Is it worth starting contracting now?

[simes]

I would apply equally for perm and contract, and take whichever comes first.

What with the time it takes to land a perm job, you could probably have polished off a six month contract to take you to what may, in time, prove to be a Private Sector mess and then go into perm.

Good luck.

[jmo21]

The main issue for me would be the 3 years break.

Permanent might be the easier route to get back into work for you.

You might get lucky and pick up a contract role, especially if you go in with a lower than market rate, there will be places (or rather agents) who will see rate as an important factor.

You only have to browse these forums to see many posts of seasoned contracts being out for long periods of time.