New research has revealed that human resources outsourcing, including that of firms recruiting new IT staff in London, is poised for a dramatic increase over the next five years.

According to the market research report from StrategyR, the total value of outsourced recruitment activity worldwide could reach $162 billion (￡100 billion) by 2015.

"The global economic meltdown forced global governments and corporations to re-evaluate business plans and strategies, whereby cost reduction has emerged as a key driving force for human resources outsourcing," the paper explains.

As well as its growing presence in the recruitment sector, there is also an increasing trend for businesses outsourcing IT operations.

In January, a Socitm report revealed that UK governmental departments were reacting to public sector cuts by reducing their staffing levels – and associated expenses – through IT outsourcing.

John Serle, author of the study, emphasised the growing importance of IT consultancy and outsourcing, as business technology is "no longer just about … automating the 'back office'".