A Manpower Employment Outlook Survey just released reveals that employment prospects for job seekers in the wholesale and retail trade sector are on ice.

The survey, which was part of a broader survey of 2,405 employers across Australia, indicated that the majority of employers in this sector are not increasing their staff levels for the next quarter. Just 15 per cent of companies will have jobs between October and December 2008.

According to Stephen Hinch, general manager marketing and communications, Manpower, Australia and New Zealand: “Whilst we have seen a softening in the intention to hire new staff, driven by a fall in consumer spending, it may not be a signal for a slowdown in net growth.

“This is because this industry which is quite cyclical may well be propped up by the record high levels of vacancies, and strong company profits showing 7.8 per cent in the retail sector, despite the slowdown in consumer spending. Profit growth normally converts to a more positive hiring environment as the real cost of labour is driven down.

“This will mean that under the current economic conditions, we will see jobs demand in this industry back around 21 per cent by June-July 2009.”