Creative sector employers are favouring the temp to perm model as a means of recruitment, according to marketing and creative sector recruiter Major Players.

The firm says its number of temporary positions increased by 12% in the last six months of 2009, compared to figures from the first half of the year, while permanent positions witnessed a similar decline. In 2008 temporary roles made up 40% less of the creative jobs market than current levels.

And Mark Begley, head of digital and creative at Major Players, says the temp to perm model, which allows clients to take on staff for projects, before offering full-time work, helps employers minimise risks.

“We’ve seen a move by many of our clients to a recruitment strategy where there are less risks in finding talented individuals.  Employing someone on a temporary basis before offering them a full-time position allows agencies to build the right teams for their clients, while treading carefully through what has been a minefield of client budgets.

“Once the economy stabilises, we will undoubtedly see a return to more permanent employment briefs, as agencies snap up the best talent by offering long-term job security.”