Only 1 in 5 Hong Kong bosses will boost headcount in 4Q14

And 5% actually plan to decrease.

Based on data from the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey, Hong Kong employers continue to report favourable hiring intentions for 4Q 2014.

According to a research note from Barclays, 21% of employers expect to increase staffing levels, 5% forecast a decrease and 71% anticipate no change.

The net employment outlook remains unchanged q/q at 16%, the report noted.

Here's more from Barclays:

On a seasonally adjusted basis, the net employment outlook was also unchanged at 15%. Among the sectors, hiring activity is forecast to be strongest in the Services sector (net employment outlook of 23%) as well as in the Mining & Construction sector (+21%).

This is followed by the Finance, Insurance & Real Estate sector at 18%, Transport & Utilities at 14%. Wholesale & Retail Trade was at 11% and Manufacturing is at 6%.

On a q/q basis, improvements were noted in Transportation & Utilities (+4pp), Mining & Construction (3pp) and Services (2pp).

Meanwhile hiring plans were unchanged in both finance, insurance & real estate and wholesale & retail trade.