Hiring looks to be up in the public sector with the balance of employers looking to take on more staff at +17% compared to a UK average of +18%; according to latest figures from the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey.
This represents a quarter-on-quarter increase of four percentage points and a year-on-year increase of three percentage points.
Emma Barnes, Manpower Group Business Manager commented:
“Across the public sector, departments have become increasingly cost conscious and now only look to recruit if there is a real need. The good news is that hiring is still taking place, although this is something of a mixed picture with many government departments only taking on temporary staff rather than offering permanent placements.”
The news comes despite the calls from Gordon Brown to axe civil service posts.
Barnes added: “Although Gordon Brown claimed this summer that he could eliminate 100,000 civil service posts, the market continues to be buoyant. The public sector offers great career opportunities, training and support. We anticipate that many people will still be attracted to such a career. There is also good news for employers within the public sector as we are seeing many candidates of a high calibre.”
Eight of the nine industry sectors surveyed reported on plans to hire staff over the next quarter. Agriculture was the only area which expected to make cutbacks.
A total 2,500 UK employers were surveyed in the UK and over 35,000 employers in 19 countries globally.
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