Permanent recruitment agency – what are the key things when moving into the temp agency market?

As a permanent recruitment agency, you might have contemplated expanding into the temp market or perhaps had to decline temp placement opportunities. Whatever your motivation, branching out into temp recruitment offers numerous benefits and the transition may be simpler than you think.

Temporary staff are invaluable for covering sickness, maternity leave, or adapting to broader market conditions, ensuring that productivity remains uninterrupted. Companies can use temp workers to take on short-term projects without adding to their long-term headcount also and they can work in a wide variety of roles.

Your established presence in the perm sector could lead to various temp recruitment opportunities. You likely already have connections that could lead to temp placements, a wealth of industry knowledge from yourself and maybe within your team, and the financial resources to support this new venture.

However, there are key areas that require careful consideration when providing temp workers.

Compliance

Recruitment agencies, especially those hiring temporary workers and contractors, have faced significant fines, totalling nearly £30m, for failing to adhere to 'right to work' checks. It's crucial not to overlook temp employees and to ensure that all necessary checks, training, and certifications are up-to-date and compliant throughout their employment.

Understanding every piece of legislation pertinent to your industry can be daunting, and many recruiters may unknowingly be non-compliant with the latest HMRC regulations, potentially affecting up to 25% of agencies. Always refer to the latest compliance and regulatory updates on the Government or REC websites.

Communication

In a bustling recruitment agency, a significant portion of your day is likely spent on the phone with candidates, updating them on job opportunities and confirming appointments. This process can be time-consuming and will only increase as your agency grows. 

Utilising recruitment software and implementing SMS messaging can streamline communication and processes with your temp workers by allowing you to contact multiple individuals simultaneously. This is particularly useful when managing a large number of temp staff. 

Learn more about our recruitment software platform

Outsourcing

As a well-established permanent agency, you may already use recruitment software to manage your back office and administration. However, before venturing into temp recruitment, it's essential to assess whether your current back office providers can effectively handle temp placements and if their functionality meets your needs.

We offer a comprehensive suite of solutions to facilitate your transition from permanent to temporary recruitment, including software to keep you compliant, outsourced back office services, and funding packages. We also offer a simple and swift onboarding process, with comprehensive training to ensure you are utilising all the key functions you need from day one.

For all the information you need about the temp market, visit our resources page right here or contact us directly here.