Try before you buy – a guide to ‘Temp to Perm’ employment
As the UK re-opens for business and the economy starts on its slow path to recovery, it’s encouraging to see that certain sectors such as construction, healthcare and IT are opening up their recruitment process. In fact, even the Queen is advertising for a building supervisor and maintenance technician at Windsor Castle – the first recruitment since the start of lockdown.
As the economy starts to recover with (certain) shops re-opening, manufacturing output on the increase and a £5b investment by the government to kick-start the construction industry, we are undoubtedly starting to see green shoots of business activity emerging from the Covid-19 lockdown.
And although, it is true, we are currently seeing fewer vacancies than before March 2020, there are encouraging signs that demand is starting to pick up as businesses begin to climb out of the pandemic’s critical stage.
However, with the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) coming to an end in October and with it a potential rise in unemployment, there will no doubt be increased competition for the jobs that are available.
This creates a serious challenge for both employers and employees alike
During the enforced lockdown, we’ve known many businesses that have been reassessing their employment needs. For some this means a reduction in ‘marginal labour’ with their job functions being shared among the existing workforce, a contraction of the overall labour force, or a complete halt to recruiting permanent staff.
Having said that, there does appear to be a light at the end of the tunnel. According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS) the economy is starting to pick up, growing as it did by 8.7% in June. This is, no doubt, spurred by the government announcing a further removal of some of the restrictions and increased support for UK business.
In response to this, both employers and employees that have been severely affected by the Covid-19 lockdown are now looking at ways of restoring stability in order to face what is being called the ‘new normal’.
Temp to perm
With so much uncertainty and lack of clarity regarding future employment, it is no surprise that we are seeing a myriad of employment initiatives being considered. One of these is ‘Temp to Perm’ (temporary to permanent), also known as ‘try before you buy’.
In fact, with many furloughed workers now wanting to get back to work and employers desperate to crank up production, this could be the lifeline they are both looking for.
Traditionally, temporary contracts have always been used to fulfil specific needs such a seasonal infill or a short term project, however in recent months it has become clear that Covid-19 is having a major impact on the employment market and, in some cases, creating a skills shortage in certain sectors.
A win / win situation?
‘Temp to Perm’ offers many advantages for both those looking for work and employers looking to return to some sort of normal. For the employer, one of the key benefits is the opportunity to test out roles within the organisation without committing to extra resources.
For the employee, it’s an ideal way of evaluating a new role or learning a new skill. And the same employment rights, as permanent staff, apply. Depending on the contract of employment, this includes sick and holiday pay as well as receiving the same treatment such as perks, pension scheme, bonuses etc.
Temporary contracts also provide the same legal protection as permanent staff. However, one of the biggest advantages from the employee’s perspective, is that you have a legal right to be informed of any vacancies becoming available at the organisation.
Even without the Covid-19 pandemic, certain sectors have constantly had skills shortages. For example, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) industries are always on the lookout for strengthening their specialist staff pool. And in many cases, a temporary position can lead to a permanent appointment.
How is this different to temporary employment?
At this stage, it needs to be said that there is a significant difference between temporary employment and ‘Temp to Perm’ appointments. A temporary appointment can be just that and is something we know suits many of our candidates. It could be a short term requirement, a way of testing out a new career move or wanting to expand the skills section on their CV or LinkedIn profile.
Benefits to the employer
We have many years’ experience in advising both employer and employee on temporary employment. However, in this blog, we are specifically exploring the concept of ‘Temp to Perm’, especially in response to the current Covid-19 pandemic. There are many benefits to an employer for offering this employment option.
To start with, the employee may bring on board a set of new skills that the organisation were not aware of its value. For example, they may have been hired for a specific role but once ensconced in the business see opportunities that the organisation was unaware of.
In our experience, this happens a lot. Our advice to employees in this situation is always think of your role as an audition. Doing your job as required is ok but going that extra mile is even better. This includes showing commitment (timekeeping) interest in the company (finding helpful information online) and responding to company culture (joining in social activities).
And of course, above all, making sure they are aware that you would like to be considered for a full time position.
To enable this to happen, it’s important that temporary staff are treated the same as permanent staff. This includes access to CPD resources, regular evaluations and on-going work assessment, and integration with the existing workforce.
If this is correctly facilitated, ‘Temp to Perm’ also offers further advantages to the Employer
Firstly, it enables the business to seamlessly expand their workforce without the hassle and disruption of fresh hiring. A member of staff employed on a ‘Temp to Perm’ basis is already familiar with the organisation, its culture and modus operandi. They will also probably have been up-skilled while there and are primed for future business growth.
In addition, this method enables an organisation to evaluate the suitability of the candidate in a real working situation before making any commitments in offering them a permanent position.
If they are not suitable or the business is unable to accommodate their employment, there is less risk to the Employer regarding wrongful dismissal (dependent on their contract of employment) as well as a minimal cost of any company benefits within the first 12 weeks.
We also find that a ‘Temp to Perm’ member of staff can bring renewed vitality and energy into the business as well helping to increase productivity with their enthusiasm and passion. This is certainly something that is greatly valued by employers, especially at the current time.
A different view on employment
There is no doubt we are currently seeing major changes in the jobs market. The covid-19 pandemic is changing the way we do business, possibly in some cases, for ever. On the other hand, according to the Bank of England, manufacturing output has been rising for the last three months, 50% of the UK workforce is currently travelling to work (compared to just over 30% a few weeks ago) and with the furlough scheme ending in October, over half of the 9.6m original furloughed staff have now returned to full or part time working.
And while we will, undoubtedly, see an increase in unemployment by the Autumn, with a possible 2.4m not in full time work, we are finding that many businesses are now re-assessing their workforce skillsets as they respond to the ‘new normal’ This means that those looking for employment opportunities could find that they have relevant skills that are now in great demand.
To discover how a ‘try before you buy’ scheme could work for you, give our specialist recruiters a call on 0845 478 5009 or email enquiries@multitaskpersonnel.co.uk
Testimonials
What our clients say about us!
Technical Repair CentreSenior Operations Manager
Having worked closely with Multitask for several years, we recently called upon their support once again to provide us with some technical expertise. Faye and the team stepped up and did exactly what was needed to supply us with perfect candidates with the correct skillset to do the job required of them. Quicker than anticipated, we had our request fulfilled enabling us to deliver the speedy service expected from our customers. The pace and quality that both Claire and Faye deliver is second to none, and this is why they continue to be our technical agency of choice! Thank you.
Waste management company (Derbyshire)Recycling Manager
We use Multitask Personnel to provide us with temporary refuse operatives and drivers to cover our short and long term term requirements, and although we are quite demanding on them often requiring staff at very short notice they have continued to deliver an excellent service.
CaféVisitor services Manager
We have used the services of Multitask personnel on several occasions over the last few years to provide us with temporary and temporary to permanent Catering staff to work within our busy onsite Café. I found the service received from the team at Multitask and the quality of staff provided to be very good and would have no hesitations in recommending their services.
Mechanical and Electrical CompanyCommercial Director
Before working with Multitask Personnel we used several agencies to fulfil our requirements for Mechanical and Electrical staff as well as higher level management positions however we were so pleased in the level of service we received we soon let them take over all of our recruitment, we are more than happy to recommend their services.
Announcements:
Multitask Personnel, the Rotherham based specialist recruitment partner, are continuing their growth phase with an internal promotion and a new recruit, as the business comes out of the lockdown period in a stronger position than ever.
As the recruitment market starts to show signs of recovery, the demand for temporary, contract and permanent positions has increased as many of the sectors Multitask operate in are opening up for business once again.
During the early stages of the lockdown period, Managing Director, Claire Lee used the time to review the wider activities of the business, re-structuring the roles of existing staff to ensure they were focused on the right areas to allow for future business growth, with staff split into teams to focus primarily on client management and business development.
Claire Lee comments: “Our new structure seems to have worked really well and played to the strengths of the individuals in the team. As we start to get even busier, we clearly need to keep developing this new structure and resource, not only to ensure it continues, but also to make sure no-one in the team is put under too much pressure.
“After careful thought and new forecasts, it was clear the best course of action would be to promote from within, and to recruit new faces into the team. So, we’re delighted to announce that from 1st September 2020, Beth Childs has accepted a promotion into a Senior Recruiter role in our technical department. Beth will be responsible for managing client relationships, increasing the candidate database and ensuring the technical team hit the annual forecast.
“In addition to Beth’s promotion, we have also set on Shauna Towey, technical Recruiter to work alongside Beth and the Technical team. Shauna brings over two years of experience in trade recruitment and will be a vital addition to the team. We would like to wish both team members every success with their new roles at Multitask Personnel.”
Claire Lee (left), MD of Multitask Personnel, with Beth Childs, Senior Technical Recruiter
Beth Childs, new Senior Technical Recruiter at Multitask Personnel adds: “I’m delighted to progress into a senior role and be given the chance to develop the Technical recruitment division along with Shauna. I have been with Multitask since 2016, starting out in an administrator role before working my way up as a recruitment consultant, so it’s a fantastic feeling to be given a division of my own to run.
“I’m so grateful to Claire and the team for their support and advice over the past few years that have enabled me to progress within the business.”
Shauna Towey (left) and Beth Childs
Shauna Towey, Technical Recruiter at Multitask Personnel comments on her appointment: “I am excited and grateful to be given the opportunity to work alongside Beth, growing the Technical division, after a busy couple of weeks I feel like I have settled nicely into the team and am excited to see what the future brings at Multitask.”
Claire Lee concludes: “We’re building a fantastic team at Multitask, ensuring we have a good spread of people across all our departments. I honestly thought this year would be the toughest we ever faced due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but with such a fantastic, committed team, and a great client bank, it could end up being the best ever, with us in a much stronger position in the market.”
The new appointments coincide with Multitask celebrating 10 years in business in September 2020. Multitask Personnel’s Technical division helps place candidates into contract and permanent roles throughout the UK across both M&E and Building trades.
Beth and the Technical team can be contacted on 0845 478 5009 or enquiries@multitaskpersonnel.co.uk.
Multitask Personnel, the Rotherham based specialist recruitment agency, is celebrating 10 years in business in September 2020. Set up by Managing Director Claire Lee in 2010, the multi-service recruitment partner is marking the occasion with a series of events and campaigns over the coming months, making sure both clients and staff can get involved in the celebrations.
Initially set up as a home based business with Claire working from her dining room, Multitask Personnel now employs 10 members of staff out of its offices on Effingham Street in central Rotherham.
Multitask are now one of the go-to recruitment agencies in the region for the supply of specialist professional, technical and support service employees to a wide range of industry sectors, including Building Services, Construction, Facilities Management and Utilities, as well as key trades such as Plumbing, Heating and Mechanical & Electrical.
Claire Lee comments: “I had worked in recruitment for around 10 years prior to setting up Multitask Personnel, mainly in account management for the environmental, business services, hospitality and industrial sectors. This gave me the grounding and knowledge needed to build up my own business after deciding the more corporate business model was not the direction I wanted to go.
“A client of mine at the time, Martin Froude, provided some investment in exchange for a 20% shareholding, which helped fund the early stages of the business. I bought Martin out in 2018 and now own 100% of the shares in Multitask Personnel, having maintained solid year on year profit over the past 8 years, with significant growth being made in more recent years.
“None of this would have been possible with the support of my fantastic team at Multitask, with three members of the team having worked with us since day one, and a further three recently surpassing 5 years’ service of their own. This achievement is theirs to celebrate as well.”
Not only have Multitask got a consistent team in place behind the scenes, they also have a loyal client base, some of which have also been along for the ride since 2010.
Claire continues: “We have a good number of clients who have been with us for the whole 10 years as well, which is a great sign of our commitment and high levels of customer service, which is testament to all the hard work the team have put in over the years.
“It has been a rollercoaster ride so far, in particular with what 2020 has thrown at us so far, but to work with such a great bunch of people and have such a wide range of clients to service means there is never a dull moment. I enjoy every challenge the recruitment world throws at me!”
With the earlier events of 2020 and the Covid-19 epidemic having a huge impact on businesses all over the country, the recruitment industry has felt the full force of disruption. But rather than sit-back and fire-fight, this has given Multitask an opportunity to plan for the future, as well as celebrate the past.
Claire adds: “I’m unsure where the last 10 years have gone, but I can honestly say I wouldn’t change one bit of it. I can’t thank the team around me enough for the hard work and commitment they deliver to our customers and myself every single day, and I’m excited to see what the next 10 years will bring. With our growth plans and new team structure I’m confident they will be very exciting indeed.”
Multitask Personnel have a number of events and marketing campaigns planned over the next few months to mark their 10 year anniversary, starting with a staff celebration in early September, before a more formal client celebration can be arranged once social distancing measures are eased further.
Claire concludes: “Although Covid-19 and me being pregnant mean our celebrations will have to start off small, we have some exciting plans in place with the team and our fantastic clients to celebrate this milestone once it is safe to do so. Taking the positives out of this, it means we can extend our 10 year celebrations into 2021 and make it a year, as well as a decade to remember.”
To keep track of what’s in store at Multitask Personnel as they celebrate their 10 year milestone, keep an eye on www.multitaskpersonnel.co.uk for further information.
As the building sector starts to bounce back, with the government announcing new work growing by 22% and repair and maintenance by 26% (June 2020); this is certainly reflected in the current burst of activity we are experiencing in the mechanical and electrical (M&E) sector.
Over the years, we have built a reputation on providing a level of service second to none. This is shown in the number of testimonials received from both employees looking to recruit and individuals searching for a new position.
Covid-19 has obviously had a major impact on the recruitment business over the last few months and we have not escaped the downturn. However, as a specialist agency we have managed to retain our highly knowledgeable staff who continue to work with technical and trades sectors to supply both temporary and permanent mechanical and electrical staff throughout the UK.
Quality assurance
Having a specialist team working full time in-house means we are able to spend more time in fully understanding your employment requirements to ensure a perfect fit. This includes making sure all candidates have the relevant qualifications and accreditations in place.
We also work closely with industry bodies, such as the Joint Industry Board, Construction Industry Training Board and government agencies, to certify that all candidates are accredited to undertake the role in question. For example, for Gas service and breakdown vacancies essential qualifications will include a certification by the National Accreditation Certification scheme (ACS) as well as an advanced City & Guilds diploma or equivalent in gas or plumbing.
In addition, all subcontract gas engineers are legally required to show evidence of gas safety competence, be on the Gas Safe register and hold relevant insurances.
Having said that, vacancies in the mechanical and electrical industry cover a wide and diverse range of skill sets. We believe the first-hand knowledge and vast experience of our team members plays a major role in the renowned track record we have gained over the past ten years.
On any day, we can find ourselves recruiting for gas engineers, plumbers, dual fuel engineers, pipe fitters, air conditioning, HVAC engineers, Electrical installers, Maintenance Electricians, EV Charge point installers as well as fire and security electrical technicians.
In fact, every day brings new opportunities to get the country back on its feet and on the road to recovery. This has recently included recruiting for a home appliance gas / electrical installer to work for one of the UK’s biggest retailers as well as plumbing and heating engineers to join a gas service and breakdown company. All on a permanent basis.
But of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg. A long standing background allows us to offer clients an ever growing resource support package as well as tapping into a hand-picked pool of highly skilled and appropriately qualified candidates.
Nationwide recruitment
We don’t just operate on a local basis either, we have nationwide clients who call us first when they have a requirement. It could be anything from a commercial heating service provider, looking for a service and maintenance engineer with experience working on steam boilers, to an electrical project manager for the new build sector.
As a leading recruitment partner in the building services industry we wholeheartedly support the ‘Roadmap to Recovery’ programme created by the Construction Leadership Council. This is a strategy designed to drive the recovery of the UK economy, following the devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the building industry, with an increase in construction activity.
Recruiting with you in mind
Although the report admits that it will be at least two years before lost output will be regained, there are some recommendations we have already applied to our current recruitment process. One of these is to encourage those looking for positions in mechanical and electrical engineering to have an awareness of what skills will help secure employment in the post-Covid ‘new normal’.
Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, has already kick started the UK’s economic recovery and later this month his £2b green homes grant aid goes live. This is aimed at providing over 600,000 households with energy efficiency upgrades. As Rishi Sunak says, ‘this is going to be a green recovery with concerns for our environment at its heart’.
According to the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA) it is vitally important that we have a skill base that can deliver the government’s ambitious plans for green recovery and low carbon economy for the UK. This means that mechanical and electrical engineers will be an integral part of the road to recovery.
There is no doubt, the government is placing renewable energy and clean technology at the forefront of its Covid-19 recovery, with an emphasis on developing a highly skilled workforce of new ‘green’ employment.
This means that employers in the M&E sectors are now looking for enhanced skills that will help them compete in a net zero future while employees are, unquestionably, assessing what extra skills are required to increase their desirability for employers.
Our specialist team of Technical recruiters can help. Please contact us on 0845 478 5009 or enquiries@multitaskpersonnel.co.uk.
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