Flexible workforce in demand in 2013

The contractor workforce will be in increasing demand in 2013 according to agency body, the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC).

Among their predictions for this year is a buoyant contractor market place fuelled by the businesses' desire to keep costs low and a workforce which is increasingly embracing a more flexible attitude to work.

REC chief executive Kevin Green said: "We have already flexed our muscles as a dynamic labour market where 46 per cent of those in work are either in a part time or flexible role and this trend will continue growing over the next few years.

"Businesses want to keep their fixed costs low but also need to engage the right talent so they can compete effectively. At the same time there has been a shift in people's attitudes to work, 80 per cent of those working part time and 60 per cent of all temps choose to work this capacity.

"The growth in flexible working will be most dramatic in the professional and managerial market places and whilst it may not be good news for employers there will be an increased demand for agencies to help flexible workers find their next gig."