JOB prospects in the coming months are positive but firms are finding it difficult to recruit skilled workers, according to a new report.

A survey of 2,500 employers across the UK found only 5 per cent were planning job cuts, with 21 per cent predicting recruitment growth.

Employers in the West Midlands were most optimistic, followed by those in the South West, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

Firms in London and Eastern England were least optimistic about taking on new staff, according to the report by recruitment firm Manpower.

Prospects were particularly bright in health and education as well as among hotel and retail firms.

Manpower director Hazel Detsiny said: "We are hearing anecdotal evidence from employers that whilst they are voicing their intent to hire, they often find it hard to find suitable candidates with the right skills and qualities to fill a number of these vacancies."

Of 11 European countries surveyed by Manpower, only Sweden had a stronger forecast for jobs in the coming months than the UK.

Employers in Germany predicted job cuts although the labour market in that country was showing improvement. Tweet