Recruitment News and Articles
Temporary Workers: Some Helpful Information
18 March 2008
At People First, we are committed to ensuring that your temporary assignment meets your expectations. We understand that if you have never temped before, you may like some more information about your working conditions and the essentials about your contract. Your People First consultant will be happy to help, if you have any questions.
Rest Breaks
It is important to take a break during the working day, particularly if you spend a lot of time working on a PC: You are legally entitled to a 20 minute rest break for every 6 hours worked. You don’t have to take it if you don’t want to, but we would encourage you to try and take a lunch break to re-charge your batteries.
Working Week
Most companies work either a basic 35 or 37.5 hour week. If you do work longer hours, you will get paid for every hour worked.
At People First, we want our temps to have a good work/life balance, so we will monitor the number of hours you work, in line with guidelines set out by the government in its Working Time Directive. If you are getting close to exceeding the legal maximum (48 hours over an average of 17 weeks), we will liaise with your line manager on your behalf.
Sick Leave and Payment
If you are ill and can’t make it into work, please call your consultant at People First to let them know as soon as you can: We will contact your line manager on your behalf.
If you are absent from work through illness for longer than 3 consecutive days, then you will be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay. Please click to find out more about the Government’s Statutory Sick Pay scheme.
Holiday Entitlement
Currently, all temporary workers are entitled to 24 days’ holiday per annum, inclusive of UK Bank Holidays, of which there are 8 days per year. This will rise to 28 days from Oct 2008 (inclusive of Bank Holidays).
Holiday Pay Policy
People First pay our temps on an accrual basis; for every month you work as a temp, you accrue approximately 1.6 days holiday. When you tell us that you want to take a holiday, we will let you know how many days you have accrued. If you have any holiday accrued at the end of your assignment, that you have not used, then we will pay you for it together with your final payment.
Booking Holidays
When booking your holiday, please check the dates with your line manager before you actually book; they are entitled to say no to you if they need you in the office for that period. You should also try and give them as much notice as possible; ideally twice the length of time you are asking to take off.
If you require any further information, please speak to your consultant at People First and we will do our best to answer your questions.
