Nearly one in four Los Angeles area employers plan to hire more workers during the third quarter, the best showing in several years, according to a survey released today from Manpower Inc.

The Milwaukee staffing giant’s quarterly survey of employers in Los Angeles and Orange counties found that 23 percent plan to increase staff, 4 percent plan layoffs and 69 percent plan to keep staffing levels constant.

These figures track closely with the national picture, where 22 percent of employers surveyed plan to add staff next quarter and 4 percent plan layoffs. The percentage of firms that say they plan to hire more workers is at its highest level since before the 2007-09 recession.

The local figures are a significant improvement over both the second quarter and a year ago.

“Employers anticipate stronger hiring plans compared to the second quarter,” said Manpower spokesperson Carol Schenk. “Compared to one year ago, local employers expect a much brighter hiring forecast.”

For the third quarter, job prospects appear best for construction, transportation, wholesale and retail establishments, financial services and professional and business services. The only layoffs are forecast in manufacturing and miscellaneous services.