9th September 2021
The need for compliant contractor management solutions has been steadily growing this year, but we’re certainly seeing a number of fluctuating trends and some sectors and countries see spikes in activity. As a case in point, flourishing pharmaceutical and biotech sectors have recently led to a demand for international contractors in Austria. The number of biotechs in Austria has more than doubled since 2010 and there are now over 150 firms operating in the country, almost half of which are situated in or near Vienna. With a strong focus on health applications, including vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics for infectious diseases, Covid-19 has given some companies the opportunity to grow rapidly and boosting demand.
Stefanie Cook, Sales Director at 6CATS International “Austria is a significant producer of pharmaceuticals with a growing customer base in Europe and Asia and the sector has historically played an important role in the country’s economic growth. This strength has only increased since the beginning of the pandemic, with demand for professionals growing around the Vienna Biocenter, a cluster of life science research institutes and companies.
“Elsewhere across the globe, we are seeing a flurry of contractor hotspots emerge as countries open their borders and focus on GDP growth post-Covid. Spain, for example, remains a popular destination for professionals working internationally, and with the economy here recovering faster than anticipated in Q2, it is unsurprising that opportunities here remain resilient.”
Along with Austria and Spain, Belgium, Russia, South Africa and Egypt have all seen an increase in demand for contractor recruitment solutions. Let’s take a look at the latest update for travel restrictions in these countries.
Spain adds more countries to its high-risk list
Spain’s Ministry of Health Consumption and Social Welfare has recently added more countries to its high-risk list, meaning some travellers are now subject to stricter travel rules upon arrival in Spain.
This latest update sees the whole of Austria and Croatia added to the high-risk areas list. Travellers from these destinations will need to present a certificate of vaccination or proof of recovery. For those without either certificate, they will be able to present a negative Covid-19 test result.
The Ministry of Health has removed most of Finland from the list, with only the Finnish regions of Helsinki-Uusimaa, Etelä-Suomi, Länsi-Suomi and Pohjois- ja Itä-Suomi remaining.
Spain had been experiencing a rapid increase in the number of cases but this seems to have improved slightly over the last month. As a result, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has advised the rest of the EU member states to facilitate entry from Spain.
Belgium plans to lift restrictions
From 1st September Belgium will lift several of its restrictions. With the country close to its goal of having 70% of the population vaccinated health authorities feel it’s the right time to introduce this next step in a potential return to some normality.
Restrictions on bars and restaurants will be eased with no limit on the strict opening hours and distance between the tables that have been in place previously. Waiting staff will need to continue to wear a face covering, though. Tourists will also be able to enjoy private gatherings and parties without a curfew or a limit on capacity.
Visitors to the country will now be able to attend indoor events with less than 200 attendees and outdoor ones with fewer than 400 guests. But the Brussels-Capital Region will not be relaxing restrictions to that extent.
Contract recruitment demand: Wider EU travel updates
There has been an increase in cases this week across the EU/Schengen Area overall. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has updated its recommendation for a coordinated approach to travel restrictions and the freedom of movement as a result – and with the situation constantly changes it is crucial to check for the latest information before looking at placing a contractor in any location.
The only countries that remain completely green, and are presenting the lowest level of cases, are Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania.
Travel restrictions confusion
With contractor recruitment demand continuing on an upward trajectory while Covid continues to impact travel restrictions, staffing firms placing contractors internationally need to be aware of the latest changes to border restrictions.
However, it’s not just Coronavirus requirements that need to be adhered to. In order to remain on the right side of the law, any contractors your recruitment agency is associated with will need to comply with local tax legislation. Speak to our team of experts today to get tailored advice to ensure your firm isn’t exposed to unnecessary risks.