Umbrella company contractors should consider themselves lucky not to have to undergo the sort of company training that many PAYE employees undergo, which often has no underlying purpose.

Although UK organisations spend multi-millions on coaching, almost 15% admit they do not evaluate the return on their investment. Worse still, 68% do not use coaching to address corporate objectives.

These startling figures come from a recent survey conducted by Hays Recruitment and LeaderShape, an expert coach/mentor. The research found that nearly three quarters of coach-mentoring programmes are for individual development, either to develop talent or address personal concerns, rather than addressing business needs. Despite this, over 50% of UK companies want to increase their provision of business coaching.

One major concern highlighted by the survey is the lack of development support for the trainers. 73% of firms use internal ‘employee’ coach-mentors and yet 28% of mentors and 16% of coaches receive no support or training and 29% of group/team facilitators are untrained.

Chris McCarthy from Hays Recruitment said that too many companies are leaving it up to individuals to decide their training or mentoring, and in several instances there is no reference to the needs of the business. Companies are not checking the standard of the programmes and in many cases do not seem interested in the outcome. Whilst it is extremely important to offer support to people when they begin a new role, it needs to be carried out by people who understand exactly what is required.

Chris Gulliver, from LeaderShape, points out that the lack of direction and training given to coach-mentors means companies’ are wasting both time and money. Internal providers should be fully trained in coach-mentoring (just like their interim & freelance counterparts), and outcomes should be measured against business objectives if businesses want to boost success.

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There are more opportunities available for IT contractors according to the latest Monster employment Index report. 11% additional PAYE and freelance vacancies were advertised online in May compared to the previous month.

IT was amongst the best performing sectors, along with education and training, legal and administrative and transport and logistics. Online postings for vacancies in education grew by 13% and there was a 12% increase in the legal sector.

Monster UK’s managing director, Julian Acquari, noted that the UK job market is slowing growing, despite the recent turbulence in the financial markets of Europe.

Investment in business improved during the first quarter of 2010 and this has brought about the increase in online job availability. Another positive sign is that HR positions are also showing positive year-on-year growth.

Just one sector registered a decline. Healthcare and social work dropped 2% during May but this might be expected since the majority of healthcare vacancies fall into the public sector.

Overall, the Monster index increased by 7% in May, but this jump could in some ways be attributed to the brief slowdown that was experienced in April. May’s figures were up 19% on the corresponding month last year.

Regionally, Northern Ireland showed the most momentum whilst Scotland experienced the least growth.

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Small businesses, contractors, freelancers and entrepreneurs are feeling optimistic about the end of the economic downturn. Many are now keen to see a return to more profitable times despite the planned increases in tax, national insurance and regulation over the coming years.

PeoplePerHour.com’s recent survey of UK entrepreneurs revealed that only 25% of respondents felt that the latest recession has had that much of an impact on them with more than 30% saying they could benefit from the experience.

These findings are backed up by a new study conducted by Investec Specialist Private Bank and the Entrepeneurs’ Organization. Their results show that nearly 90% of small businesses expect to increase their turnover in 2010.

Other survey findings show that almost 2/3 of respondents feel that the economy will improve this year and nearly 75% believe the economic climate represents an opportunity for them. Close to half (46%) are investing in research and development.

Entrepreneurialism is doing particularly well at the moment, as many people go in search of the niches, gaps and opportunities made available since the recession.

To further encourage this, PeoplePerHour.com has launched its own Virtual Business of the Year Awards to recognise SMEs and entrepreneurs who have embraced web 2.0, virtual working and the opportunities they represent.

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Image: Mission 172: “This morning, draw small, happy faces on all your fingers, and a big smiley face on your tummy.” by peyri