UK employers predict a slight increase in hiring for Q2, according to the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey.

The survey reveals a national seasonally adjusted net employment outlook of +2%, offset by public sector hiring intentions of -22%. 

The most buoyant sector is finance, banking & business services with intentions of +16%, while manufacturing reports low but positive hiring intentions for the fifth successive quarter along with employers in utilities, mining and transport.

Employers in the East, South-East and South-West have the most positive hiring intentions, contrasting with Scotland, West Midlands and Northern Ireland employers who continue to report negative hiring intentions.