New Zealand’s employment grows as economy gathers pace

PRESS RELEASE

Tuesday 26th November, 2013

New Zealand’s employment grows as economy gathers pace

Growing confidence in New Zealand’s economy is boosting employment with 46 per cent of employers expecting permanent staff levels to increase, according to a survey of more than 1,600 employers carried out as part of the annual Hays Salary Guide.

Employment in New Zealand increased 1.2 per cent, or by 27,000 jobs, in the third quarter of 2013, the most since early 2007, the statistics bureau said earlier this month. The jobless rate fell to 6.2 per cent from 6.4 per cent.

The IMF predicts New Zealand’s economy will expand at a rate of 2.5 per cent in 2013 led by consumer spending, house construction and rebuilding in earthquake-damaged Christchurch. This level compares well with the average growth rate of just 1.2 per cent among other advanced economies in 2013.

Growth is expected to pick up to 2.9 per cent in 2014, compared to a rate of 2.8 per cent in Australia,
as New Zealand's business and consumer confidence continues to rise.

According to the recruiter’s Hays Salary Guide, permanent employment opportunities will continue to grow, and similarly there will be an increase in openness from employers towards temporary/contract employment.

“We are seeing some employers become more confident in recruiting permanent staff initially rather than bringing someone on board in a temporary capacity first,” says Jason Walker, Managing Director of Hays in New Zealand.

“Overall the availability of candidates is decreasing and the need for strong, experienced and skilled professionals is increasing.

“The construction on civil and commercial projects has increased and is on the brink of significantly increasing further based on forward planning. This will continue to fuel a very active candidate market.”  

Hays, the world’s leading recruiting experts in qualified, professional and skilled people.

ENDS

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