Strong demand continues for front line professionals

Most companies are focusing hiring activity on front line roles, according to the latest Michael Page Employment Index.

Of the 41% of companies planning to hire new staff in August, almost half will be recruiting front line professionals in areas such as sales and customer service. The front line function has been the main recruitment focus of companies surveyed since April 2010. Some 19% of companies are hiring for operational functions like purchasing and engineering, whilst 18% are increasing their back office capabilities across areas such as accounting and human resources.

Over half of the companies surveyed expect to maintain existing staff levels in August, with only 6% of respondents anticipating a decrease in employee numbers.

The demand for junior professionals continues to grow, with 39% of companies surveyed planning to hire at this level in August. Some 28% of companies will be hiring mid-level professionals, with a further 16% focusing on the recruitment of senior level professionals.

Companies are cautiously optimistic about the strength of business conditions going forward. Almost half of the companies surveyed expect business operations will remain stable for the remainder of 2010. A further 44% of respondents expect an improvement, with only 7% predicting business operations will weaken.