The current global uncertainty is expected to lift demand for contract staff in Western Australia this year as businesses look for flexible staffing solutions to ease shortfalls, a survey has revealed.
A survey by international recruitment consultant Robert Walters showed that despite falling commodity prices and the deferral and shelving of projects, demand has continued for business analysts by companies wanting to understand cost drivers.
The survey revealed that analysts experienced in change management are set to be in high demand for the 2009 calendar year.
Meantime there has been reduced demand for staff in the business, corporate and institutional sectors with initial public offers often shelved and debt finance demand limited due to tighter lending requirements.
WA has registered only one IPO this year, with Dragon Energy expected to list next week.
The survey also found there had been a rise in the use of "temporary to permanent" staff as companies seek to prove a hire economically before committing to permanent employment.
On a sector by sector basis, financial services are now taking a long-term approach by building a successful team while salaries are falling and quality professionals are available.
The IT sector has been impacted by the deferral of projects in the mining, financial services, health and utilities industries, with salaries for IT professionals expected to remain static.
In the secretarial and business support sector, demand is expected to continue for legal support and project staff throughout 2009.