Forty-six percent of Midwest employers plan to increase staffing levels in the second quarter, up from 40 percent in the first quarter, according to an employment forecast survey by QPS Companies Inc., a privately held staffing firm based in Brookfield, Wis. Four percent will decrease levels.

“In comparison to the first quarter of 2013, more employers have open positions due to lack of skilled or qualified employees,” said Mark Immekus, QPS’ chief sales officer. “Skilled and technical fields such as trades, engineering and IT have the highest demand, which is exceeding the supply right now.”

According to the survey, 45 percent of employers have open positions due to lack of skilled employees and 52 percent feel the economy is the biggest issue facing companies in the first quarter, followed by lack of qualified employees at 46 percent.

QPS surveyed 320 manufacturers, banks, printers, distributors and information technology firms in Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa and Kansas City, Mo. The survey took place in March.