Contractor jobs surge post NIC hike

Since the increase in employers' National Insurance contributions (NICs) in April, the demand for self-employed contractors has surged. Figures from employment search engine Adzuna show that there are currently 326,068 contract jobs available, with this 20% up on early April. James Neave, head of data science at Adzuna, noted that employers are favouring contractors to avoid the additional £900 annual NICs for an average worker. The shift has resulted in a 9% drop in permanent roles, with 519,767 full-time vacancies now listed.