This will rise and stabilise13 Jan 2021 12:41
Going in to the second half of the year consultant utilisation levels are at their highest for several years, in percentage and absolute terms. Our major accounts continue to provide opportunities, whilst significant work is planned to start in the new calendar year with two private sector clients (one from the technology distribution sector and the other from the renewable energy sector). Consultant headcount continues to increase at another central government client, with the recent intention to award a contract to supply multiple resources. Recruitment of more permanent consultants continues, as we steadily increase the ratio of permanent staff to non-permanent staff on our consulting engagements. Not only does this improve margins, but it increases the Group's resilience with regard to the impending roll-out of Off Payroll (IR35) legislation in 2021. The Group has a proven business model that allows for the operation of a remote workforce and we do not envisage needing to make substantial changes to these arrangements during the second half of the year.