THE outlook for new jobs in the region is bright, with almost a third of employers planning to recruit more staff, according to a report today.

Employment is expected to rise in every region of the UK, predicted recruitment specialists Manpower.

Research among 2,000 companies showed that job prospects in retail firms were twice as healthy as a year ago.

A total of 29 per cent of employers said they planned to take on more staff, with 14 per cent expecting a reduction.

Nationally, prospects for the next few months are brightest in the West and Yorkshire & Humberside, but every region showed an improved forecast on a year ago.

The report, published ahead of official figures expected to show another fall in unemployment, also warned of skills shortages.

"Employer confidence is back on track for growth in the long term," said Iain Herbertson, managing director of Manpower.