More employers recognising the need for temporary experts

With widespread skills shortages becoming increasingly problematic for businesses, hiring temporary workers could be the answer.

As many as 64% of employers admit to being very or somewhat concerned about addressing skills gaps, with another 61% saying they’re worried about keeping critical projects on track as a result.

The Robert Half report is advising that employers turn to the contracting sector, believing that while permanent recruitment might be subject to longer hiring windows in light of the increased costs of employment in the UK, business growth and continuity are clearly at risk, and contingent resources could be the answer.

Matt Weston, Senior Managing Director UK & Ireland at Robert Half, explained, “It is not surprising to see businesses approaching their people strategies with caution, especially amid economic uncertainty both at home and abroad.

“Nonetheless, with a growing number of firms raising concerns over operational resilience, the need for the right talent and skills is very much on the rise. And while traditional permanent staffing models incur higher employment costs due to tax rises, the demand for business-critical talent remains unchanged.

“While permanent hires have long been the standard approach to building teams, the current economic climate demands greater flexibility. Contracting offers a more agile and often cost-effective solution, enabling businesses to respond quickly to changing demands and access specialist skills for critical projects.

“In a period marked by uncertainty and evolving priorities, organisational growth depends not just on adding headcount, but on securing the right talent at the right time, and contracting is a vital lever in making that possible.

“The fact that APSCo data is showing an uptick in contractor hiring demonstrates that more employers are recognising the need for temporary experts. However, as this demand grows, so will competition for these resources, which will create a further challenge for businesses.”

To find out more about contracting, please contact Sophie on 01206 591 000 or email sophie.lewis@contractoumbrella.com.