10 August 2010 | Paul Snell
Restrictions on hiring new buyers are still in place at many organisations as the economy begins to recover, a survey of purchasers has found.
The latest regular poll of 100 professionals by SM revealed 39 per cent of respondents have not lifted curbs such as hiring freezes imposed during the recession. Restrictions have been lifted at 15 per cent of organisations.
A further 46 per cent of purchasers reported that their organisations were not prohibited from hiring buyers during the downturn.
Where restrictions have been lifted, purchasers reported their companies were looking to hire buyers with specific aptitudes, such as relationship or category management skills. But the business case for new staff has to be well justified and is subject to greater scrutiny.
Some UK public sector purchasers explained restrictions were only now coming into force, and these were expected to be in place for some time as the government embarks on its attempt to cut spending and reduce the deficit.
Of the remaining 46 per cent who had not suffered from constraints, a number of poll respondents reported actively increasing the size of their team in the downturn to handle the extra demands placed on procurement. Others said there was no formal ban on hiring, but did see restructuring of their department and changes of roles.
* An in-depth examination of the state of the current job market in procurement and supply chain will appear in the 2 September issue of SM.
