10.06.14
Public sector hiring intentions up in Q3
Public sector hiring intentions have risen to +8% in the third quarter of 2014, a 6 percentage point jump compared to the previous quarter, according to new figures from ManpowerGroup.
Based on responses from 2,101 UK employers, the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey revealed that there is likely to be more demand for public-facing frontline staff in the 12 months leading up to the election.
The report, used as a key economic statistic by both the Bank of England and the UK government, also suggests that the ‘overall’ employment outlook is at its strongest level since the economic downturn. With a national outlook of +8%, employers across the UK intend to take on staff in the third quarter of 2014.
Nick Heckscher, ManpowerGroup sector director – government, said: “Public Sector organisations are changing and, as they do, their recruitment needs are shifting to keep pace with these changes.
“New regulations and greater requirements for inspections are leading to a climate of increased transparency, which is driving hiring, especially the NHS where a focus on safe staffing levels means that organisations are focused on recruiting nurses. Overall, more professional staff are needed across the sector.”
He added that public sector organisations are outsourcing more work and increasingly commissioning project-based work. There are also more interim appointments available.
“This is particularly true for commercial, project management and IT roles across the sector, where candidates with the right skills are often attracted into the private sector and we have a challenge in recruiting for these roles,” stated Heckscher.
It is anticipated that the public sector will face an increasing challenge attracting the best talent, given the recent erosion of benefits and funding insecurity.
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