Study: Third of businesses expect to hire soon

A New Zealand Northern Employers and Manufacturers survey has found that while a third of businesses expect to hire soon, recovery is not evident for all.

On the back of the survey results, David Lowe, Employment Services Manager for the Northern Employers and Manufacturers Association, said that optimism is evident but not all businesses have yet to see it.

“A third of employers are expecting to hire more staff in the first half of this year,” he said. “Slightly more, 38%, expect to increase their staff numbers in the second half of the year.”

The findings were pulled from a survey of 840 business that asked employers to what extent they were experiencing better economic conditions in 2010. Fewer than 10% said they were.

“Only two out of 49 employers in the Far North said things were looking up. Of those experiencing a recovery a handful said it was a sure thing for them. Others said the recovery was slow and tentative,” Lowe continued.  “Nevertheless it is pleasing to see bigger businesses announcing they are moving back into growth mode as that encourages smaller enterprises.” Pic