OTTAWA, Ont. — Job growth in Canadian transportation and warehousing for the second quarter is looking much more optimistic than a year ago.

The latest Employment Outlook Survey released by Manpower found that 27 per cent of the companies in the transportation and public utilities sector, which includes transport and warehousing, plan to hire this spring while seven per cent foresee job cuts.

The outlook for the second quarter of last year was not as bright and just three months ago, employers were much more reserved.

However, the transportation and public utilities sector trails the overall economy in terms of job growth expectations. According to the survey of employer intentions for the April-June period, overall 31 per cent anticipated new opportunities, while five per cent envisioned smaller payrolls. Another 60 per cent indicated they will maintain present workforce levels, while four per cent were unsure of their plans.

The quarterly Employment Outlook Survey is conducted as a public service by Manpower Inc. with its 50 locations in Canada.