Employer confidence is remaining upbeat, with just under a third of employers planning to grow staff numbers during the next quarter, according to a new report.

Hudson’s Employment Expectations report surveyed 4,852 employers across Australia in late May and revealed plans for job growth for the coming months.

“Results show that all industries have positive employment expectations for the next quarter as they look to strengthen their workforce and position themselves for future growth, said Mark Steyn, CEO of Hudson Australia/New Zealand. “However, there are marked differences across industries, with employers in resources and construction well placed to battle for the best talent while those in trade-based industries are challenged to manage costs.

“The job market is buoyant in certain sectors, which works in favour of employees, as employers face increased competition for the most talented candidates, forcing some companies to raise salaries and offer more appealing contract opportunities in order to attract and retain the most skilled employees,” commented Steyn.

Resources remain the most confident industry nationally with 59% of employers planning to increase permanent headcount over the next quarter. As a result, employer confidence in Western Australia was the highest in Australia, boosted by the growing demand for qualified employees within the resources industry.

The survey showed that employer confidence within the wholesale/distribution industry has risen most dramatically compared to last quarter’s results, with 29.6% of employers intending to take on more staff over the coming three months.

This is the highest level of confidence the wholesale/distribution industry has felt since the quarter July – September 2008.

“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 Steyn.

“Australian businesses need to ensure they have robust selection procedures and talent management programmes in place to stand out from their competitors and attract and retain the most talented candidates.”