In the third quarter of 2009 job seekers around the globe can expect more of the same sluggish hiring pace seen during the first half of the year, but worldwide a greater percentage of employers are saying they will hold on to the staff they have, according to the Global Employment Outlook Survey results released Tuesday by recruitment firm Manpower. Job prospects in the manufacturing industry sector have deteriorated further across Continental Europe and contributed to German employers' first negative hiring forecast in three years. The hiring picture in the US remains unchanged from the second quarter with US employers planning to keep their staffing levels relatively stable during Quarter 3 2009. The labour market in Ireland is likely to remain sluggish in Quarter 3 2009, according to employers taking part in the survey. Although 6% forecast increasing headcount, 13% anticipate a decrease and 79% expect no change. The resulting Net Employment Outlook is -7%.