Financial Services Employers Gear Up for Growth as Permanent Hiring Expands

More than half of employers in the financial services sector are looking to increase permanent headcount, according to a hiring intentions survey from specialist recruiter, Robert Walters.

Asked about their recruitment plans for the second half of 2014, 51% of financial services employers say they are looking to make permanent hires. A similar number, 53%, will be concentrating on mid-level hires.

At 60%, the proportion of hiring managers who believe business growth will have a strong impact on hiring has nearly doubled since the beginning of 2014.

However, a third of financial services employers expressed concerns that skills shortages will affect their ability to recruit the right calibre of professional.

Peter Milne, Director of Financial Services Recruitment at Robert Walters, says:

“Permanent hiring activity is a good barometer of confidence, so this news bodes well for financial services professionals who may be looking for their next role. Activity is increasing across the market, with demand especially strong for experienced executives and mid-level staff.

“While employers continue to use a variety of hiring channels, including job boards and internal HR teams, the survey shows that recruitment consultancies are most trusted to help mitigate the risk of skills shortages.”

- Ends -

To request further information or comment on the Robert Walters Client Hiring Intentions Survey 2014, please contact:

Giles Thomas

T: +44 (0)20 7509 8087

E: giles.thomas@robertwalters.com

Notes to Editors:

1. Robert Walters is one of the world's leading specialist professional recruitment consultancies and focuses on placing high calibre professionals into permanent, contract and temporary positions at all levels of seniority. The UK business recruits across the accountancy and finance, banking, HR, legal, IT, sales, marketing, risk, compliance, tax, treasury, procurement and supply chain and support fields. Established in 1985, the Group has built a global presence with 53 offices spanning 24 countries.

2. The Robert Walters Client Hiring Intentions Survey 2014 surveyed hundreds of employers across fifteen verticals on a range of questions, including readiness to take on new staff, at what level and factors most affecting hiring.