Contact: Katy Knowles
Hudson
02 8233 2360
katy.knowles@hudson.com

Contact: Abigail Koch
Hill & Knowlton
02 9286 1227/0401 597 284
akoch@hillandknowlton.com.au

Media Release

Embargoed until 12.01am AEST 29 June 201
 

MORE THAN A QUARTER OF ACT EMPLOYERS SET TO INCREASE STAFF NUMBERS IN THE NEXT THREE MONTH

Canberra, Australia – 29 June 2011 –Employer confidence across the ACT remains strong despite a slight dip in sentiment over the July – September 2011 quarter. According to the results of the latest Hudson Report: Employment Expectations survey of 4,852 employers Australia-wide, a net 31.2% of the State’s employers are reporting intentions to increase permanent headcount over Q3 2011. This result is 1.2 percentage points (pp) lower than that recorded during the last quarter.

Mirroring the national trend of softening sentiment, employer confidence in the ACT is down 4.0pp year-on-year from a net 35.2% during July to September 2010. “These results indicate that employers are keeping a cautious view in light of the Federal budget and upcoming end of financial year,” commented John Henderson, General Manager, Hudson ACT.

There is significant interest in contract and temporary staff across multiple sectors, with hiring intentions among government employers rising 2.5pp over the quarter to net 23.7%.

Results show 31.1% of government employers intend on increasing permanent headcount over the next three months, which is up from 27.5% in the last quarter. A strong 61.5% of hiring managers plan to keep headcount unchanged.

“The results illustrate strong growth potential in the Government sector, as employers are looking to expand and retain permanent staff in key areas,” said Henderson.

Hiring intentions within the ICT sector are strong with nearly half, 49.1% of employers intent on increasing headcount over the quarter and 45.6% expecting to maintain permanent staffing levels.

“We have seen a slight dip in employment sentiment this quarter but overall expectations for the coming quarter are positive. We are technically at full employment with an unemployment rate at a record low of 4.9%. This coupled with a strong Australian dollar and a burgeoning skills shortage, is putting increasing pressure on businesses to identify and retain the best talent,” said Henderson. “Australian businesses need to ensure they have robust selection procedures and talent management programs in place to stand out from their
competitors and attract and retain the most talented candidates.”

- ENDS -

Editor Note
Please contact us for more information and print-ready graphs or to arrange an interview.

The Hudson Report
The Hudson Report is an established and highly reputable publication, based on in-depth and nationwide research. Released quarterly, the report uncovers and analyses the hiring expectations of Australian employers over the forthcoming quarter and provides insights into
a range of human resource issues currently impacting business and the broader Australian economy.

In its tenth year of quarterly publication, the Hudson Report combines robust data on employment expectations with economic commentary and extensive market insights gleaned from Hudson’s conversations with employers nationwide. Hudson Report: HR Insights is
used by employers throughout Australia to stay abreast of contemporary human resources issues and best practice. Hudson Report: Employment Expectations is a leading economic indicator and a trusted source of information on issues and trends affecting the Australian labour market. It is used by Australia’s wider business community to assist in long-term strategic planning.

Results for this issue of the Hudson Report were gathered through interviews with 5,072 employers across Australia, conducted by Hudson recruitment, talent management and managed services professionals. Participants are surveyed from 19 core industry groups, aligned with the Australian Bureau of Statistics industry classifications. Copies of the Hudson Report are available at www.au.hudson.com

About Hudson
Hudson (NASDAQ: HHGP) is a leading provider of permanent recruitment, contract professionals and talent management services worldwide. From single placements to total project solutions, Hudson helps clients achieve greater organisational performance by assessing, recruiting, developing and engaging the best and brightest people for their businesses. The company employs more than 2,000 professionals serving clients and candidates in approximately 20 countries.