The NEO value shows strengthening by 7 percentage points year over year, yet weakening by 3 percentage points quarter over quarter.

Forty-seven per cent of manufacturing industry employers worldwide expects to add to their staff during the fourth quarter this year, while 17 per cent anticipate various decreases, says the latest edition of the ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey. When seasonally adjusted, this points to a net employment outlook (NEO) of 30 per cent for the sector.

The survey covered 40,700 employers, 16 of the 41 countries and territories reported higher intentions than the previous quarter.

Hiring intentions increase year over year by 6 per cent, but decreased quarter over quarter by 3 per cent.

Despite strong optimism to hire, the industry faces a talent shortage where 76 per cent of employers report difficulty finding the hard and soft skills needed.

Forty-four per cent of employers within the wholesale and retail trade industry report expectations to add to their staff during the fourth quarter this year, while 17 per cent anticipate various decreases. When seasonally adjusted, this points to a NEO of 27 per cent for the sector, strengthening by 11 percentage points year over year and weakening by 5 percentage points quarter over quarter.

ManpowerGroup is a Fortune 500 American multinational corporation headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)