TORONTO, Dec. 12, 2006 (Canada NewsWire via COMTEX News Network) -- Canadian employers expect a moderate but steady hiring climate for the January to March period of 2007 according to the latest results of the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey, the most extensive, forward-looking employment survey in the world.

The survey of more than 1,700 Canadian employers reveals that 17 per cent plan to increase their payrolls while 14 per cent anticipate cutbacks for a Net Employment Outlook of +3 per cent. Of those polled, 67 per cent expect no changes and two per cent are unsure of their staffing intentions.

With seasonal variations removed from the survey data, the Net Employment Outlook of +18 per cent is three-percentage points weaker from the previous quarter; however, it is relatively stable compared to the same time last year, indicating a positive beginning to the staffing picture for 2007.

"This quarter's Net Employment Outlook indicates a slightly weaker but steady hiring forecast for the start of the year," said Lori Rogers, Vice President and General Manager for Manpower Canada. "However, the first quarter of the year is normally characterized by a restrictive hiring climate."

"The hiring climate in Western Canada is ahead of the national forecast," Rogers adds. "Employers in Western Canada report an active hiring climate with a Net Employment Outlook of +25 per cent. Quebec employers anticipate a moderate hiring climate with a Net Employment Outlook of +4 per cent, while employers in Ontario suggest mixed intentions with a Net Employment Outlook of -2 per cent. Atlantic Canada employers trail the other regions with a reported Net Employment Outlook of -12 per cent."

Of the 10 surveyed industry sectors, Mining employers report the most prosperous results for the January to March period of 2007 with a Net Employment Outlook of +36 per cent, once seasonal variations are removed. Employers in the Public Administration and Services sectors anticipate a healthy quarter with both reporting Net Employment Outlooks of +26 per cent. Employers in the Finance, Insurance & Real Estate sector also anticipate an optimistic first quarter, reporting a Net Employment Outlook of +21 per cent.

Construction

Employers in the Construction sector plan a steady hiring pace with a seasonally adjusted Net Employment Outlook of +14 per cent. This is 24-percentage points weaker from the previous quarter, and four-percentage points weaker compared to this time last year when the Net Employment Outlook was +18 per cent.

Education

Education sector employers predict an upbeat first quarter with a seasonally adjusted Net Employment Outlook of +17 per cent. This is 10-percentage points weaker from the previous quarter; however, it is an improvement of nine-percentage points compared to the same period last year.

Finance, Insurance & Real Estate

Employers in the Finance, Insurance & Real Estate sector project an active hiring climate with a seasonally adjusted Net Employment Outlook of +21 per cent. This Net Employment Outlook is down three-percentage points from the previous quarter; however it is an improvement of four-percentage points compared to the same time last year.

Manufacturing - Durable Goods

A cautiously optimistic three-month period is anticipated by employers in the Manufacturing - Durable Goods sector, where a Net Employment Outlook of +9 per cent is reported, once seasonal variations are removed. This Net Employment Outlook is three-percentage points weaker than the previous quarter. It is, however, a three-percentage point improvement from the same time last year when the Net Employment Outlook was +6 per cent.

Manufacturing - Non-durable Goods

Manufacturing - Non-durable Goods sector employers project a conservative hiring climate with a seasonally adjusted Net Employment Outlook of +8 per cent. This is down five-percentage points from the previous quarter and it is also five-percentage points weaker than the Net Employment Outlook reported during this time last year.

Mining

Employers in the Mining sector anticipate a booming first quarter with a Net Employment Outlook of +36 per cent after seasonal variations are removed. Hiring plans in Mining improved by 16-percentage points from the previous quarter.

Public Administration

Public Administration sector employers predict an active hiring climate with a Net Employment Outlook of 26 per cent. Hiring expectations have diminished slightly compared to last quarter with a one-percentage point decrease. This is, however, a slight improvement of three-percentage points, compared to the same time last year.

Services

Employers in the Services sector expect a solid hiring climate for the upcoming quarter with a seasonally adjusted Net Employment Outlook of +26 per cent. This is an improvement of two-percentage points from the previous quarter and is comparable to the same time last year when the Net Employment Outlook was also +26 per cent.

Transportation & Public Utilities

Employers in the Transportation & Public Utilities sector predict a respectable hiring climate with a seasonally adjusted Net Employment Outlook of +17 per cent. This is six-percentage points weaker compared to the previous quarter and is comparable to the same time last year when the Net Employment Outlook was also +17 per cent.

Wholesale & Retail Trades

Employers in the Wholesale & Retail Trade sector project a healthy staffing picture for the first quarter of 2007 with a Net Employment Outlook of +20 per cent. Results for the sector weakened by three-percentage points from the previous quarter; however, this is an improvement of two-percentage points from the same time last year.

About the Survey

The Manpower Employment Outlook Survey is conducted quarterly to measure employers' intentions to increase or decrease the number of employees in their workforce during the next quarter. The Manpower Employment Outlook Survey is the most extensive, forward-looking survey in the world, asking employers to forecast employment over the next quarter. The survey has been running for more than 40 years and is one of the most trusted surveys of employment activity in the world. The Manpower Employment Outlook Survey in Canada is based on interviews with more than 1,700 public and private employers in 43 markets across the country and is considered a highly respected economic indicator. The margin of error for the Canadian survey is +/- 2.4 per cent.

About Manpower Inc.

Manpower Inc. is a world leader in the employment services industry; creating and delivering services that enable its clients to win in the changing world of work. The $16 billion company offers employers a range of services for the entire employment and business cycle including permanent, temporary and contract recruitment; employee assessment and selection; training; outplacement; outsourcing and consulting. Manpower's worldwide network of 4,400 offices in 73 countries and territories enables the company to meet the needs of its 400,000 clients per year, including small and medium size enterprises in all industry sectors, as well as the world's largest multinational corporations. The focus of Manpower's work is on raising productivity through improved quality, efficiency and cost-reduction across their total workforce, enabling clients to concentrate on their core business activities. Manpower Inc. operates under five brands: Manpower, Manpower Professional, Elan, Jefferson Wells and Right Management. More information on Manpower Inc. is available at www.manpower.com.

Celebrating 50 years, Manpower Canada's employment services delivered through its network of over 50 offices, include administrative, industrial, skilled trades and contact centre personnel as well as the assignment of contract professionals in information technology, scientific, finance, engineering, telecommunications and other professional areas under the Manpower Professional brand. More information on the company can be found on Manpower Canada's Web sites, manpower.ca and manpowerprofessional.ca.

SOURCE: Manpower Inc.

John Settino, The iPR Group, (416) 901-5963, john@theiprgroup.ca

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