The number of companies in Portugal that plan to hire new employees has increased from 41% in 2017 to 52% this year, according to research from consulting group Mercer.

The research also found that 45% of organisations expect to maintain the same number of employees, with 2% point to a reduction.

Mercer’s research also published a forecast to 2019 and found a slight decline with 48% of companies planning to recruit new employees. Meanwhile, as in 2018, 45% of organisations are expecting to maintain the current number of employees, with 2% planning to reduce their headcount.

According to the study, in 2018, salary increases ranged on average, between 1.37% and 3.11%, taking into account the levels of responsibility. Senior managers saw increases of 3% in wages, while general management positions registered increases of 1.37% in 2018. Expected salary increases projected for 2019 are between 2% and 3%.