Business not making the most of temps

UK Businesses are failing to make the most of their temporary workers according to a new survey of 100 clients and 100 temporary workers by recruitment consultancy, Angela Mortimer Plc. A worrying 88% of temporary workers claim their skills are not being fully used by employers, 34% feel they are not at all stretched in their work and only 17% of respondents are learning new skills.

The survey unveiled that the majority of today temps (59%) see temping as a stepping stone to a permanent role. Gaining new skills and work experience to aid career progression is the key motivator for 65% of candidates. Temps are crying out for greater challenges in their work and are looking for more interesting roles (45%) and career progression (34%). These outcomes
mirror the findings of Angela Mortimer Plc’s Annual Salary Survey – The Blue Book, released in January 2006, in which career progression was cited as the number one driver for all candidates looking for a new role or to change career.

“In today’s competitive market, the majority of temps are looking for a step up on the career ladder. They are highly motivated individuals, hungry to improve their skills and progress and willing to go the extra mile to prove themselves to prospective employers,” says Ashley Williams, Director of Partnership Products, at Angela Mortimer.

In terms of industry sector, candidates are flexible. 81% of candidates are willing to work in any industry to gain new skills and at least 30% welcome the chance to try out new industries to further their development. These priorities were considered more important than salary levels.

65% of temporary workers feel as or more skilled than permanent employees and it seems that this view is confirmed by businesses. Over 60% of UK businesses surveyed recognise that temps have the same or higher skill levels than their permanent staff. They also claim that the temps they use are of better or equal value for money and are as or more committed to their jobs.