Employers pessimistic

Auckland employers are generally pessimistic about hiring staff over the next three months, says a survey by a body representing labour-hire companies.

Manpower New Zealand general manager Catherine Lo-Giacco said a decline in the net employment outlook of 15 percentage points was in line with a fall in business confidence and consumer spending.

The decrease in hiring intentions from +24 per cent to +9 per cent compared to the previous quarter showed managers were hesitant to move forward and take on new staff over the next quarter. The survey result continued a downward trend since Quarter 3 last year.

Survey data obtained from 893 employers also showed a general decrease in hiring confidence in Christchurch and Wellington.

Net employment outlook is the difference in the proportion of respondents reporting an increase in hiring needs and those who report a decrease, with seasonal variations removed.