With economic predictions remaining subdued, many employers are holding off from determining the future shape of their permanent workforce until a clearer picture emerges.
However despite this cautious approach, the work still has to be done, so employers remain committed to the use of temporary staff.
According to the Recruitment and Employment Federation (REC’s) latest JobsOutlook, a total of 22 per cent of employers expect to increase the number of temps within their workforce over the next three months, whilst 86 per cent are planning to maintain or increase their number of temporary staff over the next 12 months.
This puts temporary working back in the spotlight, as a credible alternative to permanent working that can deliver real advantages for both employers and interim or temporary workers alike.
Aside from the obvious benefit in this climate of a temporary role generally involving a less stringent sign off process for employers, it also allows them to maintain flexibility from a budgeting and commitment perspective, and optimise resources according to workload fluctuation. In addition it enables specific skill sets to be brought in for relevant projects, at short notice.
For those employers who tend to think longer term, initial shorter-term contracts can also still provide a great opportunity to explore the cultural ‘fit’ between employee and employer, perhaps through a ‘temp to perm’ opening.
The tide is also turning for many candidates who are realising the benefits (especially in a relatively uncertain market) of more flexible working and the ability to quickly enhance their experience through exposure to different business models and approaches.
In an age where happiness at work is high on their agenda yet currently a rare commodity, a temporary contract provides the ideal opportunity to suss out an organisation’s culture and determine whether it suits.
Coupled with the recent Agency Worker’s Regulations that entitle temporary workers to equal treatment in relation to pay and certain other conditions as their directly hired counterparts, there are many reasons why this way of working suits more people than ever before.
Whilst permanent opportunities remain the preference for a significant proportion of employers and candidates alike, temporary opportunities will continue to grow in credibility and popularity and become a more active choice for many.
Have you witnessed a shift in the perception of temporary working? In your view what has changed? Share your thoughts here.
