MORE people than ever are turning to recruitment agencies to help them get a job as the economic crisis tightens.
The number of people keen to take on temporary work is at an all-time high, as job security and long-term employment with the same organisation are looking like things from the past.
And senior professionals are rubbing shoulders with office juniors in the scrabble to get jobs.
Ian Campbell, managing director of leading recruitment agency Avenue Scotland, said: “In the last six months alone we have registered over 5,500 people. In our 16-year history we have never registered so many high-quality candidates who are keen to take on temporary work – and I just don’t mean office staff and manufacturing personnel.
“We have senior and middle managers, company directors, specialist contractors and project engineers in the energy, water, manufacturing and industrial sectors all genuinely excited by the prospect of taking on short-term contract work.”
And for organisations, the wealth of talent available for temporary contracts means it has also never been a better time to recruit.
“You could add key skills or experience to drive your business forward or win a particular contract without actually taking on any full-time staff,” said Mr Campbell.
Mr Campbell is adamant that the current economic downturn, far from being a disaster, can in fact be an opportunity for companies and individuals.
The phenomenal skills base that has become available by enforced redundancy measures by blue chip companies has led to Avenue Scotland creating its Temporary Key Personnel strategy.
The current economic situation means that companies are reluctant to add to their overheads with permanent appointments, but they recognise they need key skills to ensure survival and create competitive advantage when the upturn kicks in.
Likewise, more candidates are recognising that with the shortage of full-time vacancies, the perfect placement may not be available in the short-term and so the offer of such a position on a temporary basis not only addresses the financial requirements but also provides valuable experience which could assist their long-term career prospects.
Mr Campbell founded Avenue Scotland in 1993. The company’s headquarters are in Dunfermline.