A record fifth of all IT contractors are now working in the public sector according to research conducted by contractor specialist Giant. It is the first time that more contractors are working for the government than in financial services.
The latest findings reveal that 20.5 per cent of contractors now work in the public sector compared to six months ago when just 12.4 per cent of IT contractors worked in the public sector. As part of the research contractors were questioned on a range of issues concerning their current and future job prospects, including earnings, unemployment and what they look for in a contract. The results, comparing responses from the third quarter of 2003 and the first quarter of 2004, show a sustained growth in optimism among IT contractors.
Around 66 per cent of contractors expect their earnings to increase this year compared with just 45 per cent last year. Only 8 per cent of IT contractors expect to earn less this year in contrast to 28 per cent that forecast their earnings would drop in 2003.
According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS) public sector jobs grew by 162,00 last year and the public sector now accounts for about one fifth of all jobs. Matthew Brown, Giant Managing Director, said "The public sector has launched an unprecedented drive to recruit contractors to meet its 2005 deadline for online services, altering the dynamics of the IT jobs market." Brown believes that by increasing its use of contractors the public sector should be able to allocate skills on major IT projects more flexibly, saving time and money.
Source:Prosperity4