DESPITE a positive job outlook for the last quarter of 2003, the UK is set to have the lowest results for employer hiring intentions since 1993, although employers in Wiltshire are at least showing more optimism.

Mike Banyard, divisional director of Manpower South West, said: "Employer confidence is high. Good times lie ahead for candidates looking for work from now until Christmas.

"If employer forecasts deliver on their optimism, candidates will have a great deal of work opportunities from now until the end of the year."

The Manpower Employment Outlook Survey gives a forecast of employer hiring intentions for the last quarter.

Mr Banyard said year- on-year growth for the region had risen 15 per cent and the result was above the average of the last five years. The region has benefitted from increased numbers of people staying in the UK for their holidays, and consequently tourism and service sectors have expanded," he said.