Contractors in the West Midlands driving UK economy

West Midland-based contractors and permanent workers alike are driving the UK’s recovery from recession, finds a new report from Hays.

The recruitment firm’s findings revealed that it is the West Midland’s construction, automotive and education sectors in particular that are aiding the UK’s economy.

Mark Staniland, Managing Director of Hays in the Midlands, said, “We are leading the way in the UK in terms of driving forward demand for staff. Because it is such a fantastic broad-based economy, both for manufacturing and the business sector, I think the Midlands outlook is very positive.”

“There has been an accelerating demand from SMEs throughout 2013 as we go into 2014. I think the outlook going into 2014 is significantly better than it was a year ago, and there is the confidence to recruit permanent staff across all sectors.”

Staniland explained that the construction sector has taken on many contractors over the past year, with projects such as the Birmingham Airport runway extension keeping the sector going.

He explained, “A lot of the building industry recruited temporary workers in 2013. There is a +20% increase in demand from the construction sector across all areas, and the demand for temporary staff is 20% up year on year, from bricklayers to quality design engineers.”

“We have seen continuing demand for permanent and temporary teachers. Overall, we have 3,000 temporary workers working for people across the Midlands and we are placing in permanent jobs about 200 people a month.”

Considering making the switch from working as a permanent employee to a contractor? Then read our free downloadable guide to moving from permanent to contracting, you may also find our advantages and disadvantages of a Limited company page useful.

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