The UK recruitment sector needs to be on the lookout for opportunities during the economic recovery, according to an economist from Barclays Corporate.
Speaking at the launch of the REC’s Recruitment Industry Trends survey 2009/10, he said the outlook was still challenging, although not as bad as it was this time last year.
He pointed out that there will be more available candidates and a greater level of involuntary part-time or temporary employment. Greater temporary employment could benefit umbrella company contractors.
The recent CSR may actually unfreeze some jobs in the public sector whilst outsourcing could boost private sector recruitment. Recruiters will also help to provide transition services for workers in the public sector who are facing redundancy. Expansion into other areas such as growth in emerging markets and advanced selection could also bring new opportunities, he added.
Kevin Green, the chief executive of the REC, believes that the bottom end of the recruitment industry has suffered badly over the last 12 months with about 10% of agencies going out of business. However, there are now signs that things are picking up again.
The recruitment industry has various challenges to face over the next few years. Upcoming legislation, such as the AWR and the auto-enrolment pensions scheme for employees, is currently causing confusion in the recruitment sector and recruiters are awaiting government guidelines.
The REC will continue to listen to its members, take note of their concerns and act upon them to improve the recruitment landscape. The future still looks good for the sector even though there are these hurdles to get over, Green added.
© 2010 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
Image: feisty rabbit by flik
