Public sector more attractive to accountants in lean times

As the economic downturn takes hold, an increasing number of UK accountants are looking for employment opportunities in the public sector. Gina Dyer reports

A recent poll by financial recruitment specialist WH Marks Sattin found that almost 20% more accountants would consider working in the public sector than this time last year. At present some 37% of contract accountants currently work outside of the private sector, according to research by contract services provider Giant Group. This number is up by three percentage points on last quarter and is set to continue.