A significant increase in the recruitment of contract staff is expected during the next 12 months in the UK biotechnology sector, according to a survey conducted by SRG, which provides personnel to various science-based sectors.

“The results of our latest survey clearly show that the outlook for 2010 is looking positive as, from all the sectors surveyed, biotechnology is predicting the second-highest increased permanent staff recruitment during 2010,” Ena Vieira, a biotechnology industry specialist for SRG, explained in a press statement.

The largest increase in staff recruitment is expected to come from the oil, gas, and petrochemicals sector. However, nearly three times as many companies as in 2009 have forecast an increased requirement for permanent staff in 2010, according to the survey. In general, SRG expects recruitment in industries across the board to be stable for the next 12 months.

This outlook is much brighter than that of 2009, when the UK science-labor market cut both permanent and contract staff.

Vieira said, “With the unstable economic situation over the last 12 months, biotech companies have become even more focused on the commercial returns of their products. This has led to a trend emerging, showing that they are now seeking to recruit more commercially focused staff whilst still requiring them to have suitable scientific skills.”

The survey was completed by more than 550 UK employers of scientists, including biotechnology, food, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, oil, petrochemical and healthcare companies, research institutes, and government departments.