IT and engineering contractors see big year-on-year growth in online demand
Year-on-year online demand for IT and engineering contractors has increased by 18% and 26% respectively, according to the latest Monster Employment Index. However, growth across many sectors was patchy between April and May 2011, when the headline index fell by 2 points. Monster UK & Ireland’s spokesperson Isabelle Ratinaud hopes growth in core contracting sectors will offset last month’s fall. “Despite [the fall], there are still positive signs, particularly with growth in professional services such as engineering and IT.” More…
HMRC compliance campaigns now impacting on contracting sectors
Contractors working in the construction and engineering trades, and as interim coaches and trainers, are next in line for an HMRC compliance campaign. “Those who provide private tuition and coaching”, including training professionals and business and life coaches will, in the current tax year, come under HMRC’s spotlight, alongside other trades. This follows HMRC’s successful tax probes into medics, plumbers and offshore account holders, which have resulted in substantial tax yields and the launch of criminal investigations. More…
Manufacturing remains a good market for new contracts, despite slowing growth
The manufacturing recovery remains in good health, while the sector itself remains a good market for new contracts, according to the EEF manufacturers’ organisation in a recent blogpost. Reassuringly, the EEF says sharp falls in manufacturing output growth reported for April were due to “predictable and temporary factors”. So it seems that contractors working in manufacturing should hold their nerve, as the EEF reports that: “the manufacturing recovery remains on track, and is considerably stronger than previous recoveries.” More…
Contracting is the ‘X-Factor of UK industry’, says PCG as it launches third National Freelancers Day
The contracting sector is the “X-Factor of UK industry” claims PCG Managing John Brazier. Announcing that the third National Freelancers Day will take place on 23rd November 2011, he urged businesses, agencies and associations across all sectors to help prove how important contractors and freelancers are to the UK economy. PCG plans new research to demonstrate the size of the contracting and freelancing sectors and a “UK Freelance 50” of the top freelancers in the UK today. More…
Contract growth may come from SMEs
Contractors may need to increase their targeting of small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in their search for new work. The latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey reveals “the most positive employment outlook since 2008”, and highlights that it is small businesses driving job creation. According to Manpower’s UK managing director, Mark Cahill, core contracting disciplines top the skills shortages leagues: “The greatest unmet demand is for highly sought-after candidates ... such as engineers and IT specialists. Engineers have, it seems, become the new plumbers!” More…
Contractors used by 29% of UK employers as part of resourcing and talent planning
Contractors form a core element of the resourcing and talent planning strategies of 29% of UK employers, according to a recent survey. The results from the latest Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)/Hays Resourcing and Talent Planning Annual Survey show that this figure has increased by 6% compared to 2010. Furthermore, 62% of employers contributing to the survey “agree that the demand for temporary and contract workers will increase as employers will be reluctant to take on permanent staff during uncertain times.” More…