Advice guides
Guidelines for temping
Make sure that your skills really stand out in your CV and if you have been
temping for a while mention all long-term bookings to show commitment.
Some bookings require an interview so do your homework on what the client is
looking to achieve
Develop a good relationship with your consultant, always meet them and keep
them up to date with your availability status, any new skills acquired and always
return calls, text messages and emails promptly.
With each new assignment, double check all details including, address, journey
time and who you will be reporting to. You will be briefed on the company, your
role, tasks and the Clients objectives. Be familiar with your standard hours of
work and the policy on overtime. Ensure you understand and are familiar with
timesheets, paperwork required and pay arrangements. You are expected to
honour your assignment for the agreed duration.
Whilst in a booking adhere to the companies dress code, keep personal phone
calls to a minimum and as a rule don’t use the company’s equipment for
personal use without prior permission.
If, for any reason, you are unable to attend a booking please inform your
consultant before 8.30am.
In order to pay you, you will need to complete our timesheet at the end of the
assignment or the end of the week (whichever is the sooner). This has to be
signed by the client and you then return to our office no later than 09:30 on the
following Monday to ensure you receive prompt payment.
If your timesheet misses the deadline, you run the risk of having to wait an extra
week for payment.
You will be paid one week in arrears, directly into your bank or building society
account via BACS. We will need to know your account number, sort code and
bank name plus your name is it appears on your card or your cheque book, so
please make sure you have these to hand. Any incorrect or incomplete
information will delay payment. Payroll for the previous week is done on a
Monday (this is why it is essential that your timesheet is with us by 9.30am
Monday) with any payments to you transferring to your account by the following
Thursday at the latest.
By law, we are required to deduct tax from any payments under the "Pay As You
Earn" scheme (PAYE). When you register with us, if you have a current P45
please supply it to us as soon as you can so that your tax can be deducted at the
correct rate. If you don't have a P45 then we can supply you with a P46. This
means you will pay tax on a week 1 basis (which is better for you than being on
an emergency tax code). If you fail to sign a P46 or give us your P45, you will
automatically be on a "BR" or Basic Rate tax code. Tax will then be deducted at
23% on all your gross earnings.
If you're a full-time student, you won't have to pay any tax if your earnings for
the tax year are less than the personal allowance. If you qualify, we'll ask you to
complete a P38 Student Declaration Form.
We are legally obliged to deduct National Insurance from your earnings, so we
must have your National Insurance number on file. Not providing your NI
number can cause delay to benefit claims in the future. You can find your
number on your P45. If you don't have a P45 then contact your local DHSS, who
will be able to help you.
We operate a Group Stakeholder Pension Scheme, if you wish to join, please let
us know.
Some tips on the do's and don'ts of temping
Always complete a separate timesheet for each single assignment. Show your
lunch break, or point out if none taken. Timesheets much be signed by the
authorised client.
- Keep personal calls to a minimum.
- Always be punctual.
- Ask if there's anything else you can do before leaving for the day.
- Gain a reference, where possible, when finishing an assignment.
- Keep in contact with your consultant.
- Don't make personal international calls.
- Don't use the company's equipment for personal use.
- Don't keep you mobile on.
- Don't abuse your email/internet privileges.
“Regan & Dean provided a high level of support and advice during my time spent job hunting.”
Gemma Brumage
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