Temp, contract or permanent: which is right for you?

How the pay compares

Temporary work is usually quoted as an hourly rate and permanent work as an annual salary, which makes them awkward to compare. Convert before you decide: multiply the hourly rate by your contracted weekly hours, then by the weeks you'd realistically work.

Higher headline hourly rates on temp work often reflect the absence of paid sick leave, pension contributions above the statutory minimum and bonus schemes. Compare the whole package, not the rate.

What you get either way

Ask for the terms in writing before your first shift. Any agency that won't put the rate, the hours and the holiday accrual in writing isn't one to work through.

• ▸Agency workers accrue paid holiday
• ▸You get a written statement of your terms and a payslip showing deductions
• ▸Auto-enrolment pension applies once you meet the qualifying criteria
• ▸You're covered by working time and health and safety protections on site

When temp makes sense

• ▸You want to get inside a business before committing to it
• ▸You're between permanent roles and don't want a gap on your CV
• ▸You need flexibility around study, family or another commitment
• ▸You're changing sector and need recent, relevant experience quickly
• ▸You want variety and to build a wider set of site experience

When permanent is the better call

• ▸You need predictable income for a mortgage or tenancy application
• ▸You want structured training, progression and a pension you'll stay in
• ▸You value notice periods and redundancy protection

Turning a temp booking into a permanent job

It happens regularly, and the pattern is consistent: turn up on time, learn the site's systems fast, and be the person who flags a problem rather than working around it. Tell your consultant you want to be considered if a permanent vacancy comes up — we can only put you forward if we know.