Freelance positions on the rise

Freelance ad’s continue to rise

In the past year, there has been a rise in temporary positions by 14.6% according to the Sun Super job index. In the past 3 months alone, temporary positions have increased by 3.3%.

Temporary positions now represent 30.1% of job ad’s across Australia, and this is the first time since 2016 that temporary vacancies as a segment have represented more than a 30% share of all job ads. 

Permanent vacancies, on the other hand, have fallen by 2.3% over the past year, despite a small growth of 1.3% for the quarter. 

Sunsuper chief economist Brian Parker says the Index data indicates two key dynamics are potentially at play.

"The first is that employers may be responding prudently to tighter business conditions by hiring temporary and contract staff, rather than a permanent headcount, just in case conditions deteriorate further."

The second is "a more general, longer-term trend both locally and internationally for employers to move towards contingent staffing solutions".

Stopgap has noticed the steady rise in freelance positions.  Indications are that candidates are drawn to freelance roles as a way to test that the job itself is right for them or the cultural fit of an organisation or industry works for them before committing long term. They see it as dipping their toes in the water before commiting to a swim.

This year so far, 52% of the positions we have recruited for have been freelance. It is a steady rise from 2018 when that figure sat at 48%.  Right now, we are interested to see what the last 2 months of 2019 hold.  Will the number of temporary contracts increase before the festive period with people taking extended leave or with projects needed to be completed before the year is out ... Watch this space!

If you are interested in hiring a freelancer to make a difference to your team, or if you are a freelancer looking for your next gig - we’d love to hear from you!