As you probably know by now, we’re a big fan of temporary workers. They’re essential for keeping a wide range of businesses running, in dozens of different sectors. If you have a role to fill, a talented temporary worker will ensure smooth sailing, no matter how long they’re needed, or for what purpose.  

We’re not the only company who sings the praises of temporary workers. The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) has been a driving force in the world of recruitment for many years now, and their latest campaign is something we couldn’t wait to support.  

Their ‘Voice of the Worker’ campaign is highlighting temporary workers, their reasons for choosing temporary work, and the value they bring to the companies they work with.  

So for once, you don’t have to take our word for it. Read on to hear more about temporary workers from one of the biggest recruitment authorities in the UK.  

 

Who are the REC?  

But first, let’s talk a little about the REC and the impact they have on the recruitment industry.  

Running a recruitment company, temporary or otherwise, isn’t an easy task. Providing quality workers involves a lot of legal loopholes, candidate research, and plenty of admin in between. That’s on top of the regular headaches any business owner has to deal with.  

Companies like Back Office can help take a lot of the pressure off, and the REC aims to do the same. They provide invaluable support, training, and advice for recruiters of all shapes and sizes.  

Even for a recruitment company with decades of experience, the REC can help promote growth and ensure you’re at the top of your game. Their social media accounts help to break down some of the myths surrounding recruitment and keep all recruiters up to date with the latest developments. They also have an excellent podcast that goes into way more detail than a single post or blog can.   

 

The Importance of Temporary Workers 

There are over a million temporary workers currently in the UK. They cover a vast variety of sectors, from education to healthcare.  

The hiring process is both time-consuming and costly. If you need a role filling fast, or your permanent team needs some backup, temporary workers are the ideal solution.  

By working with a temporary recruitment agency, you’ll have immediate access to some of the most talented workers available. They’re ready and waiting to support you, with the relevant experience, education, and certification needed for your business. You’ll be able to choose through a specially selected batch of CVs, all candidates right for the role, so you can pick based on factors other than knowledge and experience.  

Positions can need filling for a number of reasons, including: 

  • Temporary illness and injury 
  • Maternity leave 
  • Holidays 
  • Retirement 
  • Redistribution of staff  
  • And more!  

No matter the reason, you’ll always be able to find the ideal temporary workers to help out until your permanent staff member is able to work again, or you’ve found a permanent replacement. 

 

Is Temporary Working Right for You? 

We’ve talked already about how temporary workers help businesses, but what about the workers themselves?  

The Voice of the Worker campaign is all about, as the name suggests, giving temporary workers the chance to get their voice heard. In June 2024, the REC conducted a survey of 520 temporary workers with the goal of doing just that.  

On their website and social media platforms, they’re showcasing some of the incredible people who work on a temporary basis in the UK. This not only sells how important their work is, but also shines a light on how temporary working is ideal for so many people.  

For example, they tell Ikenna’s story. He’s a student from Nigeria with dreams of becoming a world-famous screenwriter. In between studying for his master’s degree, he works as a cleaner at a university in London via a temporary recruitment agency. This gives him the freedom to learn, while also learning valuable skills and earning a wage.  

There’s also Jan, who left her permanent job as a project manager after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The stress and physical demands she faced in full time employment were too much to handle. However, she was just as keen to work as ever and found a temporary role with the driving sector that suited her perfectly.  

Last but not least is Clare. She worked in full-time employment for 18 years, covering multiple roles within the NHS. But in her words, she was ‘disillusioned’ with what she was doing and needed a change. Now, as a locum radiographer, she feels like her experience and knowledge are being put to better use than ever before, and she has more control over how and when she works.  

3 very different reasons to switch to a temporary role, but all with one running theme: flexibility.  

 

The Flexibility of Temporary Working 

The biggest advantage temporary work has is its flexibility. According to the REC’s study, nearly 80% of temporary workers say their work provides the flexibility that permanent positions fail to provide. 68% said that ‘their work provides a greater work-life balance’, and nearly a third said that their temporary roles work better for their family lives.  

We can all be guilty of spending too much time working, and not enough time with loved ones. With fixed contracts and more control over the hours you want to work, temporary roles give you the extra time you and your family need, while still bringing in a solid income.  

With a better work-life balance, you have more energy to dedicate to work and are less likely to experience burnout or stress.  

It’s not a straight choice between permanent work and a temporary position either. Half the workers the REC surveyed said that temporary work was right for their current situation. Many will either return to, or switch to, permanent roles in the future as their circumstances change. On the other hand, many with years of permanent experience are satisfied with working temporarily and will continue to do so for many years to come.  

The REC champions the idea that people should be free to work in a way that suits them, and showcasing real stories, are proving how effective temporary working can be, for businesses and the workers themselves.  

 

Giving Temporary Workers a Voice in the Industry 

The REC’s campaign, and the others they’ve conducted in the past, give us a valuable insight into the lives of temporary workers. Their stories are inspirational and show how we needn’t be ruled by the fixed hours of a temporary position.  

The REC aren’t just providing feel-good stories either. The study they conducted provides valuable data for businesses like ours, as well as the recruitment companies we work with.  

A surprising number of businesses are still reluctant to invest in temporary recruitment. We, the REC, and thousands of recruitment specialists seek to change that, until everyone knows that temporary recruitment is the way forward.