Economic instability fuels greater reliance on temps

London, UK - A quarter of employers questioned in a recent survey expect to increase the number of temporary workers they use within the next six months, citing economic instability as the main reason.

The survey of more than 100 HR managers and business owners was carried out in May 2008 by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) to gain a better understanding of how employers use and perceive agency workers.

84% intend to increase their use of temps so that their business can react quickly to new opportunities in a challenging market. Other reasons for the planned increase include the need to avoid making rash permanent recruitment decisions, the ability to take the pressure off over-stretched permanent workers and the need to fill specialist roles that are difficult to find permanent workers for.

The launch of this survey comes at a time when thousands of temporary jobs could be at risk, depending on the outcome of the EU Employment Council which takes place next week (Monday, June 9th) and on whether the finer details of the recent UK Government deal on agency work ensure that the UK temporary work model is protected.

Tom Hadley, director of external relations, REC, comments:

"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 is not just an issue for employers, but also for workers at a time when the benefits of temp and contract work in terms of the flexibility, opportunity, and employability that it provides is increasingly recognised."

Other survey findings include:

• Temps get a fair deal - 84% claim that their temps are paid a similar salary to permanent workers
• Challenging the 'low-skilled' stereotype - 67% have hired a temp to fill a senior/highly skilled position
• Stepping stone to success - 88% have offered a temp full-time employment as a result of exceptional performance
• Taking the heat off perms - 49% would employ a temp during busy periods to relieve undue pressure on their permanent workforce whilst 44% would try and realign existing resources to cope with the pressures and just 7% would employ another permanent member of staff

Today also marks the first day of National Temporary Workers Week, an annual initiative which celebrates the contribution that the UK's 1.3 million strong temporary workforce makes to the UK economy.

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For more information or to organise an interview, call Susie Loughnane at Octopus Communications on 0845 37 00 655

Notes for editors:
About the REC
The REC is the trade association for the UK's £26.6 billion private recruitment and staffing industry with a membership of more than 8000 businesses and over 6000 recruitment consultants. All members must abide by a Code of Practice and uphold the highest industry standards: www.rec.uk.com

About the survey
The survey was conducted online in May 2008 by the Recruitment & Employment Confederation and was answered by 121 HR managers and business owners responsible for hiring new staff. For further information on the research findings please call the REC press office on 01753 827282 or email rec@octopuscomms.net

About National Temporary Workers Week
Every week almost 1.3 million temporary workers are keeping business in the UK moving. National Temporary Workers Week is REC's annual campaign to promote the contribution of the temporary workforce and demonstrate the broad range of professions and industries that temps work in. With attitudes to work changing and variety and flexibility increasingly seen as key indicators of job satisfaction 'temping' is becoming the choice of more and more workers. www.tempweek.uk.com

E-mail: administrator@recruitmenttimes.co.uk