Careers Toolkit

More and more employees are recognising the value of using Temporary workers to enhance their workforce. 

As a result, there is often high demand, and Temporary workers may be paid more than an equivalent permanent employee as temporary pay is based on an hourly rate. The more hours you work, the more you get paid. 

Under the Working Time Regulations, Temporary workers are entitled to a minimum of 5.6 weeks' paid annual leave. There are also conditional entitlements to sick pay when you're a Temp. Make sure you ask about holiday pay, sick pay and maternity/paternity pay entitlements before you start work. 

Tax and National Insurance

As a temp, you're taxable under the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) scheme. However, some contractors, particularly in skilled and professional roles, choose to work through a limited company or an umbrella company. IR-35 legislation affects many contractors, therefore, we would recommend you seek professional advice.

The Agency Workers Regulations

The Agency Workers Regulations came into force in October 2011 and ensure that temporary workers employed for more than 12 weeks receive the same basic pay and employment conditions as permanent staff. It entitles temporary workers to the same rate of hourly pay as permanent employees, and this includes overtime, shift allowances, unsocial hours premiums, dangerous duty bonuses and commission payments. It does, however, exclude sick pay, pensions and bonus payments, based on organisational performance.

Additional benefits

Often, temporary workers can also given benefits such as staff discounts, subsidised canteen access, subsidised travel, increased pay rates during unsociable hours and more. Meridian's recruitment team will ensure that you are aware of these benefits prior to your assignment. 

For more information about becoming a Meridian Temporary worker, please contact your nearest Meridian branch today.