Business leaders in the US are planning to hire new members of staff during 2011, a new survey shows.

Research by Regus reveals 32 per cent of firms expect to expand their workforces next year, suggesting companies are witnessing signs of recovery and sustainable upward growth.

Confidence in future outlook within the country also climbed, with the index rising by seven points over the past six months to 87.

Additionally, the bi-annual Business Tracker survey of more than 10,000 senior executives in 78 countries worldwide showed that 36 per cent of those polled planned to increase recruitment during 2011.

The report suggests global unemployment trends may be reversing following rising joblessness in recent years and Regus regional vice-president Sande Golgart said: "The intention to increase headcount is a clear indicator that businesses want to be prepared to grasp the opportunities that recovering markets may throw their way."

Meanwhile, recent US figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed a rise in private sector employment of 64,000 jobs during September 2010 was offset by a 159,000 fall in public sector roles.

Posted by Fiona Summers