Confidence is building among contractors in the UK, with improved opportunities, higher remuneration and greater employment flexibility.
Contractors are taking advantage of the growing need for temporary workers and superior employment conditions on offer as the UK economy recovers from the global financial crisis (GFC).
myOE Account Manager Jill Henderson says the employment market shows an increasing demand for contractors as businesses experience growth but are cautious about hiring on a permanent basis.
“There has been a shift in the market since the GFC and companies are looking more to contractors than permanent employees as a way to manage cost and risk as they build back to pre-recession times.”
Ms Henderson said contract work offered a number of benefits not only to the companies employing them but also to the workers.
“We’ve noticed higher numbers of contractors in the UK market and the feedback from them is very positive about the positions they are securing. Apart from the job itself, they are benefiting from attractive pay rates, excellent working conditions and flexibility in their roles. This means they’re able to make the most of contracting in the UK while also getting out and experiencing the rest of Europe.”
A recent survey of UK contract workers showed that more than half were confident in their job prospects and over 70% expected pay rates to either stay the same or increase.
The growing number of people choosing contract or freelance work suggests it has become a career choice, with around 40% of new jobs created since 2010 in the temporary workforce.
“A number of contractors we have spoken to have told us they believe they can advance their career faster compared with a permanent job, and the variety of work on offer also makes it an appealing option,” Ms Henderson said. “It is a great time for those who are thinking of moving to the UK to take advantage of these increased job opportunities.”
Survey results also showed that recruitment agencies are a popular avenue for finding placements, with less than a quarter getting work through an advertised job.
