Most world labour market employers plan to recruit in Q2 at a pace equal to, or stronger than, the same period last year, according to the latest global Manpower Employment Outlook Survey.

The survey finds that hiring intentions are strongest in India, Brazil, Taiwan, Peru, Costa Rica, Australia and Singapore, while hiring plans are weakest in Italy, Spain and Ireland.

Jeffrey A Joerres, chairman and chief executive of Manpower, says: “We continue to see strong hiring demand across the Asia Pacific region, likely due to their increased domestic demand.

“And while hiring intentions improved in the US, when you factor in the effects of seasonality, it’s very similar to last quarter. This is because unlike previous recessions, companies have become more sophisticated in knowing when they need workers and will no longer hire in anticipation of demand. Instead, companies will continue to push their organisations to do more with less and wait for clear signals of an increase in demand before hiring.”