Temporary workers are continuing to boost Scottish businesses recovering from the recession.
In a signal that the job market may be inching towards recovery, temporary staffing employment has risen by its highest rate for nearly three years.
Aberdeen based Thorpe Molloy Recruitment says an increase in temporary hiring is often a first sign of a job market recovery, with workers recognized as a vital, flexible asset to businesses.
Simon Warner, Operations Manager, says it also provides a valuable route back into the workplace for job seekers.
“Working on a temporary basis provides instant access to work for everyone from students looking for some extra work during holiday periods to highly skilled professionals who prefer temporary working as a lifestyle choice.”
According to Tom Hadley, of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, the crucial contribution of temporary workers is increasingly being recognized as we come out of the recession.
“This is a key factor in helping businesses to bring in the right skills at the right time. Temporary and contract staff operate in all sectors of the UK economy and will continue to be a core element of company resourcing strategies. As a result, it is more important than ever to celebrate the role of individual workers and the agencies that have placed them.”
Thorpe Molloy Recruitment is launching its second annual Star Temporary Worker Award, to raise awareness and celebrate the significant contribution made by its temporary workers.
Suzanne Ross, the company’s Temp Finance Team Leader explains,
“Temporary workers play a central role in our business, with around 80% of turnover attributable to temp contracts. We have more temporary workers on placement than ever before ranging from junior entry level positions to senior roles, including IT integration project work in Banking and interim Finance Directors.
“But of course, our temporary workers are also contributing to the companies in which they are placed, and our Star Award is an opportunity to officially recognize their efforts. Reflected in the success of last year’s Star Award, I encourage every company with a Thorpe Molloy Recruitment temp to participate, as it really does enhance morale, after all, everyone likes to feel appreciated.”
Muriel Kelman, last year’s winner couldn’t agree more,
“I was elated when I won, I was so pleased that the company where I work thought so highly of my work and attitude. Being nominated really reinforced for me that I was a very valued member of the team and the experience I gained during the temporary assignment led directly to me becoming employed on a permanent basis.”
According to Peter Nicholson, Group Head of Human Resources, at the John Wood Group in Aberdeen, the contribution made by temporary workers is often overlooked.
“They are essential for businesses to remain competitive for a range of reasons including responding to changes in demand or supporting periods of rapid growth. Temporary work also provides great opportunities for new entrants to the job market such as graduates and return to work parents and semi-retired professionals.”
For every nomination received, Thorpe Molloy Recruitment will make a donation to Scottish charity, Children 1ST. With almost 200 temps working across a range of disciplines including Finance, HR, Legal & Banking, Office Personnel and Engineering, they are hoping to raise a substantial sum for their nominated charity.
The award is open to all Thorpe Molloy Recruitment clients who employ temporary workers. Go online to www.thorpemolloy.com/staraward2010 to nominate your Star Temporary Worker before 28 May.
The winner, who will be announced during the first week in June, will be able to choose from a selection of amazing “red letter” experiences, such as a pamper experience, helicopter ride, dinner at the Marcliffe at Pitfodels or an introductory rally driving lesson.
Thorpe Molloy Recruitment Debunk Some Temporary Working Myths!
- Temp Work Doesn’t Pay Well
In fact temporary workers are often paid at a higher rate of pay than permanent staff in a comparative role, particularly temporary workers with specific skills.
- Companies Employ Temps to Save Money
Cost is not a main driver for employers when engaging temporary staff. Often temporary workers are required at short notice and it is much more important to the employer to have quick access to a good source of flexible workers. Temporary workers enable employers to meet sudden upturns in demand, cover for staff illness, holidays, systems implementation or project work. If agency workers were not available then permanent employees would often be expected to work longer hours to manage workloads.
- Temps Don’t Get Paid Holidays
Just not true, like permanent employees, temporary workers are entitled to 28 days paid holiday a year.
- Temps Are Used For The Mundane Work
Temporary workers are often employed for their specialist knowledge – applying their skills and fresh approach to challenging projects.
- If I’m Temping I Could Miss Out On Securing A Permanent Role
Throughout a temporary assignment you can keep searching for permanent work. But, temporary working is a very common way to get back in to permanent work and can provide a unique opportunity to gain valuable experience and skills. Temps often receive training and through the experience gained on temporary assignment, many Thorpe Molloy Recruitment temps have gone on to secure permanent employment in their chosen career. In fact, it’s a particularly good way for recent graduates to get on to the job market.
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