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Rates & Market

Contractors: are day rates actually falling in 2026, or does it depend entirely on the specialism?

This is something I’d really like the Community to build some collective intelligence around. There is a lot of discussion about pressure on IT contractor rates, but I suspect the reality varies considerably by specialism, seniority and location. Compared with 12–18 months ago, are the rates you are seeing now higher, lower or broadly unchanged? If…

2026Contract RatesDay RatesMarket Conditions

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C Contracting IR35, contracts, working practices and the realities of contracting. £ Rates & Market Contract rates, negotiation, demand, market conditions and benchmarking. J Jobs & Recruitment Recruiters, applications, interviews, CVs, clearances and finding contracts. M Money & Services Umbrellas, accountancy, tax, insurance, pensions, mortgages and contractor services. T Technology & Skills Technology, certifications, specialisms, skills and professional development. L Contractor Life Between-contract periods, travel, accommodation, career decisions and contractor life.