ManpowerGroup interviewed over 59,000 employers across 44 countries and territories to forecast labor market activity in Quarter 4 2018. All participants were asked, “How do you anticipate total employment at your location to change in the three months to the end of December 2018 as compared to the current quarter?”

ManpowerGroup’s fourth-quarter research reveals that some job gains are expected in 43 of 44 countries and territories during the October-December time frame.

However, there is little evidence of notable surges in hiring activity. Overall employer confidence is little changed from prior quarters and most employers remain resilient, appearing content to engage in modest levels of hiring activity against a backdrop of challenges associated with a realignment of global trading partners and ongoing tariff negotiations.

Fourth-quarter hiring plans strengthen in 22 of 44 countries and territories when compared to the July-September time  frame, weaken in 14 and are unchanged in eight. When compared to last year at this time, Outlooks improve in 23 countries and territories, weaken in 13 and are unchanged in seven. Fourth-quarter hiring confidence is strongest in Japan, Taiwan, the U.S., Romania and Slovenia, while the weakest hiring prospects are reported in Switzerland, Argentina, France and Italy.

Recommendation by ManpowerGroup