
The Growing Trend of Temporary Employment
A Solution for UK Businesses
Given the current climate in the UK, hiring temporary support is becoming an increasingly popular choice among our clients. The impact of COVID-19 has left a lasting economic mark, and we're now facing the real costs of the pandemic. With today’s exceptionally challenging market conditions, it’s a good time to explore the benefits of bringing temporary workers into your business.
As of June 2024, there were nearly 1.48 million temporary workers in the UK, constituting 5.2% of all employees. Despite a slight decline since 2023 due to challenging market conditions, the continued presence of temporary workers underscores their growing importance to our economy. This trend shows how businesses across various sectors are increasingly viewing temporary staff not just as a stopgap solution but as a vital part of their workforce strategy.
Cost-Effective Hiring
Are you looking to cut hiring costs and save on short-term expenses? Temporary staffing is a smart choice. By skipping the big expense of advertising, screening, interviewing, and testing, you can avoid productivity losses from unfilled positions. Temps help you manage staffing costs more effectively, and since they’re not full-time employees, you don’t have to cover benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, or holiday pay. We handle all the usual employer costs—payroll, National Insurance, holiday pay, and more—while our candidates are ready to hit the ground running from day one.
Flexibility and Strategic Advantage
Temporary workers offer the flexibility to adjust your workforce as business needs change. They’re ideal for covering family leave, illness, or sudden departures without requiring a permanent hire. On top of that temporary workers can provide extra support during busy periods or for special projects. In sectors like finance and construction, where businesses are grappling with staffing challenges, temporary workers can provide much-needed relief. For example, over half of UK finance leaders are concerned about a lack of new hires, which could threaten business growth (Financial Reporter). The construction industry could also benefit from leveraging a temporary workforce as the sector is “desperately understaffed,” with industry leaders calling for the government to alleviate the staffing pressures (InDaily).
Innovation and Fresh Perspectives
Hiring a temporary worker can also spark your team's creativity. Temps often bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions, rejuvenating ongoing projects and bringing positive energy to your team. Their outside viewpoint can bring fresh ideas and new approaches that regular employees might overlook.
Strategic Temporary Hiring
However, it’s crucial to recognise that deploying temporary workers effectively requires a well-thought-out plan. While the benefits of using temps in the short term are clear—seasonal demand, urgent cover, and filling immediate vacancies—a clear temporary hiring strategy can support your business’s growth and contribute to long-term success.
At Huntress, we have an outstanding track record in advising and partnering with our clients to create flexible hiring solutions tailored to their specific needs. Our expertise encompasses a wide range of sectors, including Finance, Construction, Utilities, and Logistics just to name a few.
We take pride in delivering cost-effective, immediate support and high-volume temporary solutions across various business support functions throughout the UK.
Considering Temporary Support?
In summary, temporary workers offer flexibility, cost savings, and fresh ideas, making them an asset in today’s dynamic job market. Whether you need to cover absences, test a potential permanent hire, or boost creativity, temps can provide the support you need. My team is here to help you navigate these challenges and find the right temporary worker to meet your needs. Reach out to us to discover how temporary staffing can benefit your business and keep your operations running smoothly.
Contact Details:
Sarah McMahon