Most US employers are planning to maintain staffing levels, according to the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey.

The survey shows that 69% of employers expect no change in their October - December hiring plans, 12% anticipate an increase in staff levels, while 14% expect a decrease in payrolls, resulting in a net employment outlook of -2%.

Following seasonal adjustment, the net employment outlook is -3%, the weakest in the history of the survey, which began in 1962.

Jonas Prising, Manpower president of the Americas, says: “Despite some moderating signs, such as the considerable number of employers that plan to maintain or increase staff levels, there will continue to be challenges for both jobseekers and employers in the coming months.”

In addition, Global jobseekers will continue to face a challenging market. The survey shows that hiring expectations have improved somewhat from three months ago in 20 of 35 countries and territories, suggesting an easing in the pattern of job cuts prevalent for several quarters.

Strongest hiring activity was reported by employers in India, Brazil, Colombia, Peru and China, while fourth quarter hiring expectations was weakest in Romania, Spain, Ireland and Japan.