According to the results of a recent survey conducted by Nishinippon Shimbun with major companies in Kyushu, 25 of 109 companies (22.9%) indicated plans to increase worker numbers in the spring of 2014. This is the first time in two years that the number of companies planning to hire workers has exceeded the number planning to reduce staff or keep them at the same level, which suggests a positive outlook for the regional employment situation. In total, 114 companies were surveyed and 109 replied. Of those, 21 in the non-manufacturing sector and 4 in the manufacturing sector said they planned to increase hiring. The survey suggests that Prime Minister Abe’s economic stimulus measures (aka “Abenomics”) are having a positive effect in the real estate and construction industries, but companies in the electronics, machinery and automobile sectors—all of which are rely heavily on exports and are easily affected by the correction of the high yen—appear more cautious. Out of 37 companies surveyed, 16 said they would keep staffing levels on par with this year, while 13 said they were undecided. Source: Nishinippon Shimbun, Apr. 15
