New research from recruitment firm Manpower has found that more UK businesses expect to take on more staff in the first three months of 2011.

The Manpower Employment Outlook Survey collated views from more than 2,100 employers and revealed an overall seasonally adjusted net increase of two per cent. The figure varies by sector and region, however, with the hotel and retail sector showing a negative outlook of five per cent - the weakest hiring climate.

Manpower UK managing director Mark Cahill said: "We must work together to bridge the gap between candidate expectation and the reality of the post-recession labour market. "There is still some way to go, but those seeking work must focus on retraining, upskilling and gaining on-the-job experience - all of which are beneficial to securing permanent employment."