Brits job hunting in Cayman

(CNS): Jobs in the Cayman Islands are emerging as a top alternative choice for job-hunters in the UK as the credit crunch continues to bite and makes switching to a new position more difficult in London’s Square Mile. Recent research by Morgan McKinley has shown than job-seekers in the UK financial services industry must wait 58.8 days to find a new role — up from 42 days in June last year. But Cayman can do better than that, says one local recuiter. (Left: Steve McIntosh of CMLOR)

However, with Cayman’s offshore sector going from strength to strength, and despite the hurricanes and the rollover policy, which limits overseas workers to a seven-year term, Grand Cayman is attracting a regular flow of prime job-seeking talent from the UK. Steve McIntosh, Chief Executive of CMLOR Recruitment, says he has seen the number of applications rise in recent months, which in turn is fuelling the recruitment firm’s growth.

"We are continuing to expand on the back of increasing demand," he said. "Anyone looking for a financial services position should seriously consider legal or accounting jobs in the Cayman Islands. If you hold the right qualifications and experience you will certainly not have to wait almost two months for a job."

The lucrative tax-free salaries, a high standard of living and, of course, a great sub-tropical climate, together with Cayman’s position as a leading international financial centre, combine to make it an attractive option for Brits fed up with the drudgery of London. Accounting and legal jobs in the Cayman Islands have always attracted interest from UK job-seekers, and this is set to rise as the UK market becomes more competitive.

CMLOR said that as the world’s largest offshore specialist recruitment consultancy and temping agency offering, it is the preferred supplier to some of the offshore world’s most prestigious financial services and law firms.

“Every year we help hundreds of professionals continue to develop their successful careers in jurisdictions around the world,” said McIntosh.