Professionals in the UK are showing an increased interest in taking on contract work, according to a Robert Walters survey. Professional candidates from around the globe were asked their views on taking up a contract, rather than permanent position; 4,288 respondents from 17 different countries took part in the web poll.
Nearly three quarters, 68%
Professionals in Continental Europe seem to prefer the stability that permanent roles have to offer; nearly half of respondents in Spain said that they would not consider contract work, followed by French and Belgian respondents. This could also reflect the different employment legislation that exists in European countries.
A high proportion of respondents in Malaysia, 51%, and Singapore, 50%, said they would only consider contracting if there were no permanent roles available. More than half of all respondents said they’d be happy to take on contractual work. One third said they would only take up contracting if there were no permanent roles, and only 12% of respondents worldwide would not consider it.
Matthew Bennett, Director at Robert Walters Hong Kong, commented, “It is well known that employers can turn to temporary recruitment in tougher economic conditions—as a means of controlling headcount costs and maintaining productivity. What is interesting is that candidates are also increasingly focusing on the flexibility that contract work can offer; from hours worked through to the experiencing of different work environments and roles.”
Whilst contracting may not offer the stability of a permanent role, this is offset by higher pro-rata rates of pay and professionals can get back into the workplace much more quickly.
Candidates are also attracted by the opportunity to broaden their experience by working in different functions across a business.
Paul Arkwright
Publisher
