How to Navigate a Hiring Freeze with Temporary Staffing Services

We understand how hard a freeze on hiring can be, here’s how temporary staffing services can be the solution!

We’ve all experienced the effects of a hiring freeze, good people leave, workloads grow, and those left behind are stretched thin.

As a manager, how do you deliver on expectations while maintaining team morale?

While hiring freezes restrict permanent recruitment, they don’t necessarily prevent you from accessing temporary staffing services. Many organisations have allocated budgets that allow for short-term support without adding to headcount.

The Power of Temporary Staffing Services

A temporary worker is typically classified as a cost rather than headcount making this a smart workaround during a hiring pause. By introducing temporary professionals into your team, you can bring in expertise quickly, alleviate pressure, and maintain performance without the long-term commitment.

Contractors vs. Temporary Workers

Contractors, particularly those outside IR35, are an option but they come with compliance risk if not managed properly.

Temporary staffing services, on the other hand, offer a safer and more straightforward solution. The workers are fully employed by the agency, ensuring all tax and legal obligations are handled correctly. In fact, 98% of our temporary workers prefer PAYE employment over a Ltd Company setup, highlighting the appeal for both clients and candidates.

What is a Temporary Worker?

A temporary worker is someone introduced by a search agency to perform a specific role for a fixed period. They’re often available at short notice and come with the skills you need to bridge gaps within your team.

Assignments can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months or even years depending on your needs. And with minimal notice, you can scale support up or down by simply informing the agency.

How Does Payment Work?

With our temporary staffing services, the worker is employed by the agency. You pay only for the days they work. The temp receives identical pay and bonuses to their team counterparts, along with pension contributions and holiday entitlement.

You approve timesheets, and the agency takes care of payroll, compliance, and invoicing—making the process effortless for you.

Why Do Businesses Use Temporary Staffing Services?

Companies facing unexpected workload increases or resource gaps benefit hugely from hiring temps. Common scenarios include:

• Project surges

• Seasonal demand

• Parental or sick leave cover

• Sudden resignations

• Headcount freezes

The process is streamlined, with most placements only requiring PO approval no lengthy contracts or hiring bottlenecks.

What If You Want to Hire Them Permanently?

It’s simple. If the temp wants to stay and you’d like to bring them into your team full-time, we’ll support that transition. Just pay a one-time finder’s fee and issue your own contract. We’ll handle the rest, including issuing the P45.

Why Now is the Right Time to Consider Temporary Staffing Services

In December 2023, there were 1.49 million temporary workers employed in the UK—proof that this is a highly effective and inclusive staffing strategy, especially in times of economic uncertainty.

With more professionals between roles due to industry layoffs, hiring temps is not only a practical solution for your business, but a meaningful way to support skilled people in transition.

Got a Project? Need Help Fast?

Our temporary staffing services are ready to help. Whether you’re looking for immediate cover, project support, or a stopgap during a hiring freeze, we can connect you with qualified, committed talent—fast.

👉 Contact Us