Despite the government’s historic bailouts and an eye-watering fiscal stimulus, one recruiter remains positive about a whole raft of opportunities in the public sector next year.

David Pyle, spokesman for Synergy Group, which has added a candidate training service to its offering, says the company still expects to grow by 10% next year and by the same amount in 2010.

“We have seen a lot of growth in revenues and benefits and housing departments as a result of the economy,” he told Recruiter.

“I see a lot of growth potential in procurement and international placements, in particularly social workers where there is a huge shortage of fully vetted and qualified staff.”

Pyle says Synergy is keeping in close contact with every client and making sure they were prepared to respond once the local authority funding rounds have been announced.

There will be challenges, but even in the regeneration and development and the social housing sector where business has slowed, developers and housing associations will be seeking funds to pay for new builds to meet government targets. And there are still skill shortages for social workers. It is a question of being prepared and keeping close to your client.”