Local employers are slightly more bullish about their hiring plans, despite fresh fears of another slowdown, according to a quarterly survey released Tuesday from temporary employment giant Manpower Inc.

Eighteen percent of employers in the Los Angeles-Orange County region plan to hire additional workers in the third quarter, up from 10 percent in the second quarter and 11 percent a year earlier.

The planned 18 percent hiring rate in Los Angeles and Orange counties equals the statewide average, but trails the nationwide average of 20 percent.

Nonetheless, it’s welcome news amid the barrage of unemployment reports that have come out in recent weeks. Those reports have fueled fears of a double-dip recession.

Overall, more than two-thirds of local employers surveyed by Manpower say they will keep staffing levels the same at their companies.

“Employers expect much improved employment prospects for the third quarter of 2011 compared with one year ago when the net employment outlook was -2 percentage points,” said Manpower spokesman William Marzullo.

Among the categories expected to lead the third quarter hiring: construction, non-durable goods manufacturing, retail, professional and business services and leisure/hospitality. Categories expected to post staffing reductions include durable goods manufacturing, government and private education.

On construction hiring, Marzullo said that even though new home and commercial construction are at historic lows, more people are maintaining, repairing, renovating and upgrading current buildings. There are also more “green” upgrades to make buildings more energy efficient.