Job seekers can look forward to more opportunities in the New Year, according to the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey.

The survey indicates that employers in all industry sectors and all regions are reporting a more upbeat hiring pace for the first quarter of 2010.

521 New Zealand employers were surveyed.

The Outlook confirms that employer confidence is on the rise, with a substantial increase after four successive quarters of mostly disappointing projections. This is due to a rise in the proportion of employers planning to increase hiring (20 per cent, up from 14 per cent in Q.4) and a fall in the number who plan to decrease workforce numbers (six per cent, compared to 13 per cent in Q.4).

Whilst there is still a long way to go before hiring intentions reach the boom-time forecasts seen in 2007, the first quarter survey indicates the strongest employer hiring intentions since Q.3 in 2008.

"These results are good news and suggest that the New Zealand job market has not only stabilised, but is preparing for recovery. New Zealand employers are gradually gaining confidence on the back of more positive economic news," said Chris Riley, General Manager, Sales & Marketing, Manpower New Zealand.

"The New Zealand job market looks as if it is set to gain momentum in the early part of 2010, with employers gearing up for growth and on the hunt for the right people to drive that growth. Now is the time for employers to develop strategies to attract and retain the talent they will need to push their business forward."

Hiring expectations are strongest in the Wholesale and Retail Trade sector. Employers in the Public Administration and Education sector posted the weakest hiring expectations. Across the board, the Outlook for each sector has improved quarter-over-quarter and year-over-year.

The job market recovery is spreading across the nation, with all New Zealand regions posting a positive employment outlook for the first time in over a year. The most significant boost in optimism was seen in Christchurch. Employers in Auckland and Wellington weren't far behind, however.

Riley points to recent Manpower research that revealed the drivers of employee attraction and retention. "Competitive pay, career opportunities, work-life balance and management quality should be focus points for organisations looking to keep existing employees and attract new talent.

"On the other hand, employers who do nothing will see a rise in staff churn in 2010, as employees pluck up the courage to move on to new opportunities."