There is a significant change in workforce management within the public sector, and that is the trend toward hiring more temporary and contract workers for admin and technical roles. As public sector organisations embrace the need to be more agile and responsive, specialised contract professionals have been in high demand. We examine the factors driving this change and what it means for employees and candidates looking for a new role.
Why the Shift to Contract Workers?
Flexibility and Agility: The public sector often has projects that call for special skills that may be needed only for a certain period. Freelance workers provide agility in responding to new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Access to Specialised Skills: Technical roles, such as Scrum Masters and Data Analysts, demand specialised experience. Contract workers bring different experiences and a fresh perspective; this is good for projects that require the latest technology and methodologies to bring about efficiency and improved service delivery.
Cost-Effectiveness: Besides cost savings, other incentives could be in the form of tax breaks or subsidies. While the day rate paid to contractors may be higher than that paid to permanent employees, when one considers employers' benefits, pensions, and other long-term liabilities, the actual costs are much lower. By hiring contractors for specific projects, ongoing employment costs are not incurred after the completion of the project.
Higher Productivity: Since the contract workers are appointed for specific projects, focused ability ensures speedier project completion and high productivity rates.
Navigating the Contract Market
For Employees
If you are looking to transition into contract work, here are some pros and cons to help you decide:
Contract work offers flexibility and higher earning
Contract work has less job security and requires constant self-marketing
You need to build a strong professional network and keep up to date with the latest industry trends
Stay at the forefront of new skills that are likely to be demanded in the market
For Candidates
If you are already a contractor looking for work in the public sector these are some things to consider:
Make your CV relevant with all the skills and experiences in line with the requirements.
Prove that you can deliver a good, result-oriented output; deadlines are tighter.
Interact with recruitment agencies dealing specifically in placing people within the public sector, for instance, Source Recruit.
Maintain your professional network.
Whether you are an existing employee within the public sector or a candidate looking for new opportunities, staying abreast of and knowing how to navigate this changing landscape is important in order to maximise the available opportunities.
At Source Recruit, we make sure that appropriately skilled professionals are matched to the right opportunity in the public sector. Have a look at our latest contract roles and step up your career.
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