Global job prospects for professionals and managers are continuing to improve, according to Antal’s latest ‘Global Snapshot’ survey.

The quarterly global survey of hiring and firing trends from more than 9,600 organisations in 55 countries found that the percentage of organisations intending to hire in the coming quarter was up from 55% at the start of the year to 58%.

In Western Europe, the highest current hiring levels were in the UK (60%), France (53%) and Germany (41%). However, more countries in Western Europe had experienced a drop in hiring levels than n any other geographic region.

The survey’s findings mirror the recent figures published by the US Labor Department which show that, while the number of jobs in the US economy is climbing, so is the number of unemployed.

The percentage of companies hiring managers and professionals is up from 56% in January to 63% now, rising to 66% in the coming quarter. However the percentage of businesses shedding staff is also up from just 29% at the beginning of the year to 37% in May.

Across the globe, Saudi Arabia registered the highest professional recruitment levels in the Middle East at 74%, with Egypt leading the field at 75%.

Brazil, Russia, India and China all continue to have high hiring levels at 65%, 66%, 73% and 72% respectively.

Antal’s chief executive, Tony Goodwin (pictured), says: “Although some countries, particularly in Western Europe, are still seeing a decline in the employment market, the global picture has definitely improved once again.

“In the last two Global Snapshots, we have hesitated to suggest that a genuine and sustained recovery is underway … However, the fact that this industry now tops the list of the world’s most active sectors gives us the confidence to predict that a double dip recession is now unlikely to take place.”