Engineering Recruitment Market Trends in 2009

Mon 23 Mar 2009

The SRG Engineering Market Trends survey gives a great indication of the prospects for the Engineering Labour Market during 2009.

Not surprisingly some of the economic factors seem to be having an influence on this year's survey results. There is a significant decrease in the number of contract staff being used and while it is often the intention for companies to decrease numbers looking ahead, this figure is substantially higher than last year - 41% looking to reduce contractor numbers compared to 20%. This could be a knock on effect from the reducing capital spend also highlighted in the questionnaire with 41% of companies stating they are cutting back on CapEx projects.

There are fewer companies who intend on increasing permanent headcount this year compared to last and more companies intending on reducing it. 35% of companies have suggested a decrease in orders and production, which might well be a key factor in this.

Now for the good news - the overall forecast for permanent engineering staff is remaining steady - 18% of companies hope to hire more engineers compared to 17% looking to shed staff. This is a positive sign for engineers in the UK.

Download full survey here