IT contractors are positive about 2008's prospects,
despite thecredit crunch fears, according to
figures from giant group plc.
The contractor services provider says unemployment is falling
and that the
credit crunch has had little impact on concerns about job
security.
But there are a few jitters in the market. The percentage of
contractors expecting their earnings to rise in 2008 fell to
72%, down from 76% in 2007.
But long-term unemployment fell from 4.7% at the end of 2006 to
4.4% at the close of 2007, which is its lowest level for nearly two
years.
Matthew Brown, managing director at giant group, said, "There is
often an upswing in demand for temporary workers during challenging
economic conditions, as organisations put off hiring permanent
staff. So, if there is a short downturn, and the market picks up
again in 2009, contractors could actually do reasonably well."