Limited company contractors and all other workers alike will be heartened by the latest monthly REC (Recruitment and Employment Confederation) JobsOutlook report. Most notably, well over a fifth (22%) of companies who were involved in the survey said that they were planning to take on more headcount during the next few months of 2017, which has to be good news for the UK’s contracting workforce.
Contractors in London will be especially pleased to note that the stats here are even higher, with 28% of companies planning to bring in new recruits of some kind in the not too distant future – so if you’re based in London already, or the idea of moving to the capital appeals to you – now could be the perfect time, as hiring ramps up over the next quarter.
The other key headline figure was that 39% of respondents – well over third – stated they believe that the UK’s economic circumstances are improving, which demonstrates a more long term air of positivity, and bodes well for all types of workers throughout 2017. Having said that, it’s only fair to highlight that 36% of those surveyed felt that the ongoing economic and political uncertainly around the Brexit process was a notable concern – given the likelihood of Article 50 being triggered in April.
Commenting on the latest REC report, Chief Executive Kevin Green said, “With record-high employment and businesses continuing to expand, there’s a lot about the UK jobs market to feel good about. Hiring in the capital is picking up speed as demand drives business forward. However, employers are eyeing the road ahead with trepidation. There are signs that individuals are becoming less inclined to move jobs, meaning that filling vacancies is becoming even more difficult for hirers.”
This last point is of course a negative for hirers, but is actually good news for limited company contractors. Over a fifth (21%) of companies who took part in the survey said they were worried about skills shortages and the hiring challenges they would bring. And this was for the ninth month running – with positions in health and social care specifically highlighted. Which of course opens up a whole raft of opportunities for the highly skilled contractor workforce – who will have their pick of the most interesting, and potentially lucrative, opportunities.