2018/2019 was a huge growth year for C&I & 3rd Sector with our headcount across the team increasing to 19 and the opening of our Thames Valley offering lead by Oakleaf returner Ella Milligan.
While the wider market has been unpredictable with discussions around Brexit and IR35 looming, we have seen an overall increase in market opportunity and an ever-building level of confidence in the UK market from our customers. We continue our strong foothold in the Technology, Retail, Media, Charity and Oil & Gas markets however with the growth of the team we have been able to achieve significant impact within our developing markets such as Education, Business Services, Engineering and Logistics.
Interim market
Our largest area of growth this year has been within our interim market with a year on year growth of 51%. We have seen an increase in the demand for Diversity and Inclusion, Resourcing and HR Operations/Shared Service skill sets as opposed to Learning and Talent in comparison to 2017-2018.
At the junior end of the market, we have seen a slight preference for fixed-term contracts over temporary assignments. Many of these contracts are also converting to permanent opportunities for workers. Our senior team have seen an increase in day rates particularly across niche skill sets with clients acknowledging that top talent is limited.
Permanent market
Multinational corporates have been particularly active and we have seen a significant increase in the level of salaries and roles on offer. Whilst, similarly to last year, HR Business Partner skills are in highest demand we have seen more senior specialist roles particularly in Communications and Diversity & Inclusion (an increase of 30%).
With the need for HR functions to become increasing more analytical and data savvy candidates who are able to interpret and use management information have a distinct advantage in the market.
Our junior to mid-level perm team has continued to be our busiest market and as a result, we now have a dedicated consultant for entry-level roles up to £35,000.
Thames Valley
We were delighted to see the return of Ella Milligan who returned to Oakleaf after 3 years working abroad to establish a dedicated regional division. We have had great success in the first 6 months particularly within the mid to senior market. Whilst Ella works across all markets there is a significant presence across Technology, Telecommunications and Consumer markets which is reflected in our client base.
Several of our clients are experiencing huge transformation programs leading to interim opportunities, particularly within global organisations. As a result of some of these change programs and recent PE investments, we have seen some key CPO hires in prominent organisations across the region and we are excited to see what opportunities this leads to.
To discuss opportunities open to you in the C&I market as well as any of the developments above, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on the below contact information.