Economic downturn 'boosts reliance on temporary staff'

News Article - 05 June 2008
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One in four British employers are planning to increase the number of temporary workers they use over the next six months, a new poll reveals.

According to research by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), the current economic downturn and credit squeeze have boosted the reliance of businesses on temps.

Companies can enhance the accuracy of their finances and reduce costs during a period of economic downturn by adopting accounting software.

The REC survey of over 100 HR managers and business owners indicates that 84 per cent of companies plan to use more temps to help them adapt to changing markets and new challenges.

Conducted last month, the poll also found that employers want to increase the use of temps in order to avoid making rash recruitment decisions, take pressure off permanent staff and fill specialist posts that are hard to find permanent workers for.

Tom Hadley, REC director of external relations, stated: "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."

The European Union Employment Council is due to meet this month to debate details of the UK government's recent changes to temporary workers' rights.

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