December has seen a major surge in demand for data professionals as companies prepare for a peak in business activity.
According to contractor website PeoplePerHour.com, 61% more data professionals have been hired this month than last month.
Demand for e-commerce experts grew the most, at 102%, as businesses prepare for a rush of Christmas shopping. Demand for IT support and web programmers also grew fast, at 95% and 70% respectively.
According to these latest figures, the data sector appears to be weathering the difficult economic climate well.
“Our figures show that data consultants are in high demand during the run-up to Christmas,” said Xenios Thrasyvoulou, chief executive at PeoplePerHour.com.
The use of contractors allows businesses to temporarily increase resources for peak business periods. “Businesses are able to increase their margins using freelancers and make the most of the extra income to be made over the festive season,” he said.
