'Instability boosts temporary workers'
02/06/2008(16:53)
Economic instability will drive more employers to increase their numbers of temporary workers in the coming months, a survey has found.
A poll of more than 100 HR managers and business owners by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation revealed that a quarter intend to employ more temporary workers.
Out of these respondents, 84 per cent said they would increase temporary workers so their organisation can react quickly to new opportunities in the challenging market.
Other reasons for the trend include the need to avoid making rash permanent recruitment decisions, reduce the pressure placed on over-stretched permanent workers and to fill specialist roles that are difficult to find permanent workers for.
The launch of the survey precedes next week's EU Employment Council meeting, the outcome of which may affect the status of temporary workers in the UK.
Tom Hadley, the REC's director of external relations, said: "With the UK labour market in a delicate state, it is crucial that we get the details right on any new regulations on agency work."
This week is also National Temporary Workers Week, which aims to celebrate the contribution of the UK's 1.4 million temporary workforce to the country's economy.
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