The Eurozone’s manufacturing sector saw hiring intentions increase to levels not seen since the summer of 2011, according to April’s Eurozone manufacturing employment index from Markit/Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS).

Data obtained by Recruiter reveals the Index posted a reading of 51.9 in April, up from March’s reading of 51.6 and the highest reading since August 2011 when 52 was recorded. Any reading over 50 indicates growth.

Meanwhile, the seasonally adjusted purchasing manager’s index (PMI) for the Eurozone posted a reading of 52 in April, slightly down from March’s reading of 52.2.

Across the countries in the Eurozone where individual readings are recorded, PMI readings fell in Germany (down to 52.8 in April from 52.1 in March), France (down from 48.8 in March to 48 in April) and Spain (down from 54.3 to 54.2).

Italy, however, saw its PMI post a reading of 53.8 up from 53.3 over the period.

Meanwhile Markit/CIPS data for the US’s manufacturing sector showed a slight drop in hiring intentions for April.

The US Employment Index for manufacturing posted a reading of 53.7 in April, slightly down on March’s reading of 53.8, which itself was one point up on February’s figure of 52.8. Any reading over 50 indicates growth.

PMI for US manufacturing posted a three-month low reading of 54.1 in April, down from March’s reading of 55.7.

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