Freelancers and contractors helped by recruiters and clients

A survey by Interim Performers and The Counsel House shows that 60% of firms have used, or have thought about using, an interim manager to reinforce their own in-house PR or corporate communications team.

The survey also shows that the most popular reasons for interim assignments arising are:

'Gap filling' whilst trying to fill permanent vacancies - 28%
Boosting the internal team's strategic expertise - 18%
Covering for a key employee on maternity or sick leave - 15% ·

Jules Shelley, from Interim Performers, noted that market sentiment appears to be improving, but we are expecting interims and corporates to remain flexible. The fact that experienced interims are increasingly being required for project work shows the wider trend towards cost cutting and the need to find smarter resourcing solutions.

The use of recruitment agencies to place job seekers from the higher end of the jobs market is also becoming more important according to the Recruitment and Employment Confederation.

The REC, in collaboration with the DWP, has begun work on a "specific scheme" designed to assist highly-skilled workers in finding new placements.

REC external relations advisor, Phillip Curry said that while Jobcentres are now more sophisticated operation than in the past, they should not be relied upon to deliver "specific guidance and job-search support" to highly-skilled professionals.

"We need to build on the increasing co-operation between local Jobcentres and private sector agencies. At the same time, it is important to remember that the temporary and contract work opportunities that agencies provide are a crucial stepping-stone back into employment," he added.

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