Could Temping Solve Your Financial Problems?

Temporary work is no substitute for a real permanent job unless this is your preferred choice. Temping is a way of life for some and offers flexibility though it is not without its pitfalls.

An additional temporary job to supplement your work and salary may also be just what you want.

Changing times have affected the employment market in the U.K. with many British workers never really recovering from the country’s economic downturn of 2008.

Sadly job security is becoming a thing of the past.

Too many employees experienced reduced working hours, a salary reduction or even redundancy.

Any of these can be a frightening prospect. especially if you have a young family, a mortgage or if your income is already stretched.

The British and global economies are still facing tough challenges and though jobless totals have reportedly fallen the jobs market has changed. In the U.K. zero-hour contracts are now widely used and offer little security to employees.

If you are unfortunate enough to be out off work finding paid employment can be difficult though of course this may depend where you live and where you search for work.

It also depends what specific requirements new employers want and the minimum terms of employment you are prepared to accept.

Many people feel that taking temporary work is just too chancy but it does not have to be.

• If you are receiving any benefits such as working tax credit, housing benefit or income support you will need to assess whether or not it is really worth taking on temporary work. This may sound wrong but it is sensible advice. In order to receive working tax credit you will have to work a minimum number of hours. Income Support will allow you to earn a small amount of money but it is small. The problem could be that if you take a temporary job you may end up out of pocket in the long run. This could be because you have a waiting period for a new benefit claim when the job finishes. In assessing if temporary work is right for you consider all aspects.
• Make sure that you only work for a reputable employment agency. There are many around these days but there are also some that are not good employers. You could find that you have an odd days work here and there and are unable to plan anything, especially financially.
• With the minimum wage currently in force in the UK any employer must pay at least just that, the minimum wage. This does depend on your age but employers have a legal right to abide by the rules.
• Never compromise your Health and Safety. It can be so easy to accept any old job when you are desperate for work. If your gut instinct tells you that the offer of a job is unsafe or may be detrimental to your health then refuse and carry on searching.
• In some cases there will be a limit on how long you can stay on a temporary contract. Often, if the same job is held in a years time, it may become a permanent position. However this is usually not the case when you work as a temp for an agency. You will need to check out the details of any temporary work offered just to be sure though.

• Research the agencies that employ temporary workers.
• Check out the Internet, local libraries and your local high street.
• The Internet has made it easier to search for, register with, and check out, employment agencies online
• Some agencies specialize in manual work whilst others may specialize in clerical work.
• Only you know what would be most suitable for you and which you are capable of doing
• Decide if temping is something which you are looking at as a casual or more permanent option.
• Most temping agencies have a whole host of regular temps on their books who work to suit themselves. These temps usually work hours that will fit around other commitments such as family and children.
• Whether you will accept a zero-hours contract is up to you. These contracts are controversial.

If you would like to secure permanent employment with a particular company temping can give you a foot in the door. For example in my city the N.H.S and Local Government use temporary workers most of the time. However these temps are able to apply for any permanent jobs that come up within the business. Often the temporary worker will be the successful applicant at interview.

A lot depends on the agency, where you are actually working and the contract you have accepted. Here is what I discovered:-

• When you contact an agency offering temporary work you will usually be asked in for an interview
• If it is for an office job you may be asked to sit a typing test. Such tests should be explained to you when the interview is being made and are nothing to worry about. They are simply a way of assessing your capabilities
• Take an up to date CV or resume along with you plus copies of any qualifications that you possess, your passport and two documents proofing identification such as a driving licence and a telephone bill. The latter is in order to confirm your address. With problems such as identity theft and money laundering rife agencies need to know exactly who you are. However as these documents could compromise your identity be careful who you hand them over to and for how long
• The interview will usually require you to complete a standard application form first
• The interview may be held by two people and it will be aimed at finding the right work for you. If for instance you have long term aspirations to work for the N.H.S tell the interviewer.
• If you have specific requirements such as only working certain days or within particular time periods be honest. It will save everybody a lot of potentially wasted time
• If you are accepted you may just be placed on the agency's books until suitable work is available
• However if a suitable position is available you will probably be given a date, time and place to start your temporary work
• Most agencies have a welcome pack which should include holiday and pay details, time sheets and general information
• On the whole agencies pay their staff weekly. This means that either you or the employer will not necessarily have to give a long notice. However make sure that you understand the company rules
• When I first temped a couple of years ago I did not receive any paid holidays. However I did receive an increased salary which was to compensate for this. With current EEC regulations this has changed. The hourly rate has decreased but the temp agencies must now pay at least 4 weeks paid annual leave
• If leave is not taken whilst you are employed by the agency your final salary will include an appropriate payment
• I had to ensure that I completed a time sheet each week which was then signed by my line manager. This then had to be faxed and posted into the agency by a particular date and time. The onus is on you to get this completed, signed and sent off
• Although initially you may be told the temporary contract is for say two months it could end in less time or last much longer. If you are not happy in the role you can ask to be moved elsewhere. Similarly though the employer can request a different worker if he or she is unsatisfied with your performance

For me temping was a positive experience. All in all I guess I only temped for about six months or so.

Much will depend on you, what you want from temping, your skills and what is available where you live.

Employment agencies have a glut of workers at times. However by registering with all local reputable agencies you should find some work. Whether it is right for you will of course depend on many factors.