Just under half (48%) of companies plan to recruit skilled professionals and managers in the third quarter of 2015,  with the figure unchanged from the same quarter last year, according to the latest figures from APEC, the Association for the Employment of Skilled Professionals and Managers (Association Pour l’Emploi des Cadres).

However; despite only 48% expecting to hire at least one professional or manager in Q3 2014, 57% actually did so. Of the 48% of companies expecting to hire in Q3 2015 72% are certain that they will do so, up from 69% last year. 

Jean-Marie Marx, CEO of APEC, commented: “Companies remained cautious about the third quarter; with 48% intending to recruit at least one professional/manager during that period, the same as in 2014 and 2013.”

“Despite this caution, the number of firms certain that they will hire professionals/managers has increased. Also, hiring intentions remain very high in the IT sector and Engineering R&D, two drivers of the professional/manager employment market.”

“However, this increase is not expected to benefit either young graduates or senior executives, as the environment is still uncertain,” Mr Marx added.

The strongest hiring intentions for skilled professionals and managers is the IT sector, with 91% of companies expecting to add headcount at that level. Engineering R&D also expects strong hiring in Q3 2015, with 77% expecting to hire.

The weakest hiring intentions for skilled professionals and managers were reported in Retail & Transport (32% expect to hire), Construction (33%), and Consulting & Business Services (41%).

To read the full report, click here (French only).