EMPLOYERS in the North-west have posted a pessimistic recruitment outlook for the summer, according to the latest figures from Manpower, the workforce management company.

The Manpower Employment Outlook Survey questioned 2,500 employers nationwide. The results show the balance of employers looking to take on more staff in the North-west is -1 per cent, compared to a UK average of +14 per cent.

This represents a quarter-on-quarter and a year-on-year decrease of 10 and 11 percentage points respectively.

Kim Collins, group business manager for manpower in the North-west, said: "April was a buoyant month, but May through to June has been very tight.

"This period is historically a difficult time for the region, with students away for summer and the holiday season in full flow. We'd hope to see optimism picking up towards the end of summer, as September/October is generally one of this region's busiest times."

The survey showed an overall reduction in the number of firms looking to recruit for permanent and temporary positions.

But, in addition, there was also a noticeable decline in the number of candidates walking through the doors looking for work.