US employers are positive over Q4 hiring, according to the latest Manpower Employment outlook survey.

The survey of more than 18,000 employers found that 15% anticipate an increase in staff levels in their Q4 2010 hiring plans, while 11% expect a decrease in payrolls, resulting in a net employment outlook of +4%.

The survey also shows that 71% of employers expect no change in their hiring plans and 3% are undecided about their hiring intentions.

Employers across industries including mining (+13%), wholesale & retail trade (+13%), professional & business services (+10%), leisure & hospitality (+9%), durable goods manufacturing (+7%), information (+7), non-durable goods manufacturing (+6%), financial activities (+4%), education & health services (+4), and transport & utilities (+2%) have reported a mostly positive outlook this year. This was in contrast with 2009 when sentiment in most industry sectors was negative. However, the Q4 outlook is negative in government (-6%) and construction (-8%).

Manpower chairman and chief executive Jeff Joerres says: “Clearly there are signs of a softening labour market, but when we consider what we are hearing from our clients and by looking at our own business, there is reason to be cautiously optimistic.”