Menu
05/06/2006
Businesses fail to make best use of temps
UK Businesses are failing to make the most of their temporary workers according to a survey by a recruitment consultancy.
A worrying 88% of temporary workers claim their skills are not being fully used by employers, 34% feel they are not at all stretched in their work and only 17% of respondents are learning new skills.
The survey of 100 posts conducted by Angela Mortimer Plc unveiled that the majority of today's temps (59%) see temping as a stepping stone to a permanent role. Gaining new skills and work experience to aid career progression is the key motivator for 65% of candidates. Temps are crying out for greater challenges in their work and are looking for more interesting roles (45%) and career progression (34%). These outcomes mirror the findings of Angela Mortimer Plc’s Annual Salary Survey – The Blue Book - released in January 2006, in which career progression was cited as the number one driver for all candidates looking for a new role or to change career.
Ashley Williams, Director of Partnership Products, at Angela Mortimer Plc said: “In today’s competitive market, the majority of temps are looking for a step up on the career ladder. They are highly motivated individuals, hungry to improve their skills and progress and willing to go the extra mile to prove themselves to prospective employers.”
In terms of industry sector, candidates are flexible. 81% of candidates are willing to work in any industry to gain new skills and at least 30% welcome the chance to try out new industries to further their development. These priorities were considered more important than salary levels.
Around 65% of temporary workers feel as or more skilled than permanent employees and it seems that this view is confirmed by businesses. Over 60% of UK businesses surveyed recognise that temps have the same or higher skill levels than their permanent staff. They also claim that the temps they use are of better or equal value for money and are as or more committed to their jobs.
UK businesses should making more use of their temporary staff. But instead of harnessing the talent of their temporary workforce, it appears that most companies are taking a short term view to employing temps. They mainly use them to cover holidays and sickness (44%) and to help with specific projects (46%). Only 10% of companies claim to be testing their temps’ skills with a view to offering permanent work.
(SP)
A worrying 88% of temporary workers claim their skills are not being fully used by employers, 34% feel they are not at all stretched in their work and only 17% of respondents are learning new skills.
The survey of 100 posts conducted by Angela Mortimer Plc unveiled that the majority of today's temps (59%) see temping as a stepping stone to a permanent role. Gaining new skills and work experience to aid career progression is the key motivator for 65% of candidates. Temps are crying out for greater challenges in their work and are looking for more interesting roles (45%) and career progression (34%). These outcomes mirror the findings of Angela Mortimer Plc’s Annual Salary Survey – The Blue Book - released in January 2006, in which career progression was cited as the number one driver for all candidates looking for a new role or to change career.
Ashley Williams, Director of Partnership Products, at Angela Mortimer Plc said: “In today’s competitive market, the majority of temps are looking for a step up on the career ladder. They are highly motivated individuals, hungry to improve their skills and progress and willing to go the extra mile to prove themselves to prospective employers.”
In terms of industry sector, candidates are flexible. 81% of candidates are willing to work in any industry to gain new skills and at least 30% welcome the chance to try out new industries to further their development. These priorities were considered more important than salary levels.
Around 65% of temporary workers feel as or more skilled than permanent employees and it seems that this view is confirmed by businesses. Over 60% of UK businesses surveyed recognise that temps have the same or higher skill levels than their permanent staff. They also claim that the temps they use are of better or equal value for money and are as or more committed to their jobs.
UK businesses should making more use of their temporary staff. But instead of harnessing the talent of their temporary workforce, it appears that most companies are taking a short term view to employing temps. They mainly use them to cover holidays and sickness (44%) and to help with specific projects (46%). Only 10% of companies claim to be testing their temps’ skills with a view to offering permanent work.
(SP)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 February 2002
Temps directive will damage UK labour market
The proposed EU directive on agency workers, giving them comparable terms and conditions to permanent staff, will damage the UK’s labour market flexibility, according to people management specialists the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
Temps directive will damage UK labour market
The proposed EU directive on agency workers, giving them comparable terms and conditions to permanent staff, will damage the UK’s labour market flexibility, according to people management specialists the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
11 March 2016
Employer Skills Survey Results Published
The results of the 2015 Employer Skills Survey, managed by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES), have been published by Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry. Minister Farry launched the report at an meeting of business, education and training representatives in Belfast Metropolitan College's Titanic Quarter Campus.
Employer Skills Survey Results Published
The results of the 2015 Employer Skills Survey, managed by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES), have been published by Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry. Minister Farry launched the report at an meeting of business, education and training representatives in Belfast Metropolitan College's Titanic Quarter Campus.
08 April 2002
Basic Skills Committee praised by Minister
Minister for Employment and Learning, Carmel Hanna has given the seal of approval to the work of the Basic Skills Committee, set up in 1999 to oversee a programme of work addressing the educational needs of adults.
Basic Skills Committee praised by Minister
Minister for Employment and Learning, Carmel Hanna has given the seal of approval to the work of the Basic Skills Committee, set up in 1999 to oversee a programme of work addressing the educational needs of adults.
17 August 2011
Essential Skills Qualifications 'On A High'
The highest numbers of Essential Skills qualifications ever recorded have been made in NI. The latest statistics show that, in the month of June, they were issued to learners with 6,759 qualifications being recorded, that's the highest number for any month on record.
Essential Skills Qualifications 'On A High'
The highest numbers of Essential Skills qualifications ever recorded have been made in NI. The latest statistics show that, in the month of June, they were issued to learners with 6,759 qualifications being recorded, that's the highest number for any month on record.
22 March 2002
CIPD criticises 'impractical' agency work directive
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has criticised the latest draft EU directive on agency workers as being "unnecessary and impractical". The draft of the directive, which was published on Wednesday 20 March, reveals that Europe has seen a steady increase in the amount of temporary work over the past decade.
CIPD criticises 'impractical' agency work directive
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has criticised the latest draft EU directive on agency workers as being "unnecessary and impractical". The draft of the directive, which was published on Wednesday 20 March, reveals that Europe has seen a steady increase in the amount of temporary work over the past decade.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
