So the media cannot wait to tell us that unemployment is up again.

Does the British public really thrive on doom and gloom? Is it the only way to sell news papers? I really hope not.

Those of you that know my work will be aware of how I feel on the subject and that I do my best to compensate for the media with positive blogs about the economy, our society and employment.

So here it is, the five things you didn’t know about temping..................

1. Recruitment agencies should not be viewed as a last resort! There is no shame in working for a recruitment agency. Often, the quickest way to get working and earn money is to register with a recruitment agency. Full time  permanent work requires an interview process and a pay packet at the end of the month. Temporary work requires a registration process and work can be offered immediately / within 24 hours on the basis there is suitable work. You only have to wait a week for your money too. As recruitment agencies pay weekly in arrears, not monthly.
2. We are happy to be a “stepping stone” – those of you made redundant with many years of experience and used to earning high salaries can use a recruitment agency guilt free. We often have people on our books for a short period of time who would rather work for minimum wage than sit at home watching day time TV. You can easily work for us and attend interviews as you require. Some of our contracts lead to new full time opportunities too. You will often see internal vacancies on the notice board in the canteen that were not advertised to the outside world.
3. We don’t mind when you leave us! It is true! We just need to know that is all to finalise pay and raise your P45 – that is all. Many of our workers join us whilst undertaking a new venture. There is nothing wrong with setting up your own business or a franchise but working for an agency during the “dark days” as you build your business and income stream up. We are happy to be part of the process and genuinely hope that you succeed.
4. Being flexible helps keep you in work – recruitment agencies have many clients whose needs differ at certain times of year. Often as one contract ends, another begins elsewhere. All we ask is that you remain flexible and positive in your approach to work. This way we can usually keep you working until your ideal position comes along and you no longer need us.
5. Temporary work can lead to you learning new skills – Those who are reliable and productive are easily identified by our clients and are quickly given more responsibility and usually better paid work. If the new role requires you to under take a training course, the employer is happy to put you through it. The training or qualification is yours and is transferable to your employers in the future. Please do not think working for an aganecy is always a dead end – that is so not the case.

As the economic uncertainty continues, employers are of course wary of taking on new staff as it is bad for morale, publicity and those affected if redundancies have to occur a short time after.

So the recruitment agency has a place in the community to act as a bridge between employee and employer to create win / win / win situations where we all benefit.

The job market is tough and the competition for vacancies is fierce but you will never know until you try.

Recruitment agencies have many often unadvertised vacancies on their books. So have a look at us, we will help wherever we can.