India's outlook has improved by 6 percentage points quarter-over-quarter, but weakened by 14 percentage points when compared to the fourth quarter last year.

The Net Employment Outlook in the last quarter in China was +8 percent, Canada at +5 percent, while it was negative in the US and Britain.

"We are witnessing a strong hiring trend in all regions in India. North, East and West are all showing improved signs compared to three months ago," said Manpower India managing director Naresh Malhan.

"Indian employers have absorbed the layoffs conducted in the third quarter of 2008 calendar year and are telling us they will begin hiring again at a conservative pace, but most intend to keep their workforce intact through the end of the year," Malhan said.

The good news is that in the fourth quarter this year, job seekers in key industry sectors can look forward to the most favourable hiring environment."

Job seekers in the finance, insurance, realty, services, retail, public administration, education and the mining sectors can look forward to the most favourable hiring environment.

"We're also seeing accelerated hiring in India's mining and construction sectors, thanks to government efforts in support of infrastructure projects," said Malhan.

The most optimistic employment forecasts after India are reported in Brazil, China and Australia.

"Eighty percent of employers in Europe are telling us they will make no changes to their staff, which will most likely lead to some labour market stability in the fourth quarter," said Malhan.

"The manufacturing sector throughout Europe will continue to encounter a difficult market. This is most evident in Germany, where employer hiring expectations have grown progressively weaker for six consecutive quarters."

Source: IANS