The Manpower Employment Survey which shows potential labour market recovery points to the need for businesses to retain an interest in training and skill development of their staff. Industry Training Federation Executive Director Jeremy Baker said that Industry Training Organisations (ITOs) were encouraging workplaces to maintain levels of training despite tough economic times. "It is important that when we are through the recession, we are left with a skilled at productive workforce to help drive our economy forward," Mr Baker said. "We have been heartened that so many employers have chosen to keep up training levels despite the difficult times. I hope that today's glimmer of hope provides them with the confidence to keep that up. "While addressing training needs will seem harder in those industries and regions where there are not signs of recovery, it still remains essential and can help lead recovery," Mr Baker said.