Nearly 90% of employers nationwide report stable or increasing staffing needs in the second quarter of 2006 according to the quarterly Manpower Employment Outlook Survey. The survey, which is the premier employment leading indicator, indicates that United States hiring managers are reporting consistent and steady growth in hiring.

     Thirty percent of the 16,000 employers surveyed have reported a foreseen increase in hiring activity, in addition to 58 % who predict stability. In contrast, only six percent of employers reported an expected decrease in payroll over the next quarter. The remaining six percent of employers have not forecasted second quarter hiring needs.

     The Manpower Employment Outlook Survey also polls 23 additional countries and territories. Of the nations polled, only one country is showing a forecasted downtrend in staffing. German and Japanese employers are showing their most confident forecasts in the history of the survey.

     The next planned Outlook Survey is expected to be released on June 13, 2006, to show forecasting for this year’s third quarter. Continue to check with Backgrounds Online for developing news in the industry, as we’ll keep you up to date with this and other relevant headlines.