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Contract or Permanent

Destination: UK

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Contract Or Permanent Work

If you are arriving from Australia, New Zealand or South Africa your previous work experience may have mostly been in permanent roles. The UK offers the option to continue in permanent employment but there are also many temp (also referred to as contracting) roles available. Below are some pros and cons to consider when deciding what’s best for you:

Advantages of contracting roles

  • Excellent rates of pay and regular income for the duration of your contract.

  • Tax advantages exist. (Visit our Employment Solutions page for more information.)

  • Roles are available on a more immediate basis meaning you can start earning quicker.

  • In times of economic uncertainty (e.g. credit crunch) temp work may be more prevalent as firms prefer the flexibility of workers on contracts.

  • Gives you time to decide your likes and dislikes through varied work, different companies, people, project, locations, etc.

  • Opportunities to improve your skills whilst you search for permanent work.

  • Contracting may offer an insight into a particular role or employer that you take advantage of before deciding to go permanent - termed ‘Temp to Perm.’

  • For graduates wishing to commence their careers, temping provides an excellent opportunity to gain experience at leading global investment banks.

  • Holiday flexibility (you choose when to take time off and for how long).

  • You are your own boss. If you don’t like who you are working for it provides the flexibility to move on.

Disadvantages of contracting roles

  • No company benefits (i.e. no company health care or pension scheme, sick pay, professional training, etc).

  • No pay if you are sick.

  • Depending on a number of factors there may be gaps between your contracts. This can be caused by seasonal or economic factors which are outside your control.

Advantages of permanent roles

  • Typically 25 days of annual leave, 8 statutory holidays and paid sick leave, plus access to maternity or paternity leave.

  • Opportunities to develop your career within the company could be more prevalent with permanent roles. In addition you will be entitled to attended courses for personal development.

  • Potential for an annual bonus.

  • Other paid benefits, likely to include pensions and an opportunity to allocate an annual sum of money to chosen benefits i.e insurances, extra holidays.