December 14, 2006

Construction employment stable, but a big drop from last quarter

TORONTO

Canadian employers expect a moderate but steady hiring climate for the January to March period of 2007 according to the latest results of the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey, the most extensive, forward-looking employment survey in the world.

The survey of more than 1,700 Canadian employers reveals that 17 per cent plan to increase their payrolls while 14 per cent anticipate cutbacks for a Net Employment Outlook of +3 per cent. Of those polled, 67 per cent expect no changes and two per cent are unsure of their staffing intentions.

With seasonal variations removed from the survey data, the Net Employment Outlook of +18 per cent is three-percentage points weaker from the previous quarter; however, it is relatively stable compared to the same time last year, indicating a positive beginning to the staffing picture for 2007

Employers in the construction sector plan a steady hiring pace with a seasonally adjusted Net Employment Outlook of +14 per cent. This is 24-percentage points weaker from the previous quarter, and four-percentage points weaker compared to this time last year when the Net Employment Outlook was +18 per cent.

“The hiring climate in Western Canada is ahead of the national forecast,” said Lori Rogers, vice president and general manager for Manpower Canada. “Employers in Western Canada report an active hiring climate with a Net Employment Outlook of +25 per cent. Quebec employers anticipate a moderate hiring climate with a Net Employment Outlook of +4 per cent, while employers in Ontario suggest mixed intentions with a Net Employment Outlook of -2 per cent. Atlantic Canada employers trail the other regions with a reported Net Employment Outlook of -12 per cent.”

Of the 10 surveyed industry sectors, mining employers report the most prosperous results for the January to March period of 2007 with a Net Employment Outlook of +36 per cent, once seasonal variations are removed. Employers in the public administration and services sectors anticipate a healthy quarter with both reporting Net Employment Outlooks of +26 per cent. Employers in the finance, insurance & real estate sector also anticipate an optimistic first quarter, reporting a Net Employment Outlook of +21 per cent.

DCN NEWS SERVICES

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