JOB prospects have risen again in the North West but are still lagging behind the national average, according to Manpower's latest survey.

In the North West, 18 per cent of employers are expecting to take on more staff and only 11 per cent plan to cut jobs, according to the quarterly survey.

But the region is still ranked 11th out of 12 -- employment prospects look much brighter in the rest of Britain, especially in the West, South and Midlands.

Avis Williams, Manpower general manager, said: "The North West has recovered well from the 1999 spring dip which affected almost every region, but it is still trailing behind the national trend.

"The last three quarters, however, have all seen significantly improved forecasts for the region, so the picture for the year as a whole is looking more healthy, despite its low ranking this time."