There is a mixture of cautious optimism and trepidation amongst freelancers as we start the countdown to 2011. We still have to see the full impact of the government’s CSR and a lot of umbrella company contractors are feeling anxious about their future prospects.
Prime Sourcing, the IT recruitment specialists, has suggested that some organisations will reduce the amount of contractors they use next year. However, there will be plenty of opportunities for IT contractors in areas such as consultancy, banking and systems software suppliers.
Jeff Brooks, the chairman of Prime Sourcing, said that as well as London and the south east, areas such as Birmingham and Manchester should also have good opportunities next year.
Outsource UK says prospects look to be steady rather than spectacular for contractors in the coming year. The IT recruitment firm is seeing continued demand for people with business-technical skills in distribution, financial services and retail.
IT professionals working in the retail sector have been enjoying increased demand for their services over the past six months. Retailers have been investing in core e-commerce platforms or replacing their existing ones and upgrading their supply chain and core merchandising systems. Within the next 12 months, almost 20% of retailers will be either replacing, or implementing for the first time, e-commerce platforms, according to Martec. And there is now a shortage of candidates with the key skills required by retail organisations.
Meanwhile, IT recruiter, Harvey Nash, recorded a gross profit increase of 24% for its third quarter ending 25th November. After a strong first half of the year, the company is now optimistic that its full-year trading results will be at the top end of market estimates.
A statement released to coincide with the Q3 results said that the company was performing well in the UK market and the recovery in Europe was picking up speed.
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