Rise of the commitment-phobes

The Scottish financial services market is home to a growing number of highly qualified temporary financial services employees - and not just in call centres.

Recruiters tell us there's a growing appetite for senior finance professionals willing to take on short term contracts.

Margaret Dyer, a director at recruiter Joslin Rowe's Scottish operation, says a survey by the company last year revealed that 42% of Scots financial services clients were preparing to increase their temporary workforce in 2006.

"That headcount surge certainly seems to have occurred," she reflects. "Typically financial institutions are hiring temps, or as they are becoming known 'contingent workers', to cover new business wins, skills gaps and project related work. Slowly but surely Scotland is moving towards heavy reliance on this vital workforce"

The finance sector isn't the only one drawing on the talents of experienced senior people. Well qualified and senior lawyers, accountants and human resources people are also said to be in particular demand to meet the skills demand created by the upsurge in the number of mergers and acquisitions in the financial sector.

Indeed one senior figure at a Scottish investment house confirmed that temporary staff hired for short term projects are making significant contribution to business. She said: "It's proved a good way to tap into the skills and experience of people who have previously held senior posts within the financial services industry but for one reason or another no longer want a permanent job or are trying to get back into work after a career break."