Jobseekers will continue to find employment opportunities scarce in the coming months, according to a survey published today.
The report said recruitment is likely to be weak in many major world economies in third quarter of 2003.
Global recruitment consultants Manpower said employment prospects remain weak as world labour markets are not yet in the recovery period that has been anticipated for so long.
Across the 18 countries and 30,000 employers surveyed by Manpower, Canada reported the most optimistic hiring intentions while German employers have the most negative outlook for the third quarter.
In Europe the outlook was mixed, with Ireland, Britain and Spain reporting the most positive results. However, the numbers represent only a very slight increase in activity for Ireland over the previous two quarters.
The survey says the United States reported its lowest hiring outlook in 12 years.
But as the survey was conducted in April 2003, Manpower said hiring activity may be a little more positive as employers continue to see progress in the resolution of the Iraqi conflict and the easing of the SARS outbreak.