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Temporary Work
Benefits of Temporary Work
Many people in the UK are on temporary contracts
Permanent work can give a greater degree of security but there are over 1.4 million* people working on temporary contracts in the
UK at any one time who enjoy a flexible approach to work.
Temporary work can build confidence
Working in this way is a great way to build your confidence and try out a new company but, if you feel apprehensive, you may
need guidance from an experienced recruitment consultancy.
So what are the issues?
Is it a spring board to permanent work?
In our experience, just under half of temporary workers are looking for permanent work and candidates often use these roles to give
them a helping hand as a next step in their career.
Are agency workers happy in their roles?
One in four people work on temporary assignments to improve their flexibility and work-life balance and
many do not seek permanent work.
What about pay?
Those companies recruiting for temporary roles are usually far more focussed on finding the right person with key skills than the cheapest labour.
What about my rights?
As a temporary worker you will have almost the same rights as permanent employees including statutory sick pay,
28 days paid holiday including statutory maternity or paternity pay, as well as protection from discrimination.
*Source: REC Annual Industry & Key Volumes Survey 2006/07
Exceeding Expectations
Temporary work could exceed your expectations
There are many positive success stories but it takes a special kind of person to spot opportunities, be pro-active and make the
most of the opportunities in front of them.
One of our candidates in particular worked in the hotel industry for seven years but wanted to test her ‘transferable’
skills and try out a new sector. She has since proved to be one of the most interesting and successful temporary placements we have ever made.
Her success is largely down to the invaluable combination of finding a role which proved to be a perfect match for her skills and her
professional, pro-active approach to work.
The candidate was originally employed in a temporary Senior Administrative job which turned into a more ‘project-led’ role.
She took the initiative and paid for herself to take Prince 2, which helped her plan projects from writing the business case to completion.
She developed such an understanding of the key issues concerning the organisation that they have now entrusted her with the role of central
co-ordinator and she is the only staff representative in the UK.
Her outstanding communication skills have been demonstrated by developing a quarterly newsletter (on her own initiative) which is sent to
over 250 people and she has been given responsibility for managing the full content of her organisation’s website.
This candidate recently said about her temporary role:
“I cannot believe how fortunate I am to have landed the perfect job for me – I love it! It is a brilliant project I am involved
with and it utilises all the skills I enjoy putting into practice day by day. I have found my niche and I am excited to go to work.”