UK workers eye temporary roles for flexibility – Robert Walters survey
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM — A recent study by Robert Walters reveals that over a third of UK professionals are considering leaving permanent positions for temporary work arrangements.
The research, which surveyed 1,300 white-collar workers, found that 34% would consider switching to temporary roles to gain greater flexibility in their working lives.
Financial incentives also play a significant role, with 30% of respondents attracted to temporary positions due to perceived higher earning potential through day-rate or fixed-term contracts.
Many workers reported feeling increased pressure on their workload due to tighter company budgets, a situation likely to worsen with employer national insurance contribution increases taking effect from April 6.
Hybrid working fueling the trend
HR experts suggest the shift toward temporary work may be a direct response to employers scaling back hybrid working arrangements. Gemma Bullivant, an HR coach and consultant, emphasized that workplace flexibility has become essential rather than optional for many professionals.
“For many workers, flexibility is not just a nice to have, it’s a necessity,” Bullivant noted, pointing to factors like expensive childcare and rising commuting costs as additional motivators.
Despite the appeal of potentially higher pay rates, Bullivant cautioned that temporary roles come with drawbacks, including reduced job security and fewer opportunities for career advancement, which could ultimately harm financial stability and professional growth.
Employers also embracing temporary workforce
The survey found that 48% of employers plan to bring in contractors this year specifically for project-based work. Another 20% cited hiring freezes as a reason to seek temporary staff.
This shift comes as the CIPD’s latest Labour Market Outlook indicates that 32% of businesses are planning to reduce their workforce through redundancies or decreased hiring.
“Previously, workers were more focused on securing permanent roles, but many are now favouring flexibility and less pressure in preference to stability,” Samantha Mullins, director at Latitude HR, told People Management.
“With the squeeze on skills and the reluctance to backfill roles permanently when wage bills are rising, these more agile workers are in demand so there is little to encourage them into permanent roles, especially when those in permanent positions are feeling the strain of doing more with less.”
