Yup. It's interesting. On the one hand, they could have an employee with impeccable skills, background, training, etc, but have to pay them well, guarantee benefits, hours, etc.

Or they can outsource the contract to a 3rd party, let that company deal with coming up with hired guns, liability, etc, and just hope it all works out. And if it doesn't, it's a lot easier to fire a contract company and find a new one, than to fire actual employees.