Check out which industry has strongest plans to axe employees

Headcount reduction plot edged up 7ppt.

According to a survey of permanent hiring expectations by Hudson, IT&T has leapt 29.8pp from the least positive industry last quarter to the most positive industry this quarter, with 53.1% of employers reporting positive hiring intentions.

Positive hiring intentions among Banking & Financial Services employers are also up significantly (13.9pp) to 45.0%, although they also has the strongest intentions to reduce headcount (up 7.0pp).

The Manufacturing & Industrial industry is slightly more positive this quarter up 1.8pp to 36.0%.

Here's more from Hudson:

Increased hiring intentions in the IT&T industry is reflective of the shrinking pool of suitable hires and increasing demand for skilled workers. As restrictions on foreign workers further constrict the labour market, and demand increases for skilled, ready to work hires, hiring intention is likely to continue to grow.

Banking & Financial Services organisations continue to send support roles, including back office operations and finance-based positions, to lower cost locations such as India and Manila. While hiring in these roles has slowed, employers continue to hire in critical areas including risk management and compliance, in addition to front line sales and relationship management positions.

The Manufacturing & Industrial sector continues to enjoy government recognition as a pillar of the economy. The government has acknowledged the need to stay open to foreign talent, and employers will look to hire contract and supply chain managers to minimise their costs in a globally competitive industry.

Sales and Account Managers who can bring in new business are in demand across industries as businesses look for every opportunity in a tight economy.