Manpower Employment Outlook Survey predicts active hiring in Canada for second quarter of 2005

TORONTO, March 15 /CNW/ - Canadian employers are projecting strong hiring for the April to June 2005 period, according to the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey. The survey of more than 1,700 Canadian employers reveals that 31 per cent plan to increase their payrolls while five per cent anticipate cutbacks, for a Net Employment Outlook of 26 per cent. With seasonal variations removed from the survey data, the Net Employment Outlook forecast of 18 per cent is a one per cent decrease from the previous quarter; however, hiring expectations continue to be upbeat through the second quarter of 2005. "The Net Employment Outlooks for the first two quarters of 2005 are stronger than all Net Employment Outlooks reported in 2004, once seasonal variations are removed," said Deborah Bakti, spokesperson for Manpower Canada. "The regional projections indicate a continued positive hiring climate," Bakti adds. "Western Canada is again projecting the most robust Net Employment Outlook at 38 per cent, followed by Atlantic Canada with a Net Employment Outlook of 26 per cent and Ontario with a Net Employment Outlook of 24 per cent. Quebec is expecting a steady three months with a Net Employment Outlook of 14 per cent." Of the 10 surveyed sectors, employers in the Construction and Finance, Insurance & Real Estate sectors expect the healthiest activity for the April to June 2005 period. Both sectors have a projected Net Employment Outlook of 24 per cent once seasonal variations are removed. Construction - Employers in the Construction sector reported solid hiring expectations with a seasonally adjusted Net Employment Outlook of 24 per cent. This Net Employment Outlook is up six per cent from the first quarter; however, a seven per cent drop is indicated compared to this time last year. Education - Education sector employers reported another favourable quarter for the April to June 2005 period with a seasonally adjusted Net Employment Outlook of 16 per cent. This is an increase of four per cent from the previous quarter when the Net Employment Outlook was 12 per cent, and a modest increase from the same time last year when the Net Employment Outlook was 13 per cent. Finance, Insurance & Real Estate - Employers in the Finance, Insurance & Real Estate sector project a continued active hiring climate with a seasonally adjusted Net Employment Outlook of 24 per cent. This Net Employment Outlook is a three per cent increase from the previous quarter, but is an increase of 18 per cent from the same time last year. It is the most optimistic Net Employment Outlook for this sector's employers since the third quarter of 2002. Manufacturing - Durable Goods - A respectable second quarter is projected by Manufacturing - Durable Goods sector employers where a Net Employment Outlook of 15 per cent is reported, once seasonal variations are removed. This Net Employment Outlook is a three per cent increase from the first quarter of 2005 and the most optimistic Net Employment Outlook for the sector since the second quarter of 2003. Manufacturing - Non-durable Goods - manufacturing - Non-durable Goods sector employers expect a mild hiring climate with a seasonally adjusted Net Employment Outlook of seven per cent. This is a decrease of six per cent from the previous quarter as well as an eight per cent decrease from the same time last year. Mining - Employers in the Mining sector predict a favourable quarter with a Net Employment Outlook of 16 per cent after seasonal variations are removed. This is a large decrease of 25 per cent from the previous three-month period and is a one per cent increase from the same time last year. Public Administration - Public Administration sector employers expect hiring to be flat with a Net Employment Outlook of zero per cent. The current Net Employment Outlook is equivalent to that of the second quarter of 2004; however, it is a 16 per cent decrease from the previous quarter. Services - Employers in the Services sector expect a strong hiring climate for the second quarter of 2005 with a seasonally adjusted Net Employment Outlook of 22 per cent. This is a slight increase from both the previous quarter and the same time last year. It is also the most optimistic Net Employment Outlook for this sector's employers since the third quarter of 2003. Transportation & Public Utilities - The staffing projection for employers in this sector continues to be upbeat for the fifth quarter in a row with a seasonally adjusted Net Employment Outlook of 18 per cent. This is a mild increase from the previous quarter when the Net Employment Outlook was 15 per cent and an increase from a year ago when the Net Employment Outlook was 16 per cent. This is also the most optimistic Net Employment Outlook for the sector since the fourth quarter of 2003. Wholesale & Retail Trade - Employers in the Wholesale & Retail Trade sector project a continued strong staffing picture for the second quarter of 2005, with a Net Employment Outlook of 21 per cent. This is a moderate decrease from the previous quarter and the same period last year when the Net Employment Outlooks were 25 per cent; however, the staffing picture remains solid. About the Survey The Manpower Employment Outlook Survey is conducted quarterly to measure employers' intentions to increase or decrease the number of employees in their workforce during the next quarter. It is the only forward-looking survey of its kind, unparalleled in size, scope, longevity and area of focus. The survey has been running for more than 40 years and is one of the most trusted surveys of employment activity in the world. The Manpower Employment Outlook Survey in Canada is based on interviews with more than 1,700 public and private employers in 43 markets across the country and is considered a highly respected economic indicator. The margin of error for the Canadian survey is +/- 2.4 per cent. About Manpower Inc. Manpower Inc. (NYSE: MAN) is a world leader in the employment services industry, offering customers a continuum of services to meet their needs throughout the employment and business cycle. The company specializes in permanent, temporary and contract recruitment; employee assessment; training; career transition, organizational consulting services and professional financial services. Manpower's worldwide network of 4,300 offices in 67 countries and territories enables the company to meet the needs of its 400,000 customers per year, including small and medium size enterprises in all industry sectors, as well as the world's largest multinational corporations. The focus of Manpower's work is on raising productivity through improved quality, efficiency and cost-reduction, enabling customers to concentrate on their core business activities. In addition to the Manpower brand, the company operates under the brand names of Right management Consultants, Jefferson Wells, Elan, and Brook Street. More information on Manpower Inc. is available at www.manpower.com. With over 50 offices strategically located across the country, Manpower Canada's staffing services include administrative, industrial, skilled trades and contact centre personnel as well as the assignment of contract professionals in information technology, scientific, finance, engineering, telecommunications and other professional areas under the Manpower Professional brand. More information on the company can be found on Manpower Canada's Web sites, www.manpower.ca and www.manpowerprofessional.ca.