Arras People Survey of Trends in the UK Project Management Market 2006

Arras People, the project management recruitment specialists, conducted a survey of over 1000 current practitioners working in the field of project management, a growing sector in UK employment. The results show how the market has changed since 2000, and the key drivers in the sector today.

Once upon a time job security and status meant a senior position with a major company, underpinned by several yearsí solid service. You could look forward to promotion, a decent pension, and lots of goodies, like cars, away days, courses and conferences. Not any more.

Key points from the survey:
- Project Managers who shun the ìsecurityî of permanent employment can reap big rewards as contractors.

- A significant shift from permanent to contract/interim employment in project management in the UK.

- The market is highly competitive, with consequent downward pressures on rates in some sectors, and so there are winners and losers.

- Project management pay is generally rising, or is it? A significant minority disagrees.

- ìTitleî inflation (where everyone calls themselves ìa directorî is rampant, but titles donít affect take home pay!

- Employers are demanding professional accreditation, and the majority of respondents believe that accreditation will increase their earning power, though many question the validity or benefits of this requirement.

- A growing number of people are working in the public sector.

- Benefits for permanent employees have been stable if not slightly reduced since 2000 though people are anticipating a growth in 2006.