A third of businesses expect to hire soon, but recovery not evident yet for many; survey

Some optimism is evident that things are on the improve, and experts assure us a recovery is on its way, but many businesses have yet to see it working for them, says David Lowe, Employment Services Manager for the Northern Employers and Manufacturers Association.

“A third of employers are expecting to hire more staff in the first half of this year,” Mr Lowe said.

“Slightly more, 38 per cent, expect to increase their staff numbers in the second half of the year.

“The findings are from a survey of 840 business representatives we undertook at our summer briefings in association with Attache Software, a provider of intelligent business systems for small to medium sized enterprises.

“During the 27 meetings between Taupo and Kaitaia we asked employers to what extent they were experiencing better economic conditions in their own businesses; fewer than 10 per cent said they were.

“Only two out of 49 employers in the Far North said things were looking up.

“Of those experiencing a recovery a handful said it was a sure thing for them. Others said the recovery was slow and tentative.

“Nevertheless it is pleasing to see bigger businesses announcing they are moving back into growth mode as that encourages smaller enterprises.”