One in 10 workers in the South West consider their main role to be non-permanent These employees are taking advantage of temporary contracts to improve their work-life balance, gain greater variety of work and find new challenges, according to research released today (Tuesday 3 December 2019).
The research, carried out by recruitment experts Reed Specialist Recruitment for its Temporary isn’t temporary campaign, surveyed 5,000 workers and looked at their experience of, and attitude to, temporary and multiple career roles.
When asked about the positive benefits of temporary or short-term working contracts, over a third (36%) of people living in the South West cited work-life balance as the key reason why they work in this way.
Access to a variety of work was the next favoured reason at 34%, while almost a quarter (23%) enjoy the new challenges accessed through temporary work.
However, the research also identified the reasons that are deterring workers from temporary work. More than half (59%) said they prefer the security of a permanent role, with 45% identifying that the benefits of a permanent role, such a pensions and sick pay, were important in their preference for permanent roles.
Despite income and financial security being of great concern, two thirds (66%) indicated that they were not worried about the disadvantages of non-permanent work when applying for mortgages or loans. And more than three quarters 77% said that they weren’t concerned about having to work whenever possible.
Across the UK, temporary contracts are most commonly used by workers in the early stages of their careers, with 17% of 25-34 year olds considering temporary employment to be their main role.
While a significant number of this age group work permanently, more than a fifth (21%) hold more than one temporary role, while 11% hold more than four temporary roles at one time.
Prema Moran, regional managing director of Reed South West, said: “Workers across the South West are surrounded by growing creative and aerospace industries. This strong economic performance provides the perfect backdrop for talented workers to seek the increased flexibility provided by temporary employment.
“However, even with a booming economy and a large number of temporary vacancies, our research reveals that pensions and sick pay are important concerns surrounding temporary employment. Fortunately, Reed Specialist Recruitment already has this covered with its own pension scheme for its PAYE temporary workers. With this barrier removed there is little stopping workers from chasing their flexible working dream.
“The good news is that a market with a healthy amount of temporary work can benefit both employers and employees. If employers can deliver varied and quality work, while at the same time maintaining all-important flexibility, then they can capture the best temporary workers. At Reed Specialist Recruitment, we have seen on many occasions that businesses who were able to employ talented workers through a short term contract benefitted in the long term from their wisdom. The traditional 9-5 is disappearing. Temporary working is set to become more widespread and more popular with employers and employees.”
