Most Polish firms (52%) are continuing to hire professionals, while 30% are firing professionals and managers, according to global staffing firm Antal.

The research shows that hiring levels are the highest in the pharmacy (89%), IT & Telecom (64%) and FMCG (63%) and the lowest in automotive (22%) or real estate and building (33%).

Artur Skiba, managing director of Antal International in Poland, says: “Although Poland is one of Eastern Europe’s strongest economies, it doesn’t mean that the global financial situation hadn’t had an impact on professional and managerial recruitment market.

“The percentage of organisations recruiting has dropped from 60% last November to 52% in April this year, while percentage of businesses shedding staff has risen from a very low 15% in the last report to 30% now.

“On a more positive note this is set to drop to 22% in the coming quarter so hopefully we’ve just witnessed the pick of the firing trend and can expect a falling trend.”