The research, carried out by recruitment experts Reed 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.
A third (33%) of workers in London hold more than one temporary role with 40% of those surveyed saying that the variety of work was a major advantage of temporary working.
The survey from Reed also revealed that workers in London believe work experience to improve their CVs (40%), work-life balance (38%) and working for yourself (31%) to be advantages of temporary working.
However, the survey also identified the reasons that workers are being deterred from temporary working. Almost half (49%) of workers said they prefer the benefits of permanent working, such as pensions or sick pay. And, 47% identified that the security of a permanent role is high on their list of priorities when considering whether to choose a permanent or temporary job.
Despite these reasons of income and financial security being of great concern, almost two thirds (63%) indicated that they were not worried about the disadvantages of non-permanent work when applying for mortgages or loans. And 69% said they were not concerned they would have to work whenever possible in temporary roles.
Across the UK, temporary contracts also seem to be most used by the accountancy and finance profession – a strong industry in the capital – with 22% of the sector holding down one or more temporary roles. Temporary roles are also popular with the next generation 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, there is also greater than a fifth (21%) of 25-34 year olds holding more than one temporary role and 11% holding more than four temporary roles at one time.
Amanda Hall, Regional Managing Director of Reed London, said:
Having surveyed workers in London it appears that being able to take on a variety of job roles is directing their decision making when it comes to how they wish to work. Workers in the capital like the variety and the work-life balance, but there is also confidence from 69% that they will not have to work whenever possible. This means the power is with the jobseeker.
“Our research also reveals the barriers to temporary working for employees and it’s clear that pensions and sick pay are important – fortunately, Reed already has this covered with its own pension scheme for PAYE temporary employees.
“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 the variety and quality of work at the same time as keeping the important flexibility in a role that candidates desire then they can capture the best temporary workers. At Reed we have seen the benefits this can bring to businesses that may not be able to employ some talented workers in permanent roles, but can benefit from their wisdom through a short-term contract. Temporary working could become more and more common as the traditional 9-5 is gradually disappearing.”
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