Travel management companies (TMCs) are starting to recruit again as confidence increases in the market, according to employment specialists.
Recruitment agencies report that business travel companies such as Carlson Wagonlit and American Express Business Travel are hiring temporary staff as corporate bookings begin to pick up.
C&M Recruitment business development director Barbara Kolosinska said the number of temporary workers on her books working for Travel Management Companies has doubled in the last eight weeks.
She said: “The temps market is the first area to pick up because of the flexibility of hiring temporary staff. We have noticed a significant increase in London and in the north.”
However, there is still a long way to go before the employment market returns to previous levels. “The number of temps working is still only a third of where it was at its peak two to three years ago,” added Kolosinska.
New Frontiers managing director Julia Feuell also said demand for reservation agents in TMCs is improving. She has seen an increase in the number of companies registering vacancies in the business travel sector.
Carlson Wagonlit Travel is one of the TMCs beginning to recruit. UK director of public sector and industry affairs Nigel Turner said: “We are seeing a small growth in positions throughout our network as we implement new business.
If possible we are filling positions from within, looking for home workers, but are recruiting externally in certain areas where this is not possible.”
Overall, the number of jobs available through New Frontiers has just topped 100 – doubling the number two months ago. There has also been a slowdown in candidates entering the jobs market.
Feuell said: “We were receiving 1,000 CVs a week in January and February – now that is down to 500 a week.”