THE jobs outlook for the East of England is in “excellent” shape, according to a report.

The Manpower Employment Outlook Survey found the region is continuing to deliver a positive forecast for employment, potentially widening the old north/south divide.

The survey, which is based on responses from 2,100 UK employers about whether they intend to hire additional workers or reduce the size of their workforce in the coming economic quarter, found there were once again positive hiring intentions for the coming quarter in the region, with a regional outlook of plus 11%

The last 12 months showed a sustained period of growth in hiring, making the East of England one of the most positive regions in the UK, Manpower said.

The study, used as a key economic statistic by both the Bank of England and the UK government, showed a national seasonally adjusted figure of plus 6%, indicating sustained optimism in the UK jobs market.

Manpower said the jobs market showed no sign of slowing down, and built on the first quarter of 2013 when the outlook was also plus 6%.

The East of England recorded the second highest regional outlook – behind only the south east, which posted an outlook of plus 12%.

Manpower operations director Jason Greaves said: “Hiring sentiment in the east of England is showing no sign of slowing down.

“We are seeing that there is a huge drive in the region for sales and business development staff, particularly in the technology and communications sector, as companies are looking to diversify and drive growth through sales and marketing.

“The same can also be said for utilities companies in the region who are looking to manage the recent changes to energy tariffs.”

However, he said it was still a “tough environment” for job seekers, with employers looking for very particular skill sets and experience to complement the new drive for business.

“Candidates in the region need to be aware of the shift in employers’ needs and be very thorough in presenting themselves and their experience,” he said.

Overall, the picture across the UK was mixed. Hiring intentions in Scotland rebounded after a year of pessimism. Meanwhile south of the border, the south east, south west and east were most optimistic, while the outlook for the north east was minus 1%, and minus 2% for the north west.