India to lead global turnaround in employment this year: survey

India has emerged the most ''optimistic'' nation in the world in terms of hiring for the next three months; and moreover, sectors including aviation, information technology and related services, and retail are likely to see an increase in pay packages, according to global workforce solutions firm ManpowerGroup Inc.

According to its Employment Outlook Survey released today, 41 per cent of the surveyed Indian employers are expected to add to their staff levels in second-quarter of this calendar year.

The ManpowerGroup measures the difference between employers foreseeing more hiring and those planning cuts,

''Government initiatives, increased industry participation, rise of start-up ventures and emergence of India as an investment destination are some of the key factors that have fuelled the economy's growth,'' ManpowerGroup India managing director A G Rao said.

''Employer hiring intentions remain positive in all seven sectors covered in the survey, primarily driven by aviation, IT & ITeS and retail sectors where employer hiring sentiment appears to be improving.''

Employers across most sectors in India had been apprehensive of hiring due to uncertainty in overall business environment. However, things are expected to improve in 2014, the survey – which covered 5,302 employers in India - said.

''As hiring is set to rebound in India, competition for talent is likely to prove intense. An upturn in demand for outsourcing from the US and other countries will boost prospects for individuals with engineering and programming skills,'' ManpowerGroup president Darryl Green said.

The survey noted that the headwinds encountered in many global labour markets may be moderating amid numerous signs of measured optimism among employers. Staffing levels are expected to increase in 38 of 42 countries and territories covered under the survey.

The strongest hiring plans across the globe are expected from employers in India, Taiwan, New Zealand, Turkey and Costa Rica.

Conversely, the weakest second-quarter forecasts are expected from employers in Italy, the Czech Republic and France - where the net employment outlook seems to be slipping into negative territory for the second time in the past four quarters.

''There is improvement across industries and geographies. Although the improvement is still very cautious and not as robust as we've seen in the past, there are signals that confidence is starting to take hold,'' ManpowerGroup chairman and chief executive Jeffrey A Joerres said.