GCC jobs survey: Half of recruiters say 5-10% increments this year

Majority of recruiters in the GCC have revealed an optimistic hiring scenario in the first half of 2012, according to a new survey.

The findings by Naukrigulf.com reveal that 77 per cent recruiters have predicted addition of new jobs in the first half of this year, strengthening the positive sentiment in the region.

Of the pessimistic ones, 7 per cent anticipate layoffs and another 7 per cent believe there will be no hiring at all.

“The region is witnessing a positive hiring environment especially in UAE, Saudi and Qatar.  This may not be the best time for hiring activity, but the sentiment is optimistic and most companies will be increasing their headcount over the next six months. We expect increased hiring from oil & gas, construction & engineering, IT & telecom and retail sectors, said an official of the portal.

Adding to the good news, the survey indicates at increments being doled out to employees this year. Nearly half (49 per cent) of the recruiters surveyed said that the range of increments will be between 5 per cent and 10 per cent. Better still, 20 per cent of the respondents said it will vary between 10 to 15 per cent while and 13 per cent recruiters said that their increments will be less than 5 per cent.

The survey reveals that more jobs (53 per cent) will be available to people with four to eight years’ experience, while 43 per cent recruiters said that would be looking at candidates with one to three years’ experience.

The least number of jobs will be on offer for those with maximum experience – 16 per cent participants said jobs will be on offer to those with 15 years’ plus experience.

Shortage of talent will continue to plague the region, said the survey.

Majority (61 per cent) of recruiters, who took the survey, said they face a talent crunch when hiring.

Among these recruiters, 45 per cent said that maximum talent crunch was witnessed in the 4-8 years’ experience bracket. Half of the respondents (50 per cent) said Arabs (including nationals) employees were most difficult to find.

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