TORONTO, Jun 13, 2006 (Canada NewsWire via COMTEX News Network) -- Canadian employers expect a solid hiring climate for the July to September period of 2006 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 35 per cent plan to increase their payrolls while six per cent anticipate cutbacks for a Net Employment Outlook of +29 per cent. Of those polled, 57 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 +19 per cent is a two percentage point decrease from the previous quarter; however, hiring expectations are unchanged from the same time last year.

"This quarter's Net Employment Outlook indicates that the solid hiring activity seen in the previous quarter will continue," said Lori Rogers, Vice President and General Manager for Manpower Canada. "Employers are telling us that over the next three months they will continue to add to their payrolls at the same rate as in the preceding period."

"The hiring climate in Western and Atlantic Canada is ahead of the national forecast," Rogers adds. "Employers in Western Canada report a dynamic hiring climate with a Net Employment Outlook of +41 per cent as do Atlantic Canada employers at +40 per cent. Ontario employers expect an active hiring climate with a Net Employment Outlook of +27 per cent. While Quebec trails the other regions, area employers are still upbeat with a reported Net Employment Outlook of +13 per cent."

Of the 10 surveyed industry sectors, Mining employers report the most active results for the July to September period of 2006 with a Net Employment Outlook of +28 per cent, once seasonal variations are removed. Employers in the Wholesale & Retail Trade and Services sectors also anticipate an optimistic quarter as both sectors have a Net Employment Outlook of +24 per cent. Employers in the Public Administration sector report a healthy third quarter to 2006 with a Net Employment Outlook of +22 per cent. The Finance, Insurance & Real Estate sector and Transportation & Public Utilities sector expect a strong three months with respective Net Employment Outlooks of +21 and +20 per cent.

Construction

Employers in the Construction sector expect a respectable hiring pace with a seasonally adjusted Net Employment Outlook of +14 per cent. This is a decrease from the previous quarter, when the Net Employment Outlook was +17 per cent and a one percentage point decrease compared to this time last year.

Education

Education sector employers predict an upbeat quarter with a seasonally adjusted Net Employment Outlook of +19 per cent. This is a four percentage point decrease from the previous quarter when the Net Employment Outlook was  +23 per cent. It is a six percentage point improvement compared to the same period last year.

Finance, Insurance & Real Estate

Employers in the Finance, Insurance & Real Estate sector project a solid hiring climate with a seasonally adjusted Net Employment Outlook of +21 per cent. This Net Employment Outlook is a 5 percentage point decrease from the previous quarter, but a four percentage point increase from the same time last year.

Manufacturing - Durable Goods

A respectable three-month period is anticipated by employers in the Manufacturing - Durable Goods sector, where a Net Employment Outlook of +13 per cent is reported, once seasonal variations are removed. This Net Employment Outlook is a one percentage point increase from the previous quarter, and is a decrease from the same time last year when the Net Employment Outlook was +17 per cent.

Manufacturing - Non-durable Goods

Manufacturing - Non-durable Goods sector employers project a modest hiring climate with a seasonally adjusted Net Employment Outlook of eight per cent. This is a decrease of one percentage point from the previous quarter and a four percentage point decrease to the Net Employment Outlook reported this time last year.

Mining

Employers in the Mining sector anticipate a solid third quarter with a Net Employment Outlook of +28 per cent after seasonal variations are removed. Hiring plans in Mining fell by three percentage points from the previous quarter. This is the weakest Net Employment Outlook in the sector since the second quarter of 2005 when the Net Employment Outlook was +19 per cent.

Public Administration

Public Administration sector employers predict an active hiring climate with a Net Employment Outlook of +22 per cent. Hiring expectations decreased by six percentage points from the previous quarter and are equal to one year ago.

Services

Employers in the Services sector expect a solid hiring climate for the upcoming quarter with a seasonally adjusted Net Employment Outlook of +24 per cent. This is an increase of two percentage points from the previous quarter when the Net Employment Outlook was +22 per cent and an increase of six percentage points from the same time last year.

Transportation & Public Utilities

Employers in the Transportation & Public Utilities sector predict a strong outlook with a seasonally adjusted Net Employment Outlook of +20 per cent. This is a slight decrease from the previous quarter when the Net Employment Outlook was +22 per cent as well as a three percentage point increase when compared to the same time last year.

Wholesale & Retail Trades

Employers in the Wholesale & Retail Trade sector project a healthy staffing picture for the second quarter of 2006 with a Net Employment Outlook of +24 per cent. Results for the sector decrease from last quarter by three percentage points are equal to 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. (NYSE: MAN) 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 72 countries and territories enables the company to meet the needs of its 400,000 cclients 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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