Despite the fact that the UK is currently experiencing a double dip recession, the situation for contractors and temporary workers has been reported as quite positive. Many recruiters have reported encouraging signs for temporary and contract workers, and this has been further validated by a recent report from Association of Professional Staffing Companies.
The latest jobs data from APSCo has found that over the last 12 months UK temporary job placements increased by 7%, whilst at the same time the permanent market fell by 5%. APSCo Chief Executive Ann Swain believes that move from permanent to temporary worker shows how employers are responding to the current economic conditions, with the flexibility of contract workers becoming increasingly valuable.
She said; “This switch from permanent to temporary recruitment demonstrates how the UK’s professional recruitment market can respond flexibly to changes in the broader UK economy.” Ms Swain added that falling employer confidence by be one reason why employers have turned to temps as they are not currently prepared to make long term commitments.
With official employment figures confirming the increasing number of contractors and freelance workers and further research backing the use of contractors, the findings of APSCo’s study are no surprise. More in depth analysis shows that in the IT sector, which has played a major role in growth, temporary placements rose by 16% over the last year. With unemployment expected to fluctuate in coming months it will be ever more vital for the UK’s flexible workforce to support the demands of the jobs market.
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