Current Contract Market Analysis: Life Science and Chemicals

The UK contractor market has shifted significantly over the past 12-18 months. As permanent hiring has slowed due to economic uncertainty, regulatory pressures and rising employment costs, demand for contract and temporary workers has grown.

This report draws on hiring data, market activity and recruitment trends observed during the first half of 2026 to provide an analysis of the life sciences and chemicals hiring markets, with a particular focus on the growing value and strategic use of contingent workers.

Here are some key statistics from the report:

• 65% of businesses plan to increase their use of contingent workers
• 20% of the UK workforce now operates on a contingent basis
• 9.8% growth in temporary workers year-on-year
• 78% of employers globally struggle to find the skilled talent they need
• 81% of employers use recruitment agencies for hiring temporary workers