Contractors look for permanent jobs

Contractors in the communications sector are looking for permanent jobs as the market gloom deepens, according to a survey conducted by recruitment company White and Nunn.

The research revealed that 65 per cent of the contractors interviewed are hoping to escape market uncertainty and a downturn in contractor rates by landing a full time role.

Pessimism is rife among the group, with about two thirds feeling either 'deep' or 'some' concern for the future and only a fraction expressing optimism about the next six months.

Andrew Parker, chief executive at White and Nunn, said that, although there is a growing sense of unease among contractors, professionals with desirable skills shouldn't worry.

"While the demand for contractors has decreased, we are noting an increase in demand for permanent placements and a steady requirement for certain contractor skills," he commented.

About 80 per cent of the respondents said they would consider working away from home or in Europe, fuelling fears that falling demand on top of IR35 will force another brain drain from the UK.

Both Hewlett Packard and Credit Suisse First Boston allegedly plan to reduce contractor rates while British Airways has cut a third of its IT contract staff in a cost-cutting measure.