An Agency's View

[Whorty]

Currently recruiting for a SQL developer and spoke to an agency today from our PSL. Talked through a few candidate CVs. As I'm in private sector agent asked if I'd consider someone from the PS (as in the JD I'd stated I need a proactive individual who can work on own initiative .... are PS contractors not renowned for this? I digress ...). I said if they have the right skills, can fit into the team and have the right personality then of course I'd consider a PS.

Anyway, got talking and he said he is inundated with PS contractors jumping ship and looking to get into private sector. He also said, and this was the most interesting, that his agency are now avoiding hiring for the PS until they know what is going to happen next year. They've basically pulled out of the PS sector.

Now they may not be big in the PS, I don't know for sure, but this must be worrying for PS recruiters if the contractors are getting out and the agencies don't want to work with them. Interesting times!

[northernladuk]

P. S. What is a PS contractor. One that has worked one a PS gig or those that have only ever worked in PS? There is a big difference.

[Whorty]

P. S. What is a PS contractor. One that has worked one a PS gig or those that have only ever worked in PS? There is a big difference.

Sorry, didn't realise this was such a sore topic for those currently contracting in the PS sector. Not worried the private sector won't want your skills are you? With such a positive attitude and warm personality you'll do well when you come to the private sector

[northernladuk]

Sorry, didn't realise this was such a sore topic for those currently contracting in the PS sector.

Dunno. I'll have to find someone that is and ask them.

Not worried the private sector won't want your skills are you? With such a positive attitude and warm personality you'll do well when you come to the private sector

Nope. My new client seems more than happy thank you.

[WTFH]

A contractor should be a contractor - that means getting work based on their skills. Part of why contractors get paid what we do is because of a breadth of experience. You are a contractor with a skillset, not a contractor in a business area. Or you're not really a contractor.

It's a bit like when someone says they are a contractor, but will only take jobs within 20 minutes of where they live and are not prepared to travel.

[SueEllen]

Sorry, didn't realise this was such a sore topic for those currently contracting in the PS sector. Not worried the private sector won't want your skills are you? With such a positive attitude and warm personality you'll do well when you come to the private sector

Explanation is needed as some of us aren't foolish and change sectors regularly.

[MrMarkyMark]

A contractor should be a contractor - that means getting work based on their skills. Part of why contractors get paid what we do is because of a breadth of experience. You are a contractor with a skillset, not a contractor in a business area. Or you're not really a contractor.

It's a bit like when someone says they are a contractor, but will only take jobs within 20 minutes of where they live and are not prepared to travel.

Yeh, Yeh, whatever....

Whatever is the most lucrative is what works for me

[jamesbrown]

You are a contractor with a skillset, not a contractor in a business area. Or you're not really a contractor.

What a load of bullocks. Conversely (and equally nonsensically), a contractor who spans several business areas is a low- to mid-level technician, not a proper expert.

[northernladuk]

What a load of bullocks. Conversely (and equally nonsensically), a contractor who spans several business areas is a low- to mid-level technician, not a proper expert.

Yeah but being stuck in PS doesn't make you an expert either.

[jamesbrown]

Yeah but being stuck in PS doesn't make you an expert either.

Either you're an expert or you're not but, like I said, one stupid generalisation doesn't atone for another. The public sector spans a lot of areas, according to FOI. Universities; millitary intelligence etc. Some poor buggers that probably didn't think they were in the PS are going to find that out pretty soon... I'm kinda irritated that RBS and Lloyds aren't officially PS.