A new survey suggests Canadian employers expect a moderate but steady hiring climate in the first quarter of 2007.

The Manpower Employment Outlook Survey says 17% of employers expect to increase their payrolls, while 14% anticipate cutbacks, for a net employment outlook of +3%.

Of those polled, 67% expect no changes and 2% are unsure of their staffing intentions.

“This quarter’s net employment outlook indicates a slightly weaker but steady hiring forecast for the start of the year,” says Lori Rogers, vice president and general manager for Manpower Canada. “However, the first quarter of the year is normally characterized by a restrictive hiring climate.”

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