Forty percent of Midwest employers plan to increase staffing levels in the first quarter, up from 34 percent in the fourth quarter, according to an employment forecast survey by QPS Companies Inc., a privately held staffing firm based in Brookfield, Wis. Nine percent will decrease levels.

“In comparison to the fourth quarter of 2012, employers are slightly more optimistic when it comes to hiring and wages,” said Dan McNulty, QPS’ chief operating officer. “Hiring plans are up 6 percent and 11 percent more companies plan on increasing wages versus Q4 2012.”

According to the survey, 40 percent of employers have open positions due to lack of skilled employees and 55 percent feel the economy is the biggest issue facing companies in the first quarter, followed by lack of qualified employees at 44 percent.

QPS surveyed 420 manufacturers, banks, printers, distributors and information technology firms in Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa and Kansas City, Mo. The survey took place in December 2012.