14/01/2004

Survey suggests rise in construction job prospects

Employers in the construction sector have reported the strongest hiring intentions out of all UK sectors surveyed, according to the new Manpower Employment Outlook Survey.

The Manpower Employment Outlook Survey provides a forecast of employer hiring intentions for the quarter ahead (Jan-Mar 2004). Around 2,500 UK employers were surveyed in the UK - and over 35,000 employers in 18 countries globally.

The Net Employment Outlook (the balance of employers forecasting to take on more staff) for the construction sector is up by 15%. Andrew Blakesley, Director of Manpower commented: "Job prospects in the construction sector are higher than the first quarter average for construction over the last 12 years. Despite our survey showing that the balance of employers planning to take on more staff has fallen both since this time last quarter and this time last year, prospects are still buoyant for those people wishing to find work in this sector in the first three months of the year. Only 5% of employers in the construction sector are planning to decrease staff in the first quarter, which accounts for the optimistic Net Employment Outlook result for this quarter."

People wishing to find work in this sector are to take advantage of the growing need that appears to be developing. Mr Blakesley added: "Reports show that 380,000 people are needed in the construction industry by 2006 to help drive the growth the sector is experiencing. Our survey confirms these reports."

(CL)

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