Businesses fail to make best use of temps

UK Businesses are failing to make the most of their temporary workers according to a survey by a recruitment consultancy.

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 of 100 posts conducted by Angela Mortimer Plc unveiled that the majority of today's 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.

Ashley Williams, Director of Partnership Products, at Angela Mortimer Plc said: “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.”

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.

Around 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.

UK businesses should making more use of their temporary staff. But instead of harnessing the talent of their temporary workforce, it appears that most companies are taking a short term view to employing temps. They mainly use them to cover holidays and sickness (44%) and to help with specific projects (46%). Only 10% of companies claim to be testing their temps’ skills with a view to offering permanent work.

(SP)