Most European employers plan to create new roles in 2010, according to a new survey by professional services firm Towers Watson.

The survey, based on responses from 131 mostly large employers across Europe and 459 employers globally, found that 82% of firms plan to recruit for new roles but 45% say recruitment will be below typical levels of previous years.

Almost half (49%) still expect to cut headcount, 5% broadly and 44% plan targeted cuts. The survey also shows that 12% have already made broad-based reductions in headcount, while 55% have made targeted cuts since the recession took hold.

Currently, Europe is behind North America, with 92% of US firms indicating they would be hiring in 2010 and only 37% expecting workforce reductions.

The result has meant that for 40% of the survey respondents in Europe, it’s been easier to retain talent now than it was before the financial crisis but  48% think that retention will be more difficult by next year.