Engineers lured towards temporary working

A fifth (18 per cent) of engineers are holding down more than one temporary role to chase greater work-life balance and see more of their families, according to recent research.

The research carried out by recruitment company Reed Specialist Recruitment asked 5,000 UK employees about their experience of, and attitude to, temporary and contract working.

Of the sample of 5,000, 339 respondents were from the engineering industry. The survey found that, while just 14 per cent considered non-permanent work to be their main job, a fifth (18 per cent) of engineers are holding down more than one temporary role.

The professional outlook for temporary work in the sector was positive, with 33 per cent saying it led to a variety of work, 20 per cent stating that it delivered an increased hourly rate and 21 per cent noting that it helped to avoid getting stale in a company.

However, the personal benefits of temporary work were found to be even more important to engineers. More than a third (34 per cent) said work-life balance was a positive impact of temporary working, with a fifth (19 per cent) highlighting that it allowed them to see more of their families.

Despite the positives experienced within the sector, more than half (57 per cent) of those asked identified that they preferred the security of a permanent role, while half (50 per cent) said they liked benefits such as sick pay and pension which come with a permanent role.

Mark Brown, Reed engineering expert, said: "The engineering sector, when compared with others, differs in its view on temporary contracts. The industry successfully uses contract working, though with a decision on the UK's exit from the EU on the horizon, there are a number of workers looking towards the security of permanent.

"However, our research clearly indicates that a significant number of engineers see temporary employment as a way to spend more time with their family and still accommodate fulfilling professional lives. With a workforce that is highly skilled there will always be the option to work the multiple roles, with multiple contracts for those engineers with a combination of technical expertise and commercial knowhow."