The economic crisis has led to an increased interest in Australians taking on contract work, according to a Robert Walters survey.
The survey of over 4,288 respondents from 17 countries found that 59 percent of Australian respondents said they would be happy to take on a contract role, as opposed to a worldwide average of 55 percent.
Those more flexible workforces included the UK with almost two thirds stating they would be happy to take on a contract role (68 percent), closely followed by New Zealand (63 percent) and the United States (61 percent).
According to Robert Walters managing director, James Nicholson, tough economic times means that employers are looking for ways to cut costs and temporary/contract work is the most effective solution.
“It is well known that employers can turn to temporary recruitment in tougher economic conditions as a means of controlling headcount costs and maintaining productivity.”
On the same token, workers are looking for that flexibility that contract work can offer says Nicholson.
“Whilst contracting may not offer the stability of a permanent role, this is offset by higher pro-
rata rates of pay and professionals can get back into the workplace much more quickly.”
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