optimistic staffing plans, reveals the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey.

According to the 1,738 Canadian employers polled for the survey 23 per cent intend to add staff, 15 per cent expect to reduce staff, while 59 per cent expect no changes for the October – December 2003 period.

“For a year in which the Canadian economy has faced many challenges including a rising dollar, SARS and Mad Cow Disease, employer confidence has remained somewhat healthy throughout 2003,” said Lori Procher, Vice President and General Manager for Manpower Canada. “The fourth quarter Net Employment Outlook is eight per cent, down from 10 per cent at this time last year but in line with the typical downturn that takes place at the end of the year.”

Three months ago Canada’s projected Net Employment Outlook of 30 per cent was the highest recorded amongst the18 countries participating in the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey.

“Employment estimates across all four Canadian regions for the forthcoming quarter are relatively consistent with the overall national Outlook,” says Procher. “Atlantic Canada leads with a Net Employment Outlook of 12 per cent, ahead of Western Canada at 10 per cent, with Ontario and Quebec both at eight per cent.”

Job seekers in Retail & Wholesale Trades and Education expect the best prospects in the fourth quarter, particularly in education which has been on a steady run for five years. A more restrictive hiring environment is expected in the Services, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate and Manufacturing sectors.