IT contractor rates - average hourly and daily contract rate analysis

IT Contractor Insurance
Contractor professional Indemnity insurance, public and employers' liability cover - try Hiscox.

Clients putting pressure on contract rates

Posted Apr 8, 2009

A top 20 recruitment agency has reported that although contractor numbers remain healthy, clients are exerting pressure on contract rates due to the poor economic environment.

Matchtech Group PLC, who are well known for their engineering expertise as well as IT and other industries, released its half yearly results up until the end of January 2009.

The Group reported healthy figures with revenue up 18%, and increases in net fee income and operating profits.

The number of contractors on Matchtech's books remained steady compared to six months previously - 4528 compared to 4541, and contract net fee income actually rose by 12% during the reporting period.

However, the economic environment appears to have changed significantly in the last few months, with permanent fees in February and March 2009 down by 26% on the previous year.

Although the number of contractors has changed little since the reporting period until 31st March 2009, the agency reports that clients are "placing pressure on contractor pay rates and our margins".

Although the company feels it is protection to an extent in the current climate;

"The Group has maintained a healthy balance between contract and permanent placements coupled with a highly diversified client and sector base providing a degree of protection against market volatility."

It also acknowledges the clear impact the 'credit crunch' is having on the recruitment industry:

"... the economic climate is increasingly challenging, as evidenced by the significant reduction in growth in Quarter 2, and the Group has much reduced visibility for the remainder of this financial year."

All content ©Contract Eye Ltd. Protected by Copyscape. Please scroll down for related articles.

Contractor Services


Related Articles

Job board expects contract market to remain strong in 2012
A leading job board expects the IT contract market to remain strong over the next year, as the demand of skilled IT professionals continues to grow, despite fundamental problems with the economy as a whole.

Mobile Commerce contractors in high demand by retail sector
Another survey points to the growth in demand for IT contractors with mobile (m-commerce) skills over the past year.

IT contractor North/South divide continues to grow
The latest quarterly survey of IT jobs posted on recruitment websites shows that although the demand for IT contractors continues to grow nationwide, a larger proportion of roles than ever are based in the South.

mCommerce IT contractors command high rates
A new report shows that contractors working in mobile commerce roles, building tools for smartphones and tablet computers, are likely to be paid at least 20% more than contractors in more general e-commerce positions.

Demand for digital IT contractors remains very high
The latest JM Digital quarterly market report shows that the demand for digital IT contractor skills remains very high, with the financial sector keener than ever to recruit the finest talent.

Demand for IT staff rises, but overall employment figures grim
The latest monthly Report on Jobs shows that the demand of permanent IT staff is rising in an otherwise declining jobs market. The demand for contract continued to rise in November, but at a much lower pace than in previous months.

New IT contract market rate tool launched
The IT Job Board has released a new IT salary / contract rate monitor, which provides regional contract rate data, and the skills most in demand at any one time.

Recruiter reveals contract roles most in demand in 2011, as market remains resilient
A specialist IT agency reveals the most advertised contract roles of the past year, and explains why the contracting market remains buoyant despite widespread economic uncertainty.

More banks cut contractor rates as financial uncertainty continues
More investment banks have slashed contractor rates, bringing back memories of 2008-9, as the continuing financial crisis forces companies to take rapid action to cut costs.

Number of IT contract vacancies up by 5%
The number of contract openings advertised over the past quarter is up almost 5%, with the demand for contractors outpacing the demand for permanent staff.

UBS contractors told to swallow 10% rate cut
UBS is the latest bank to announce a series of job cuts, and contractors aren't immune according to The Register.

Good outlook for financial services contractors, but public sector remains bleak
The market for financial services contractors looks set to grow strongly over the coming year, however the outlook for contractors in the public sector remains bleak.

Quarterly demand for contractors up 3%, public sector roles recover
The latest jobs market report from CWJobs and jobsadwatch.co.uk shows that the number of contract vacancies advertised during the second quarter of 2011 was up by over 3%.

Improved market for interim management as rates return to pre-recession levels
Interim Managers are enjoying the first sustained improvement in market conditions since 2008, according to the latest Interim Management Survey findings.

Average UK contract rates down, marginal increase in London and South East
The latest Parasol Insight Index shows that the average umbrella company contract rate has fallen over the past year, however the gender gap has grown, as has the pay gap between regions.

Qdosconsulting

Looking for a new service provider?

Accountants
Umbrella Companies

More Contracting Rate News / Market Updates