Despite projected GDP growth, the economic rollercoaster continues
Within 5 years, unemployment levels will reach 10% in over half the regions in the UK predicts the CEBR.
recruitment
Doom and gloom for public sector umbrella company contractors
The chief executive of Hays, Alistair Cox, has some worrying news for those in the public sector who work through umbrella companies and are worried about the loss of their contract.
What do the latest employment figures mean for umbrella company contractors?
On Wednesday, the ONS revealed that unemployment in the UK had fallen for the second consecutive month, but candidates and employers still remain cautious.
Public sector pay freeze could cause more harm than good
In June, George Osborne announced a two year public sector freeze on pay for those employees earning in excess of £21,000 but this will have a detrimental effect according to research carried out by the Institute of Payroll Professionals.
Scottish employment recovery stalls
The Scottish economy continued to improve in July, but this improvement did nothing to boost employment levels.
Recruitment for HR professionals is on the up
Robert Walters, a specialist recruitment agency, says that the HR sector is now actively looking for people with human resources and corporate responsibility skills. This should come as positive news for contractors who possess the requisite skill set.
Small businesses are feeling less than optimistic
The Voice of Small Business Index shows that confidence amongst SMEs deteriorated in the 2nd quarter of 2010.
Great month for umbrella company IT contractors
Last month saw a surge in the number of IT contractors hired according to Powerchex, the pre-employment specialist. Between May and June, the amount of employment offers made to IT contractors soared by a massive 320%.
Sluggish private sector recovery sparks fears in Scotland
The Scottish private sector recovery slowed down last month according to June’s purchasing managers index from the Bank of Scotland. This development could affect umbrella company contractors operating in Scotland.
Recruitment licensing decision to benefit umbrella company contractors?
The REC has won a victory in its fight to persuade the government not to extend the Gangmaster Licensing Authority.
Prospects looking good for IT contractors
Umbrella company IT contractors may want to consider moving to the capital or the south-east of England in their bid to secure a contract.
Recovery still has a long way to go
The managing economist at the CEBR, Charles Davis, has cautioned umbrella company contractors that whilst the economy in the UK is recovering, the recovery is not yet robust.
IT managers hope to see increased budgets soon
A new report from Numara Software could interest umbrella company IT contractors. It suggests that IT budgets in the UK suffered more than in some other European countries.
Computer game contractors affected by tax break loss
The government’s decision to scrap video game tax relief has caused both Sony and Activision Blizzard to reconsider investing further in the UK, a development that could affect umbrella company contractors.
Debate on economic outlook for contractors
Welcome news for temporary workers and freelancers comes in the form of the REC’s JobsOutlook report for June and the ONS.
Umbrella company contractors and the recruitment freeze
Contractors could benefit from continuing recruitment freezes as many firms still do not want to make permanent appointments. In fact the latest Manpower report says that nearly 90% of employers do not plan to increase recruitment in the third quarter.