For some people, work in temporary work is a good way to experience new industries and environments before making a long-term commitment. For others, it’s a way to maintain income while searching for permanent work.

A temp job is a travailler en intérim arrangement that has been agreed to for a set period of time, usually 3, 6, 9 or 12 months at the outset. You might be employed directly by the company or through a specialist temp agency.

Companies often employ temp staff when they have a specific project, they need cover for an employee on maternity leave or they need extra staff during busy periods (like Christmas in retail units). This type of short-term workforce can also be used to help reduce costs by hiring people on a lower salary compared to the salaries paid to permanent members of staff.

Understanding Temporary Night Increases: What You Need to Know

It’s not just unskilled or manual workers who take on temporary jobs – highly qualified professionals in areas such as engineering, science and technology also do this kind of work. Some of these temporary positions are specialized, and require travel.

Many employers have a reputation for viewing temp workers as disposable, or even less connected to their team and workplace culture, since they only guarantee employment for a defined period of time and may not receive the same benefits as their full and part-time colleagues. However, many people choose temporary work because they want to test drive different career paths, or simply can’t commit to a fixed schedule.