IT contractors told of temporary staff uplift

The score on a national index measuring IT contractor demand dropped in March for the third month in a row, although conditions for temporary professional, as a whole, are picking up.

In fact, the Recruitment & Employment Confederation last week published its Report on Jobs showing the score of IT contractor demand to be 56.4, compared with 57.4 in February.

Although this means demand for IT contractors is still growing (any score over 50 signals stronger growth than a month ago), the latest score is the lowest figure since May 2013.

Comparatively though, freelance personnel are in favour. “Slower growth in permanent hiring will remain over the next few months as employers take a wait-and-see approach,” said the REC. “Fewer businesses want to commit to new employees.”

This reluctance towards permies is due to uncertainty around a possible Brexit and what it might mean for hirers, as well as “global economic headwinds,” believes REC’s Tom Hadley.

Both issues are a boon for contractors -- workers who let hirers “meet increasing demand while retaining the[ir] ability to react quickly to any threats that might be around the corner,” Hadley said.

As to where demand for IT contractors seems highest, REC’s member agencies found a shortage of candidates for Cyber Security, Infrastructure, Development and Ruby contracts.

Also in March, tech skills in short supply on a permanent basis included Java, C++, Embedded Software, Cisco, Project Management, Development and Cyber Security.