Nearly 60 per cent of Canadian businesses plan to increase their number of permanent positions before the end of the year, says survey. Photo by Mike Blake/Postmedia Network

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Frustrated job seekers may soon be in luck as a swath of openings are expected in the labour market.

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Nearly 60 per cent of Canadian businesses plan to increase their number of permanent positions before the end of the year, according to a recent survey from Robert Half Canada Inc.

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Forty-five per cent of hiring managers also expect to be on the hunt for contract workers with specialized skills.

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“Many organizations are ready to advance important business priorities, but successful execution relies on having the right skills in place,” Koula Vasilopoulos, senior managing director of Robert Half Canada, said in a news release.

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“Employers are broadening their talent strategies, leveraging both permanent and contract professionals to access critical skills and keep strategic projects moving forward.”

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The legal sector is expected to make the biggest push for new employees, with 75 per cent of hiring managers in the field planning to add more staff this year. Meanwhile, 66 per cent of hiring managers in marketing expect to do the same, followed by 64 per cent in human resources companies, and 59 per cent in finance.

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This comes as Canada’s unemployment rate has fallen every month since April, with June’s rate coming in at 6.5 per cent. Statistics Canada will release its July report next Friday.

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“Following May’s exceptionally strong gain, hiring moderated in June, and the unemployment rate returned to where it began the year,” TD Bank economist Maria Solovieva said earlier this month. “Pulling back the lens, Canada’s labour market has made modest, but positive progress over the past year.”

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Still, 53 per cent of businesses are finding it more difficult to find people with the right skills for what they’re looking for.

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Skills shortages have resulted in project delays for 56 per cent of hiring managers, while 48 per cent had to flat out cancel a project due to a lack of necessary qualifications.

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Technical skills, industry-specific knowledge and leadership were the competencies most difficult for recruiters to find, according to the report.

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“Finding professionals with specialized, in-demand skills remains a challenge for many organizations, and employers are increasingly seeking flexible ways to address talent gaps,” Vasilopoulos said.

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When such skills aren’t available in the talent pool, 37 per cent of managers said they prioritize “high-potential” candidates and then invest in their development.

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Another 56 per cent of respondents said they intend to seek help from staffing firms to access the specialized skills they need in a hire.

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“A staffing partner can provide access to skilled professionals who can contribute quickly, maintain business momentum and support long-term future growth,” Vasilopoulos said.