An expert has encouraged companies to consider hiring temporary staff to resolve talent shortages and pointed out that demand for short-term workers has risen sharply in recent months.

Recruitment and Employment Confederation policy and professional services director Tom Hadley suggested that the number of businesses – particularly small to medium-sized enterprises – taking on temps could be poised to increase further.

"There's an indication that employers will be using flexible staffing whilst there is still a lot of economic uncertainty," he explained. "People are naturally cautious about taking on permanent staff."

Mr Hadley added that temporary employees offer entrepreneurs greater adaptability, making it easier to replace individuals who fail to meet expectations in a particular role and allowing agencies to take on the responsibility of vetting contenders.

Earlier this week, a study conducted by the Bank of Scotland revealed that demand for temps among Scottish businesses had surged by its fastest rate in three years last month.

Posted by Hayley Edwards