Little evidence of surge in hiring activity in Q4

Manpower Group’s fourth-quarter research reveals that some job gains are expected in 43 of 44 countries and territories during the October-December time frame, says a Polity report. However, there is little evidence of notable surges in hiring activity. Overall employer confidence is little changed from prior quarters and most employers remain resilient, appearing content to engage in modest levels of hiring activity against a backdrop of challenges associated with a realignment of global trading partners and ongoing tariff negotiations. Fourth-quarter hiring confidence is strongest in Japan, Taiwan, the US, Romania and Slovenia, while the weakest hiring prospects are reported in Switzerland, Argentina, France and Italy. Manpower Group interviewed more than 59 000 employers across 44 countries and territories to forecast labour market activity in the fourth quarter of 2018.