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There are numerous misconceptions surrounding temporary employment, despite all the evidence that it’s good for both employers and temporary staff alike. Here we look at the most common misconceptions and set the record straight.

The strategic temporary advantage

There are now around 1.5 million temporary workers in the UK – representing over 6.5% of the workforce – demonstrating that businesses are increasingly relying on temporary staff to meet the needs of a fluctuating and dynamic market.

Let’s look at some of the more common misconceptions and examine the true value and benefits that a flexible, temporary workforce can offer businesses.

Misconception 1 – Temporary workers lack commitment and reliability

The reality – temporary workers offer businesses a high level of reliability and dedication, with many of them willing to work, for example, over the festive period, at weekends and on Bank Holidays. Taskmaster’s collaboration with Polypipe is a case in point. By providing a reliable temporary workforce, Taskmaster ensured that Polypipe’s production lines remained efficient during busy times and public holidays, and met demand, highlighting the dependability of temporary staff.

Misconception 2 – Temporary employment is only for low-skilled positions

The reality – most temp workers are highly skilled professionals who choose the flexibility and variety of temporary work to explore different sectors, enhance their networks and add to their experience. Temporary roles span a wide range of industries and skill levels, including highly specialised fields. 70% of UK employers hire temporary staff for specialised skills, especially in sectors like logistics, IT, and manufacturing, where there is a high demand for expertise on a short-term basis. Professionals in sectors such as IT, healthcare and finance often engage in temporary assignments to offer their expertise on specific projects. The Recruitment and Employment Confederation recently released statistics that show Nursing and Medical assignments accounted for 15% of all temporary placements in 2023/4.

Misconception 3 – Temporary workers are more expensive due to agency fees

The reality – while there are inevitably costs associated with hiring temporary staff through agencies, these are often offset by savings in areas such as benefits, overtime for permanent staff, and the considerable expenses related to recruitment and onboarding. Taskmaster’s partnership with AGH Solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates such an example of cost-effectiveness, when temporary staff were supplied to help manage increased demand, without the long-term financial commitments of permanent hires.

Misconception 4 – Temporary workers lack loyalty and are not invested in company success

The reality – the majority of temporary workers are highly-motivated to perform well, understanding that their reputation can lead to future opportunities or extended contracts that can turn temporary work into a permanent career. Taskmaster’s experience with South East Water illustrates this point perfectly – the temporary staff we supplied the company with integrated seamlessly into the existing team and contributed fully to the company’s operations, showcasing a strong commitment to its goals.

Misconception 5 – Temporary workforces are less stable than permanent ones

The reality – Contrary to expectations, a flexible, temporary workforce can provide greater stability for businesses, allowing them to adapt to market fluctuations, seasonal demands or unexpected staff shortages without the long-term obligations associated with permanent hires. Many business leaders look to hire temporary workers in favour of permanent employees in uncertain economic conditions, emphasising the stability and flexibility that temporary staff provide.

Addressing these misconceptions reveals that temporary workforces offer numerous advantages, including flexibility, access to specialised skills, cost savings, and enhanced operational stability. By partnering with experienced staffing agencies like TaskMaster, businesses can effectively leverage temporary talent to meet their evolving needs.

For more information about how we can transform your flexible labour experience in 2025 contact Taskmaster.