Q1 hiring plans continue to fall
Page 38
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
Words: Laura Hailstone A CONTINUED DROP in hiring intentions in the transport sector for 01 2013 is revealed in the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey.
The quarterly survey asked whether UK employers in nine sectors intended to hire additional workers or reduce the size of their workforce in the coming economic quarter.
The transport sector's net employment outlook has slipped to an outlook of -6% for the first three months of the new year, from -4% in 04 2012.
"The first quarter is often a quieter period for recruitment in the transport sector. Many consumers will be reining in their spending after the busy Christmas period, producing less demand for logistics services. The price of fuel may also be exacerbating the situation, with many haulage companies looking to tightly control their costs," said Simon Edwards, ManpowerGroup sector director, logistics.
However, year-on-year, hiring plans are two percentage points stronger than in 01 2012.
Edwards added that there are some bright spots. "We're seeing increased demand for Category B and 7.5-tonner drivers, as courier and haulage companies prepare to cater for internet shopping in the January sales and customers returning goods after Christmas.
"While the net demand for drivers is set to decrease over the quarter, this could be an opportunity for drivers to renew their CPC training," said Edwards.
In other sectors, construction is particularly weak with a net employment outlook of -14% for 01 2013. The most optimistic hiring plans are reported in the finance and business services sector, and the mining sector, with outlooks of 13% and 10% respectively.