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If you're new to temping or would like more information about the benefits of temporary work, you've come to the right place.
Temping or temporary work is based on a non-fixed term basis but can last for any length of time, from a single day's work to months in duration. Salary is usually paid on a weekly basis and is based on an hourly rate, meaning you don't have to wait a month to get paid. It can be full time or part time hours, giving you control over when and how you work.
Employers recruit temps for a number of reasons. It could be to boost productivity at busy times, to cover staff absence or leave (such as maternity leave), for particular projects, to fill gaps in expertise or to analyse employee performance with the potential of permanent employment afterwards.
As well as offering flexibility, temping is a great way for you to learn new skills, experience new industries and meet new people.
Like temping, contracting is another alternative to permanent work, the difference being that contractors are usually employed on a fixed term basis and are paid daily or weekly. Contracting is especially popular in the IT industry, where specific skills are required for the delivery of projects.
Like temping, contracting offers flexibility and the opportunity to develop new skills.
Interim work refers to temporary employment for senior professionals. These assignments are often short term but require specialist skills as well as the ability to identify and solve difficult problems.
As well as enjoying the flexibility of non-permanent work, interim roles can be particularly well paid, often paying significantly higher salaries than equivalent permanent positions.
Temping offers a realistic alternative to permanent work and has a great many benefits.
All temps in the UK must have the right to work here. British nationals and nationals from the European Economic Area have the right to work in the UK. For details about working in the UK, including work permits, working holidays and useful contacts, please visit our international applications page.
More and more employers are recognising the value of temps, so there is often high demand. Temps may be paid more than an equivalent permanent employee and because temporary pay is based on an hourly rate, the more hours you work, the more you get paid.
Under the Working Time Regulations, temporary workers are entitled to a minimum of 5.6 weeks paid annual leave. There are also conditional entitlements to sick pay when you're a temp. Make sure you ask your temp agency or employer about holiday, sick pay and maternity pay entitlements before you start work.
As a temp, you're taxable under the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) scheme. However, some contractors, particularly in IT, choose to work through a limited company or an umbrella company. IR 35 legislation affects many contractors, therefore, we would recommend you seek professional advice.
