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Temporary Workers – The Advantages & Disadvantages
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Posted in Employers on Oct 02, 2012 by Richard Hayden
All businesses will use contractors or agency staff at some stage, when taking on new employees might not be the best solution. 
They can help when you need:
Freelancers, consultants and contractors are generally self-employed individuals who you hire to do a specific job. Temporary workers ('temps') are supplied by an employment agency, with whom you have the contract.
What is a temporary worker?
A temporary worker is someone employed for a limited period whose job is usually expected by both sides to last for only a short time. Temporary workers may be employed directly by the employer or by private agencies. Agencies will recruit, select and sometimes train temporary workers and hire them out to employers.
ADVANTAGES of Temporary Workers
DISADVANTAGES of Temporary Workers
Making a Success of Using Temporary Workers
There are several things a business should do if it is to make temporary working a successful part of its workforce planning:
If you are considering using Temporary Workers and would like some advice or support, please call us on 0844 5044666.
At Key Appointments, our FlexiTeam service supports businesses with their short-term staffing requirements. Our FlexiTeam members are fully screened, tested and referenced to ensure they meet the high standards we expect at Key Appointments.
They can help when you need:
- extra help straight away
- support to meet periods of high demand
- to address short-term skills or shortages
- an expert for a specialist job for a set amount of time.
Freelancers, consultants and contractors are generally self-employed individuals who you hire to do a specific job. Temporary workers ('temps') are supplied by an employment agency, with whom you have the contract.
What is a temporary worker?
A temporary worker is someone employed for a limited period whose job is usually expected by both sides to last for only a short time. Temporary workers may be employed directly by the employer or by private agencies. Agencies will recruit, select and sometimes train temporary workers and hire them out to employers.
ADVANTAGES of Temporary Workers
- Temporary workers can provide greater flexibility because the number employed can vary to take account of changes in demand for the product or service
- Temporary workers can also provide cover for permanent staff on holiday, maternity leave or sick leave
- Temporary employees can provide specialist skills to carry out specific projects
- Some businesses use temporary fixed term contracts as a screening device for potential recruits to the permanent workforce
DISADVANTAGES of Temporary Workers
- Some employers find that temporary workers lack motivation and commitment
- Businesses which use agency ‘temps’ depend on the screening and testing methods used by the agency
- Agency workers can sometimes receive higher pay than their permanent counterparts, which can cause resentment amongst employees and trade unions.
Making a Success of Using Temporary Workers
There are several things a business should do if it is to make temporary working a successful part of its workforce planning:
- Avoid using temporary contracts when the job is in reality permanent
- Consider the likely cost of using temporary workers compared to permanent workers
- Consult with managers to determine their views on the possible effects of employing temporary workers
- Where temporary workers are recruited through an employment agency, investigate the services they provide, including their screening and testing methods
- Provide temporary workers or the employment agency with job descriptions and information on company benefits, rules and regulations
- Ensure temporary workers have a written statement of their main terms and conditions of employment.
If you are considering using Temporary Workers and would like some advice or support, please call us on 0844 5044666.
At Key Appointments, our FlexiTeam service supports businesses with their short-term staffing requirements. Our FlexiTeam members are fully screened, tested and referenced to ensure they meet the high standards we expect at Key Appointments.
