The Chancellor's pr-budget report has been met with a lukewarm response from interim managers and organisations representing the agencies that employ many of them.
Commenting on the implications of the report for the overall jobs market, Kevin Green, Chief Executive of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) said he welcomed measures to support jobseekers, but the Government has not gone far enough in terms of stimulating demand for staff.
He went on to say the Chancellor had underlined the crucial role of the UK's flexible labour market in limiting unemployment but way that new regulations - in particular, the EU Agency Workers Directive - are implemented will be an acid test of the Government's commitment to protecting the viability of flexible working options.
Although no specific cuts public expenditure cuts were announced in the report, there will continue to be a huge focus on public finances over the coming year.
On the implications for recruitment and employment, Tom Hadley, the REC's Director of External Relations said the Government must get public finances in shape.
However, it is crucial to recognise the importance of flexible staffing as a cost-effective means of delivering crucial front line services and more analysis is needed into the value of flexible employment models in the public sector.
The REC will be launching a specific campaign on this issue in the New Year, he added.