The rising utilisation of social media in business could potentially see contracting opportunities rise.

OfficeCavalry.com reports that 71 per cent of businesses are eager to capitalise on sites such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook to improve their online presence.

This could see a escalation in the social media skills needed in the UK, with many short term vacancies possibly becoming available.

Andy Turner of the website said: "A more agile, cost-effective approach that is scalable and responsive to the ever-changing social media landscape is required."

This comes after John De Groot, chairman of Success Strategy, said that start-ups could face a difficult 2011, as funding prospects will only worsen as the next phase of the economic situation kicks in.

He added that the problem would be worsened by the increased number of new start ups that tend to arise from economic downturns.