Public sector hiring limited to business-critical areas during Q2
United Kingdom
- Change professionals most in demand
- Shared service centres, increased outsourcing and more relocation outside of London expected to drive recruitment throughout 2010
Public sector hiring was limited to business critical areas during quarter two, according to the latest Market Update from recruitment specialists Robert Walters. Despite the gloomy outlook, the firm reported an increase in contract qualified financial accounting positions coming to market. Demand was across the board, with management accountants, project accountants and transactional services specialists all sought-after.
There was also a significant increase in the amount of fixed-term contracts coming to market. Lasting between six months and two years, these typically allowed organisations to cover long-term projects. The increase was also due, in part, to the three-year budget periods in place at all government departments. Recruitment freezes across central and local government restricted permanent hiring across the sector.
Nick Dunnett, Director at Robert Walters, commented:
“We expect recruitment activity to slow over the summer months as the dust settles following the general election and the new government’s budget. With government departments required to make substantial spending cuts and a two-year pay freeze implemented across the public sector, recruitment levels are likely to be limited to niche areas.”
“In the medium to long-term – September and beyond – we anticipate an increase in change programmes as the government looks to cut costs. We particularly expect to see more shared service centres being set up, an increase in outsourcing and more public sector employers relocating outside of London – all of which will be key drivers of jobs in the public sector towards the end of 2010. We therefore anticipate demand for professionals to push the anticipated changes through.”
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