76% Gulf recruiters predict creation of new jobs in second half

As much as 76 per cent of recruiters in the Gulf region predict the addition of new jobs in the second half of 2011, while 7 per cent of them anticipate layoffs and 2 per cent said there will be no hiring, a new survey has revealed.

The Naukrigulf.com survey, which covered over 80 recruiters across the GCC region, indicates a positive employment scenario, with hiring picking up at a steady pace in the second half of 2011. The Naukrigulf.com Hiring Outlook survey is conducted to gauge the hiring trends across sectors in West Asia.

According to the survey, the overall sentiment has witnessed a change over the last one year.

A similar survey in July 2010 saw 50 per cent of recruiters anticipating the creation of new jobs in the second half of 2010. In July 2011, the number grew to 76 per cent, thus indicating the change in outlook.

Similarly, last year, 17 per cent of recruiters predicted layoffs. This year, only 7 per cent of the surveyed recruiters voted for the same.

Naukrigulf.com Business Head, Mr Tarun Aggarwal, said the region is witnessing a positive hiring environment.

“The various initiatives by the respective governments as well as rising oil prices have led to creation of new jobs and newer job opportunities.

“We expect increased hiring from the oil and gas, construction & engineering, IT and telecom and retail sectors. Region-wise, we see more new hiring in Qatar and a higher number of replacement hiring in Saudi Arabia,” he said.

The survey also revealed the increments organisations gave out to their employees in 2011. About 38 per cent of the recruiters surveyed said the range of increments was between 5 per cent and 10 per cent.

Around 20 per cent said the range was between 10 per cent and 15 per cent and 15 per cent said their increments were less than 5 per cent.

Asked about the experience levels being targeted through the recruiting process, 52 per cent of the recruiters said candidates should have 4-8 years’ experience and 31 per cent recruiters said it would be within 1-3 years. It is interesting to note that 38 per cent said jobs would be created in the above 8 years experience bracket.

The widening demand-supply gap for talented workers has become a major cause of worry. Around 63 per cent of the recruiters who took the survey said they face a talent crunch during hiring their employees.

Among these recruiters, 47 per cent said the maximum talent crunch was witnessed in the 4-8 years experience bracket.

Naukrigulf.com, which was started in April 2006, by Info Edge (India), owner of Naukri.com, is a recruitment platform for the corporate world, placement agencies and job seekers in the Gulf region.

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