U.S. temporary, contract hiring to increase in 2012: Survey

Majority of hiring expected to take place in first quarter

More than one-third (36 per cent) of American companies are planning to hire contract or temporary workers in 2012, according to a survey by CareerBuilder. This is up from 34 per cent for 2011, 30 per cent for 2010 and 28 per cent for 2009.

Of the companies hiring temporary or contract workers this year, 35 per cent have plans to hire them on a permanent basis, found the survey of 3,000 hiring managers in the United States.

Recruitment for temporary jobs will begin right away for some companies — 27 per cent of survey respondents are planning to hire temporary or contract workers in the first quarter of 2012.

“Temporary jobs from staffing and recruiting firms are playing an increasingly important role in the economic recovery,” said Eric Gilpin, president of CareerBuilder’s staffing and recruiting group. “Our studies have pointed to a rise in these positions post-recession as companies address growing market needs. Employers are relying on temporary and contract workers to support leaner staffs, and in many cases, will transition those workers to permanent roles.”

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