As the skills shortage in the UK continues, the recruitment industry is facilitating higher levels of contractor placements within the IT sector, ensuring the continuation of a vital talent pipeline for businesses, according to David Geary, policy adviser to the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC).
The UK has witnessed a strong and steady upward trend in demand for temporary professionals within the IT sector over the last two years, and it is anticipated that demand will continue to grow in this sector throughout the remainder of 2015.
The REC’s Job Outlook survey, January 2015, found that 35 per cent of businesses are operating with ‘no spare capacity’ to take on more work without more personnel. Compare this finding with January 2014, when just 25 per cent of respondents reported having no spare capacity. This points to additional pressures on businesses at present, and with stretched workforces unable to meet rising demand, end-clients will have to consider increasing their labour resources if they are to take advantage of the very positive economic climate in 2015. In the same report, almost half of respondents stated they intend to hire recruitment agency-supplied workers between April and December 2015, with ‘access to short term skills’ cited as the primary reason.
IT contractors, with the required skills, are in such a strong position to negotiate rocketing pay rate levels. The UK government are being urged to continue championing temporary working, highlighting the increased flexibility, pay and experience available to individuals who contract in IT. As freelancers and contractors will attest, temporary assignments can provide great opportunities to gain new skills which can increase the chances of subsequently accessing higher level roles, with even more earning power potential!
So there is no question that the time is most definitely now to come and contract in the UK! Contact us today to find out how myOE can help you plan your trip, successfully help you land on your feet in London, and further maximise your earning potential as a contractor whilst you are there – giving you the funds to really have the time of your lives, experiencing all the amazing things there are to do in the UK.
