Confidence among Australian employers has risen for the first time since March 2008, according to the Hudson Employment Expectations survey released today.
More than 6.5% of employers said they hoped to increase their permanent employee levels during the July – September 2009 quarter, a sharp rise from last quarter’s record low of 0.8%.
“The employment landscape remains mutable and we should view this result as a stabilisation in employer confidence rather than assuming the start of a consistent upward trend,” Mark Steyn, CEO Hudson A/NZ said.
Western Australia recorded a 12% rise in confidence, driven largely by expected oil and gas projects and an upward trend in commodity prices.
“West Australian sentiment is closely tied to the resources industry and we have seen this rise after hitting record lows in the first half of the year,” Steyn said.
According to Steyn, the survey also showed a shift away from job cuts to indirect strategies such as natural attrition and hiring freezes.
“This is the time for employers to take a long-term view of the people in their business. A ‘right people’ strategy, founded on the basics of sound workforce planning and talent management is essential,” he said.