| General survey findings | | 76 per cent of contractors are a contractor by choice.
32 per cent of contractors would like to work in fixed/wired networks as their preferred choice. 23 per cent in local area and wide area networks.
60 per cent of contractors expressed deep or some concern about contracting employment opportunities, whilst 24 per cent were reasonably optimistic and 2 per cent were highly optimistic.
65 per cent of contractors are now seeking permanent work.
69 per cent of contractors have seen no change in hourly rates over the last three months. Only 10 per cent have seen an increase.
81.4 per cent of contractors would be happy to consider working away from home to meet new opportunities in UK and 76.4 per cent would consider working in Europe. |
Two thirds of respondents felt concern for the future of work in current market conditions and only a small amount said they were relatively optimistic about the next six months. However, 81 per cent said they would work away from home if they were able to find work and 76 per cent would consider working in Europe, illustrating a surprisingly high degree of geographical flexibility.
In response to the results of the survey, Andrew Parker, CE of White & Nunn commented:
"The results have just confirmed what we already know, there is a growing feeling of unease amongst contractors, but whilst the high demand for contractors has decreased, we are experiencing an increase in demand for permanent placements and steady requirement for certain contractor skills. It certainly is not all doom and gloom and I believe that the market needs to go through a period of restructuring and levelling off, which will result in project deferment, skills being reassessed and companies focussing on areas that are most profitable. The next 12 months should prove difficult to predict, but still very exciting with further network construction, upgrades and 3G construction coming on stream requiring skilled resources."
The survey also highlighted that over half of the contractors interviewed were registered with the same recruitment company now as they had been 12 months ago, owing to the desire to establish ongoing and committed relationships with their chosen agency.
"Contractors are beginning to look to their recruitment agencies to provide additional services and support from that they required 12 months ago. For instance, whilst money is still top of the bill, we are experiencing a high requirement for training, general information and updates about the sector and innovative career solutions, such as job sharing and career advice," said Mr Parker. "We are constantly looking for ways in which to make the lives of our contractors and clients easier."
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Richard Powell, Shout99
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