HR and recruitment advice

Temp Work Doesn’t Mean Temporary Impact

The Truth About Temporary Roles in the UK

There’s a common misconception that temporary work is just a stopgap - a short-term fix until something more ‘permanent’ comes along.

But let’s set the record straight: temporary roles can lead to real, lasting impact - especially in the housing and third-sector space.

Did you know that over 1.65 million people in the UK are in temporary employment? That’s nearly 6% of the workforce - clear evidence that temp work is far more than a quick fix.

The Power of Fresh Perspectives

New Ideas That Drive Innovation

One of the biggest strengths of temporary workers?

They come in with fresh eyes and fresh ideas. They’re not weighed down by “but this is how we’ve always done it” - instead, they’re ready to roll up their sleeves, challenge assumptions and inject some fresh energy into your team.

A REC report highlights that 34% of UK Temporary workers said these roles helped them to build new skills, while 26% report an increased confidence at work. That’s experience and resilience that can directly benefit your organisation.

We’ve seen this time and time again across the housing and charity sectors. A temporary housing officer can come in and streamline processes that may have been slowing your team down for years – sometimes a fresh set of eyes is exactly what’s needed.

Meeting Demand in Housing and Frontline Services

Temporary Workers Fill Critical Gaps

In housing and frontline services, we know the pressure is real. Demand is sky high, budgets are down and teams are stretched thin.

Temporary staff aren’t just a quick fix – they’re a crucial part of keeping services running smoothly. Whether it’s a homelessness officer stepping in during peak demand, or a support worker filling in during an absence, temps are there to help you respond to real time needs with the right balance of flexibility and skill.

Demand for Temp Staff Is Growing

And this isn’t slowing down: demand for temporary housing officers and frontline staff growing by over 10% in the past year alone. These roles are keeping essential services running smoothly and ensuring no one falls through the cracks.

How Temp Roles Lead to Long-Term Change

The Temp-to-Perm Pathway

Temporary roles often open the door to long-term change - for organisations and individuals alike.

At Moxie, we’re big believers in the temp-to-perm pathway. We’ve seen countless candidates start out on a short-term contract and end up becoming key team members, years down the line.

For many, temp roles are a launchpad: a space to learn, grow, and prove what they can do. For teams, it’s a low-risk way to find that brilliant person who hits the ground running.

It’s Time to Rethink Temporary Work

Let’s challenge the idea that temp work is somehow ‘less than’ permanent employment.

Because from where we’re standing, we see temporary workers making permanent change every signal day.

They’re not just filling gaps – they’re bringing skills, ideas, and heart to organisations and helping relieve pressure from vital front line services.

Thinking about hiring temporary staff?

Or curious how a temp role could be your next big career move? Let’s have a chat. At Moxie People, we’re here to help you find the perfect match - and make a lasting impact.

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