UK Temporary Labour Market Sees Boost But Young Workers Could Miss Out

UK temporary labour has seen a healthy hike as the economy strengthens, but young people could be missing out on the growth.

According to the Comensura Government Index, temporary labour usage in the public sector increased by 4.6% during the third financial quarter of 2013 compared to the same period last year.

Comensura monitored temporary labour more than 60 local authorities and other public bodies in England and Wales.

This increase was higher than expected and is strong evidence that local authorities are increasingly turning to temporary labour to provide greater workforce flexibility in delivering public services.

"We expected an increase in the use of temporary workers as the summer months represent a high demand period, however usage has grown beyond what we predicted," said Jamie Horton, managing director at Comensura.

But the increases in temporary labour have not had the same impact with younger workers.

The research revealed that there was a 9.3% national average decrease for 16 to 24-year-olds and a 1% drop for those in the 25 to 34 age group between Q3,2012 and Q3,2013.

The statistics suggest more must be done by way of training and support to ensure that younger workers are still provided opportunity to gain employment through temporary roles, according to Comensura.

The findings reveal a strong growth in light industrial and office/administration positions.

Both job classes are considerable areas for temporary labour usage, accounting for 46.8% of all temporary workers.

But the greatest increases in the number of temporary workers were in the construction and IT sectors of 51.8% and 24% respectively.

In addition, the percentage of temporary workers in professional roles, such as managerial positions, increased.

Comensura said attitudes have changed regards employing more workers to a variety of roles including higher paid, management and executive positions.

The number of men placed in temporary roles increased at a faster rate than women, 6.5% compared with 2.1% respectively.

Horton added: "Local Authorities have recognised the value and importance of a flexible workforce, which in turn has allowed them to continue delivering services to the public during a time of financial strain."