Recruiters in the GCC region are adopting a cautious stance amid the global economic crunch, with over 400 employers revealing a minor improvement in hiring when compared to July 2012, according to a survey conducted by Naukrigulf.com.

This is still lower than what it was in the beginning of 2012, the report showed.

Sixty-eight per cent of recruiters said that new jobs will be created in 2013 as compared to 64 per cent stating the same in July 2012. Among the recruiters predicting a positive sentiment, 48 per cent said that jobs will be for the 4 to 8 years experience bracket and about 40 per cent said jobs will be for the one to three years experience levels.

However, what is the matter of concern is that about 14 per cent employers have said there will be no hiring in the coming months and 5 per cent said layoffs may also happen in their organisation.

Sectorally, recruiters from the construction and retail sector were much more optimistic about the job scenario of 2013 but oil and gas sector employers have revealed low sentiments with only 68 per cent saying new jobs will be created as compared to 83 per cent sating the same six months ago.

The Naukrigulf.com Hiring Outlook survey is conducted to gauge the hiring trends across sectors, the statement said. This gives a clear perspective about the employment opportunities in the market and throws light on increments, job opportunities and attrition levels.

Tarun Aggarwal, business head, Naukrigulf.com, said: “The global economic environment has made companies in the GCC region understandably cautious but the sentiment is definitely better than what it was six months ago.”

“Industries that will attract and retain talent in the region are construction and retail sectors. Also, employees with right skills and experience are the ones which will get higher increments and most others may get single digit hikes or no increments.”

The survey also revealed the pay hike that organisations plan to give out to their employees in 2013. About 50 per cent recruiters predicted single digit salary hikes and 17 per cent said that there will be no increments in 2013.

The widening gap between demand and supply for talented workers has become a major cause of worry. However, this year recruiters have said that the situation is better than last year. Fifty-five per cent said that they face talent crunch while hiring employees and 4 to 8 years still remains the most difficult experience bracket to hire. Also, hiring Arab nationals still remains the area of concern with 58 per cent stating that they face difficulty while hiring nationals.

The Naukrigulf.com Hiring Outlook survey is a half-yearly e-mail survey, the results of which are compiled using statistical and analytical techniques. – TradeArabia News Service