The beginning of 1998 will see the strongest jobs market for eight years, according to a new survey.

The employment agency, Manpower, questioned 2,221 British firms and found that at least one in five expected to increase its workforce over the next three months.

BBC correspondent Ed Crooks says it promises to be a bright New Year for job seekers (1")

The biggest demand is in the electronics and telecommunications industries, although firms are worried about a shortage of skilled workers, according to the survey.

More than one in five of those polled predict an increase in jobs from January to March, with 12% expecting a cutback.

Companies are worried about a shortage of skilled workers

This leaves a balance of 10%, an upswing of 4% compared to a year ago and the highest first-quarter balance since 1989.

The most optimistic region is the East Midlands, followed by the Home Counties, while employers in Scotland, South Wales and the North East expect a fall in recruitment levels.

Confidence on employment among firms in the North East shows a sharp upswing compared with a year ago.

Lilian Bennett, chairman of Manpower, said: "Almost without exception our respondents take a positive view of the immediate future, whilst watching the medium and long term carefully.

"They are, however, concerned about potential skill shortages and are reviewing their training plans."
 

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