Rise in contractors: Workers want flexibility, recruiting boss says

Some government departments are still spending massive sums on contractors despite orders to cut it back. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has spent $95 million for the second year in a row. But while MBIE says it's trying to cut back, Inland Revenue is increasing its use of contract labour. That flies in the face of the State Services Minister Chris Hipkins who says he wants "steady downward pressure" on contractor and consultant spending. In addition, IRD's use of fixed-term contracts has gone up fivefold. Adam Shapley is the managing director of the recruitment firm Hays. He warns it's futile to resist these inevitable changes in how people work.