Reply to: How's the testing market?

[slickcontractor]

No, you can't see where it's going because it's not going anywhere further than what I've already said! I made my view perfectly clear - I've no problem with anyone coming to this country to work, as long as the numbers are in moderation and there is some control so that the local work force is not seriously impacted. At the moment that is not the situation.

If immigration is properly managed, then I think it's good for people to come to work here and for us to go elsewhere. Living in a foreign country is a brilliant experience for anyone.

It sounds like you're pretty good at what you do and maybe there is a shortage of people in the UK with your experience so you're filling a genuine need. Which is not a situation I have a problem with.

that told me

[SillyMilly]

i was going to get into this one but i can see where it is heading so lets leave it at that

No, you can't see where it's going because it's not going anywhere further than what I've already said! I made my view perfectly clear - I've no problem with anyone coming to this country to work, as long as the numbers are in moderation and there is some control so that the local work force is not seriously impacted. At the moment that is not the situation.

If immigration is properly managed, then I think it's good for people to come to work here and for us to go elsewhere. Living in a foreign country is a brilliant experience for anyone.

It sounds like you're pretty good at what you do and maybe there is a shortage of people in the UK with your experience so you're filling a genuine need. Which is not a situation I have a problem with.

[slickcontractor]

Read what I said again:

What is your niche skill?

i was going to get into this one but i can see where it is heading so lets leave it at that

my work is based aorund market data, feed handlers and FIX protocols etc etc

[nomadd]

They are Indian speaking, working for an Indian co
Only kidding, probably in the non-func area?

Not kidding. At my last contract, the only two UK contractors kept on were those who were Indian born, and so could speak to the offshore team in their own language. Even the Project Manager admitted that this was the only reason they didn't get the chop like the rest of us. I wouldn't mind, but those two contractors were the technically worst people on the entire team. Makes you mad, doesn't it.

Nomadd

[SuperZ]

Read what I said again:



What is your niche skill?

They are Indian speaking, working for an Indian co
Only kidding, probably in the non-func area?

I have no problem at all with foreign workers but it saddens me a bit when the UK companies think they are getting cheap workers. They do initially but one thing I have noticed is that once over here and job completed they will then search for the market rate - which is understandable but they are no longer cheap and we just can`t keep bringing in VISA people, it`s kind of false economy in the longer term.

[SillyMilly]

will you forever have a problem with them due to the way they sought their nationality?

Read what I said again:

Huge problem with most intra-co transferees and visa people (because there are too many of them, not the principle itself).

What is your niche skill?

[mocha_01]

Good to hear that you found something, SS.

I'm finding that most of the jobs advertised are very specific - Automated testing, SC, financial etc. - all experience I don't have! And, unlike HOT, I haven't had many agents call me for the last 6 weeks or so. Agile seems very popular at the moment too. Do many of you testers out there have Agile experience?

I've revamped my CV (although agents have always tole me it looked pretty good before) and am working through QTP tutorials - but I don't think that will be enough to help.

I guess it's just a waiting game!

Yep, it is pitiful at the moment although the calls from agents have picked up over the next last few weeks, but still nada, zilch, nothing, waloo.

[slickcontractor]

Well, since you put it like that ............ although I like Wales.........



Depends why you have the right. I've no problem with 1st. Gen descendents (2 of my young have dual nationality) and no problem with people who have sought Brit. nationality.

Huge problem with most intra-co transferees and visa people (because there are too many of them, not the principle itself).

Which are you?

but wouldnt the visa person that your have a problem with eventually sought british nationality after a few yrs off working here? or will you forever have a problem with them due to the way they sought their nationality?

P:S i am a visa person. Finished my testing contract today and start a new one on wed @ £400 a day. We visa people are not as cheap as they all claim and we can be very niche too

[HeadOfTesting]

I couldnt believe that when I read it either! I told them I didnt see the market picking up for at least the next 6 months possibly longer.

It will be years, not months, before all the benched test resource is soaked up.

[BolshieBastard]

Me too.

But as I'm on the bench I would see the market as being somewhat grim!

I was surprised that so many people expect the market to improve over the next 3 (summer) months, given that historically the market dips in summer. I can't see it myself, but live in hope.

I couldnt believe that when I read it either! I told them I didnt see the market picking up for at least the next 6 months possibly longer.

[pzz76077]

Me too.

But as I'm on the bench I would see the market as being somewhat grim!

I was surprised that so many people expect the market to improve over the next 3 (summer) months, given that historically the market dips in summer. I can't see it myself, but live in hope.

...or the next 3 years come to that.

PZZ

[SillyMilly]

I responded to all their questions, about 6 I remember, with all gloomy answers.

Me too.

But as I'm on the bench I would see the market as being somewhat grim!

I was surprised that so many people expect the market to improve over the next 3 (summer) months, given that historically the market dips in summer. I can't see it myself, but live in hope.

[pzz76077]

Got contacted by these about 4 to 6 weeks ago. Although Im in a lucrative long term contract having been extended to the end of this year, I responded to all their questions, about 6 I remember, with all gloomy answers.

I hope no one paid for this report as it is fundamentally flawed from beginning to end.

PZZ

[BolshieBastard]

Might be a useful read for the testers here

http://www.centre4testing.co.uk/comm...h-summer09.pdf

Got contacted by these about 4 to 6 weeks ago. Although Im in a lucrative long term contract having been extended to the end of this year, I responded to all their questions, about 6 I remember, with all gloomy answers.

[SuperZ]

Might be a useful read for the testers here

http://www.centre4testing.co.uk/comm...h-summer09.pdf