The tech industry could be set for a spike in temporary hiring, according to a new study from recruitment firm Robert Walters.
Nearly half (48%) of UK employers would be willing to hire contract or temporary staff this year to assist with certain projects, the study found, while 20% said they’d be willing to do so in light of permanent headcount freezes.
Similarly, 22% of employers said they would consider investing in temporary hires to plug skills gaps in the organization.
While many contractors moved to permanent roles in the interest of job stability over recent years, changing policies on employer National Insurance contributions and economic instability means firms are opting for more agile workforces.
The tech industry seems to be at the forefront of this change. The study found job listings for temporary roles related to cybersecurity, web development, and JavaScript have all increased by 22%, 6%, and 5% respectively.
“The dexterity of a flexible, skilled workforce can really come into play for many employers this year – especially in digital and tech fields,” Chris Eldridge, CEO of Robert Walters UK & Ireland, said.
“It is especially critical for leaders to ensure their tech infrastructure keeps up with the rate of change – temporary talent has the agility to help ensure company operations are secure from constantly evolving cyber attacks and risks,” Eldridge added.
Contract work has become more appealing for staff, as well, with 34% of staff reportedly willing to take on a contract position this year. Nearly one-third (30%) said they were more attracted to contract roles due to higher earning potential.
“Although contracting is typically viewed as a riskier option because of the absence of job security, recent high-profile layoffs and unsatisfactory bonus seasons have prompted professionals to reconsider this,” Eldridge said.
“Some individuals might opt for contract positions as a temporary fix or a way to enter a specific company, while others may view it as a more long-term career path,” he added.
Why are temps in demand?
Advances in technology are happening fast and new demands require expertise to manage transformation projects, according to Novo Constare, CEO and co-founder of Indeed Flex.
“Temporary staff lends itself well in these scenarios as it enables employers to upskill during specific phases of a project and to use flexible staffing to handle a surge in workloads,” Constare told ITPro.
There’s also a cost benefit, Constare added, as businesses don't need to make a long-term financial commitment to temp workers. This means businesses can be more flexible and agile when navigating economic uncertainty.
"Today's business market demands new levels of agility from organisations to weather the economic highs and lows,” John Paul Caffery, CEO and founder of RAMP Global, told ITPro.
“We've seen companies experience exponential growth only to face rapid declines, where overhiring subsequently becomes a major problem. Temporary hiring can save businesses from facing this same fate and can act as a proactive measure to prevent rounds of large-scale layoffs in the future,” Caffery added.
Caffery echoed the sentiment that temporary workforces also allow businesses to shift responses to changing business or project demands.
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