A poll of chief financial officers (CFOs) in the US reveals they plan to expand their full-time workforces by two per cent next year.

According to the research by Duke University and CFO Magazine, the technology and service and consulting industries are expected to increase recruitment most significantly.

The Global Business Outlook Survey found hiring plans were at their highest level since early 2006, with increases of 0.2 per cent in Europe and five per cent in Asia anticipated in 2011.

Commenting on the figures, Duke University professor John Graham stated: "At a normal rate of labor force growth, employment expansion of two per cent should reduce unemployment below nine per cent by the end of 2011."

In addition, CFOs surveyed were more optimistic about economic prospects for next year, with higher expectations for capital spending and wages predicted to increase by 2.5 per cent in the US in 2011.

Recent figures from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated the number of job openings in the country by the end of October rose by 2.5 per cent month-on-month to 3.4 million.

Posted by Fiona Summers