THE NET EMPLOYMENT outlook for the first quarter of next year is -6 per cent, 1 percentage point stronger compared to Q4 2012 and down 3 percentage points compared to the same time last year.

The results of the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey show the first quarter of 2013 have been weak compared with the last four years, showing that Irish employers continue to report downbeat hiring intentions.

However, the survey also shows that employment prospects has strengthened in six industry sectors compared to the previous quarter and in five sectors year-over-year.

Sectors with weakest hiring intentions Q1 2013:

• Finance and business services, -16 per cent
• Pharmaceutical, -10 per cent
• Wholesale and retail, -8 per cent
• Mining and quarrying, -7 per cent
• Restaurants and hotels, -7 per cent

Sectors with an improved outlook Q1 2013:

• Transport, storage and communication, up 13 per cent
• Public and social, up 11 per cent
• Restaurants and hotels, up 6 per cent

On a regional basis, a gloomy labour market is expected in the Dublin region with outlook at -14 per cent. This represents a decline of 6 percentage points both quarter-over-quarter and year-over-year. Downbeat hiring intentions are also reported in Connacht with an outlook of -8 per cent. The strongest hiring plans are reported by Leinster employers, up 3 per cent.

Krissie Davies, Manpower Ireland Managing Director says:

Businesses are making continuous efforts to improve their competitiveness and a number of job creation announcements were recorded throughout the year and over the last quarter. Yet, the pressure is not significantly easing as the ebb and flow of the global business climate impose uncertainty and challenge businesses and job seekers alike.

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