The way organisations hire is shifting, and rising employment costs are a big part of the reason. With employer National Insurance contributions now at 13.8%, plus pension auto-enrolment, holiday pay, and other statutory benefits, the true cost of a permanent hire is far higher than just their salary. For businesses and public sector bodies managing tight budgets, this is a challenge—especially when they need specialist skills for a fixed period rather than long-term roles.

This is where interim professionals and contractors come in. They offer the flexibility to bring in expertise when it's needed, without the long-term financial and administrative commitments of a permanent hire. It's a model that works particularly well in infrastructure, energy, technology, and defence—sectors that rely on large-scale programmes with defined start and end dates.

With defence spending increasing, for example, there's growing demand for specialists who can deliver critical projects—from project managers overseeing procurement and logistics to cyber experts strengthening national security frameworks. Many of these roles don't need to be permanent; they require specific expertise for a set period to get the job done. The ability to bring in highly skilled interims on demand ensures programmes move forward efficiently, without the delays that often come with lengthy recruitment processes.

It's not just the private sector that's seeing the benefits. Government departments, local authorities, and NHS trusts are also turning to interims to fill skill gaps and keep vital projects on track. We see this in regeneration projects where councils bring in specialist directors for urban development, or in digital transformation, where experienced IT programme managers lead complex system upgrades in public services. These roles are about targeted expertise—getting the right people in at the right time to drive progress.

One of the biggest challenges many organisations face is moving from legacy systems to future operational strategies. Whether it's outdated technology, inefficient processes, or long-standing structural issues, the transition to modern, scalable solutions isn't always straightforward. This is where interims play a crucial role, helping organisations 'mind the gap' between old and new. They bring fresh perspectives, industry best practices, and hands-on experience, ensuring change happens smoothly without disrupting day-to-day operations.

For professionals, interim work comes with its own advantages. Higher day rates, greater flexibility, and the opportunity to work on a variety of interesting projects make it an attractive option. Many interims enjoy moving between sectors, tackling new challenges, and expanding their networks. It's a different way of working—one that offers variety and autonomy, rather than long-term corporate structures.

Of course, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. For organisations, it's about balancing the need for agility with maintaining institutional knowledge. For professionals, it's about understanding the realities of contracting and making sure it aligns with their career goals. In this evolving landscape, specialist recruitment partners like Malikshaw help bridge the gap—connecting employers with the right talent at the right time, ensuring projects stay on track, and supporting professionals in finding high-value opportunities.