How Do Temp Agencies Work?

If you’ve ever wondered how temp agencies work or what temp agencies do, the answer is simple: they connect businesses in need of short-term support with skilled candidates ready to start right away. Whether it’s covering a period of absence, assisting during a busy project or filling a role while a permanent hire is found, temp agencies make it quick and efficient for employers to source flexible staff.

For job seekers, temping offers the opportunity to earn money fast, gain new experience and explore different industries without long-term commitment. 

For employers, it’s a reliable way to keep operations running smoothly with minimal admin or delay. 

In this guide, we’ll explain how temp agencies operate, what to expect from the process, and the key benefits for both employers and candidates.

What Do Temp Agencies Do?

A temp agency acts as the bridge between employers who need short-term cover and candidates who are available to work flexibly. Their role goes beyond simple matchmaking to encompass the entire temporary recruitment process, from sourcing and vetting candidates to handling contracts, references, and payroll.

Most reputable temp agencies maintain a trusted pool of pre-vetted temporary workers who can start assignments quickly, often at very short notice. Because these candidates are employed by the agency rather than the client, the agency is responsible for National Insurance, pension contributions and holiday pay, which removes the administrative burden from the employer.

When a company recruits a temp through a temping agency, the process is as follows:

• A detailed brief where the employer outlines the responsibilities of the role, required skills and experience, and the type of personality that would best fit the team

• The agency can advise on market rates and the appropriate salary level to offer to ensure they are attracting the most suitable candidates

• The agency then identifies and shortlists the most suitable candidates based on the brief

• The client then reviews candidate profiles and/or holds brief interviews

• The client makes the final decision on who they would like to hire

• The agency then handles contracting, reference checks and payroll

• Usually, a candidate will be paid by the agency on a weekly basis by completing a timesheet confirming the hours they have worked

If business needs change during the assignment, the agency can adjust the arrangement or provide alternative support at short notice.

In essence, temp agencies make hiring fast, flexible and low-risk, ensuring employers get immediate cover while candidates enjoy varied, short-term opportunities that fit around their schedules.

For a detailed overview, refer to our employer's guide to hiring temps using a temp agency.

At Oriel Partners, we endeavour to provide the same standard of service to our permanent clients and candidates as we do to our temporary clients and candidates and spend a long time getting to know both parties, to ensure we can match appropriately.

Types of Jobs You Can Hire Temp Workers For

A good temp agency can provide support across a wide range of office-based roles, from short-term cover to longer contract placements. At Oriel Partners, we specialise in high-calibre administrative and support positions. Here are some of the most common temporary roles we recruit for:

Receptionists

Front-of-house cover is one of the most popular requests for temporary staff. A temp receptionist ensures guests are greeted professionally, calls are answered promptly and day-to-day office operations continue to run smoothly when permanent staff are away.

PAs and Executive Assistants

A skilled temporary PA or EA can keep your schedule on track while providing essential administrative support. From diary and travel management to correspondence and meeting coordination, they help executives maintain productivity without disruption.

Office Managers

When an Office Manager position is vacant, a temporary professional can step in to keep everything running efficiently. They oversee suppliers, facilities, events and general operations, ensuring continuity within the team until a permanent hire is made.

Whether you need temporary support for a few days or several months, a reputable temp agency can help you find candidates who fit seamlessly into your organisation and maintain business momentum.

Benefits of Hiring Through a Temp Agency

Working with a temp agency offers significant advantages for employers who need reliable support at short notice. Whether you’re covering a period of absence or bridging the gap before a new hire starts, using temporary staff allows your business to stay productive without unnecessary disruption.

1. Speed and flexibility – Temp agencies can often provide a suitable candidate within hours. This agility means you can respond quickly to unexpected absences or workload spikes, ensuring operations continue to run smoothly.

2. No long-term commitment – You can hire temporary staff for as long as you need them, whether that’s a few days, weeks or months. If your circumstances change, you can end the booking at short notice, keeping your workforce lean and efficient.

3. Only pay for hours worked – Unlike salaried employees, temps are paid hourly, so you only pay for the time they actually work. This offers financial flexibility, especially when managing fluctuating workloads or seasonal peaks.

4. Payroll and compliance handled externally – The agency takes care of all employment logistics, from payroll and National Insurance to pension contributions and holiday pay. This saves valuable administrative time and ensures you remain compliant with employment regulations.

5. Access to skilled professionals – Specialist temp agencies like Oriel Partners maintain a pool of experienced, pre-vetted candidates who can hit the ground running. This means minimal onboarding time and immediate impact from day one.

Partnering with a trusted temp agency helps you save time, reduce risk, and maintain business continuity all while giving you the flexibility to scale support up or down as needed.

If you’re not yet sure if you need a temp, our article on reasons to hire a temp will help you assess if the benefits will outweigh the costs.

You can dive deeper into the benefits of hiring a temp through a temping agency here.

Benefits of Working Through a Temp Agency

For job seekers, working through a temp agency offers flexibility and valuable career opportunities. It’s an ideal way to stay active in the job market while exploring new roles and industries.

Here are some of the benefits temp employees can gain:

• Earn quickly: Temporary assignments allow you to start working and earning almost immediately.

• Build experience and connections: Each placement expands your skills and professional network, often opening doors to new industries or roles.

• Pathway to permanent roles: Many temps go on to secure full-time positions after proving themselves in a temporary capacity (read our guide on temp to perm roles).

Short-term work can be an excellent stepping stone, offering both flexibility and growth while you decide on your next career move.

Read more about the benefits of temporary work according to temp workers.

How to Choose the Right Temp Agency

Finding the right temp agency is key to ensuring your temporary hire is a success. A good agency will understand your business, move quickly to fill gaps, and provide candidates who feel like a natural fit from day one.

Here are some tips to find the right agency fit for you:

• Choose an agency that specialises in your industry or the type of role you’re hiring for.

• Local knowledge is also valuable. If you’re based in London, for example, a London-focused agency will have a stronger network of available candidates nearby.

• Ask colleagues or business contacts who have hired temporary staff before for recommendations.

• Don’t be afraid to compare fees and turnaround times between agencies. The best agencies will be transparent about their process, advise on market pay rates, and take the time to understand your company culture before making introductions.

Specialist temping agencies like Oriel Partners offer a tailored, high-touch service — ensuring each placement is carefully matched to your team’s needs and expectations.

Hire Temporary Support in London Today!

Whether you’re looking to fill an urgent gap or need short-term cover while recruiting permanently, working with a trusted temp agency in London can make all the difference. At Oriel Partners, we specialise in providing experienced, professional candidates for temporary and contract roles across the PA and administrative space.

Our team moves quickly to understand your needs and find the right match, ensuring seamless support with minimal disruption to your business.

If you’re looking to hire a temp or explore temporary work opportunities yourself, we’d love to help.