Engineering contractors are more confident about their job prospects in 2012 than they were this time last year, according to research by giant group, the contractor services provider.

Six out of 10 (61%) engineering contractors said they expect their pay to rise in 2012, compared to just 51% who forecast a pay increase at the end of 2010.

According to giant, engineers’ growing confidence about the jobs market is also reflected in their growing preference for higher hourly pay over a longer-term contract. When asked which they would prefer, 59% would opt for a longer-term contract, down from 67% last year.

Matthew Brown, managing director of giant group, says: “Market confidence has clearly strengthened over the past year, despite the faltering recovery and the Eurozone crisis. Demand for engineering skills is holding up well and is one of the bright spots in an otherwise weak jobs market.”

source: www.recruiter.co.uk