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BUSINESSES will be looking to take on new staff in the coming months, indicating confidence in the economy according to research by Dun & Bradstreet.
The latest Business Expectations Survey shows 22 per cent of businesses plan to hire this quarter, the highest level since the start of 2011.
“After seeing a steady pick-up in the outlook for sales, selling prices and profits from late last year, we’re now seeing employment intentions improve.
Employing new staff may be in preparation for increased activity, with 46 per cent of businesses expecting a higher amount of sales.
“Last year’s soft conditions forced businesses to manage their costs closely and become more efficient in their operations.
The manufacturing industry is showing strong signs of growth, with more than half of businesses surveyed expecting higher profits.
D&B economic advisor Stephen Koukoulas says the slight pull-back in profits is the only negative in the results.
“Encouragingly, the recent gains in expected employment have consolidated at a more favourable level, and the capital investment outlook has maintained its improvement,” he says.
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