Temporary employment has been on the rise in the UK in recent years, with more and more individuals seeking flexible work arrangements. At Bluestones Staffing, we firmly believe that temporary employment holds advantages for both job seekers and employers. Not only does it offer employees freedom and flexibility, but it also allows employers to save time and resources. Moreover, temporary work presents a unique opportunity for both parties to acquire new skills and knowledge while working on specific projects.
In this blog, we will dive deeper into the world of temporary employment, exploring its various facets and how it can be mutually beneficial for candidates and businesses alike.
Understanding the essence of temporary employment
Temporary employment essentially involves working on a flexible, short-term basis, often to complete specific projects or cover busy periods. There are two primary types of temporary work, both based on the premise that the employee is not a permanent staff member.
Fixed-term contracts
Fixed-term contracts come with a defined period of employment, which can vary but typically ranges from 1 to 6 months, or even up to a year. This type of contract is often utilised when a company has a particular task that needs to be completed and would benefit from bringing in temporary, external expertise.
For instance, in the retail sector, where there are seasonal fluctuations in demand such as during the Christmas season, companies can hire temporary staff to meet the increased workload. This way, they can scale their workforce up and down as needed without being burdened with surplus employees when business returns to normal.
Temporary contracts
On the other hand, temporary employment can also be less formal, without the need for a specific contractual agreement. It can take the form of one-off, short-term assignments or a set number of hours per week dedicated to a particular task until its completion.
Benefits of temporary employment for candidates
Temporary employment offers several advantages to individuals seeking a more flexible work-life balance:
Control over your work
Perhaps one of the most significant benefits of temporary jobs is the freedom and flexibility they provide. You have greater control over your career, making it easier to take career breaks and tailor your job to fit your life circumstances. If you value the autonomy to manage your work-life balance, a temporary contract could be the perfect fit.
Networking opportunities
The age-old saying, “It’s not what you know, but who you know,” holds true. Temporary roles offer a fantastic opportunity to expand your professional network. When you take on temporary work, you naturally interact with more people, including potential permanent employers.
Learning new skills and gaining experience
Temporary roles offer a fast track to gaining experience in various positions or using different systems, enriching your CV and making you more employable. If you land temporary work with respected companies, you’ll gain valuable experience that enhances your CV, improving your career prospects.
A way to get your foot in the door
Temporary employment allows you to assess whether a particular organisation aligns with your career goals without committing long-term. By exploring the temporary job market, you increase your chances of eventually securing permanent employment if that’s your ultimate aim.
Keeping your skills and CV current
In many roles, a gap in your career can result in a lack of knowledge about updated processes and current legislation. Temporary roles can help you stay up to date, ensuring that both you and your CV are fully equipped to impress future employers.
Protected rights and benefits
It’s important to note that as a temporary employee, you still have rights. You are entitled to benefits such as sick pay and holiday allowances and should expect the same quality of working conditions as your permanent colleagues.
If you’re currently on the lookout for temporary work and are drawn to the idea of working with greater flexibility, explore our current job listings or get in touch with us to discuss your career aspirations and how we can help you in your job search.
Benefits of temporary employment for employers
While some employers may be hesitant to hire temporary employees, there are substantial advantages that can save businesses both time and money. Here are some key benefits of temporary employment for businesses:
Covering seasonal fluctuations
Temporary workers provide a flexible solution to manage workload fluctuations during peak seasons. For instance, the retail industry experiences a significant surge in recruitment in the run-up to Christmas, making temps invaluable in handling the additional workload.
Filling unexpected absences
Temporary employees can be swiftly recruited to cover long-term sickness, maternity or paternity leave, or sudden departures. This allows businesses to retain essential team members when they need leave, as temporary workers can seamlessly step in during their absence.
Promoting flexibility in the workforce
Hiring temporary workers encourages a more agile workforce that can adapt to changing business needs.
Finding the right fit
Temporary employment provides a trial period to assess whether a new employee is a good fit for the team. If the partnership doesn’t work out, employers can collaborate with their recruitment consultant to find a better-suited replacement.
Speedy recruitment process
Hiring temporary workers is a faster recruitment process. Recruitment consultants handle background checks, initial interviews and temporary workers’ payroll, freeing up valuable time for businesses to concentrate on more critical tasks.
Enabling project work
Employing temporary workers is an excellent way to facilitate the management of new projects, expedite ongoing projects or address sensitive issues such as redundancy processes.
If you’re considering outsourcing your recruitment process and are interested in exploring the benefits of hiring temporary workers, get in touch with us today to discover how we can assist you.
Final thoughts…
In a dynamic job market, temporary employment emerges as a versatile and mutually beneficial solution for both job seekers and employers. The flexibility it offers candidates, coupled with the operational advantages it provides businesses, makes temporary employment a powerful tool for navigating the ever-evolving world of work. Whether you’re an individual seeking greater work-life balance or an employer looking to enhance your workforce’s adaptability, temporary employment offers a pathway to success.
