More contract jobs but fewer international contractors coming to the UK. Is it still worth coming to the UK?

Media hype and fear are preventing international contractors from coming to the UK. Those that are already here are benefiting from the increasing number of contract jobs which come about with the reducing number of permanent jobs.

Current Credit Crunch Jobs

Because of the current financial crisis and the “credit crunch” many permanent jobs are affected. People are either losing jobs or have to take pay cuts. However in most cases employers are simply not recruiting any new permanent staff.

Contracting jobs on the other hand have the exact opposite effect. Because there are fewer permanent job opportunities employers seek contract professionals to fill the gaps in their workforce. London is still a very competitive work place, most global firms have offices in London and it’s the business city of Europe. The financial sector is clearly the hardest hit but without solid financial sector experience most contractors struggle to enter this sector even without a credit crunch.

Skilled professionals are needed in times of recession to quickly and efficiently get projects completed. Large scale projects such as the 2012 Olympics, infrastructure and web companies need the skilled professionals that contract. An increasing number of credit crunch jobs are available for contractors especially in the IT sector but many of these are unadvertised, you need to access the hidden job market to secure the best contracts.

International IT Contractors

Unfortunately the media hype surrounding the financial crisis is putting off many professional contractors from coming to the UK. Those that are here at the moment are not returning back home since contracting jobs are available. Most middle range contractors who have good English and good IT skills have seen almost no changes in the way they work. Top end contractors (charging over £600/day) feel the pressure more. This only means they have to lower their rates and can’t enjoy the high earnings they had previously.

The number of first time IT contractors is falling because there are fewer international contractors entering the UK. People are not travelling to the UK and are missing out, the problem is slowly reducing numbers of good contactors.

Your Contracting Potential

People choosing not to travel are lossing an opportunity and those logically staying put in Australia for example. In a static market by moving during the recession and choosing UK professional contracting you can not only travel and work but enhance their career prospects with a far more competitive offer when returning home with International experience and with its higher salaries.

If you’ve never contracted before read the first timers contracting guide and the FAQ section. Check your suitability to contract in the UK, send us your CV for a free appraisal – make sure you’ve clearly listed your skills set so we can tell you about the demand for your skills. There’s useful UK Contracting info about rates and skills but you will need to speak to us to determine your true UK contracting potential.