Portuguese firms slow hiring amid international uncertainty (eco.sapo.pt)

• 35% of firms plan to hire, 17% expect to cut staff
• Net employment outlook drops from 30% to 18%
• Construction leads at +36%; European average is 14%

"A ManpowerGroup survey shows 35% of Portuguese companies plan to hire in Q3 2026, down from 38% in the previous quarter, while 17% expect to reduce headcount (up from 9%). The net employment outlook dropped from nearly 30% to 18%, attributed to geopolitical tensions, energy costs, and European economic slowdown."