Temporary workers are often seen as short-term solutions, but many become long-term, valued members of the team. Across commercial office environments, customer service teams and industrial and warehousing operations, temps consistently show commitment and reliability.
This blog explains why the idea that "temps don’t stay" is outdated, and how short-term hires can support long-term stability for Jobwise clients.
Temp retention in the UK is increasing
Recent UK data shows that temporary staffing is stable and growing.
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Temporary billings increased for the first time in 16 months (KPMG & REC UK Report on Jobs, November 2025). This reflects renewed demand across several sectors.
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Temporary workers now make up 5.4% of the UK workforce, equal to 1.6 million people. This represents a 9.8% year-on-year increase (ONS, April 2025).
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Only 9% of businesses have seen temps leave due to office-return policies (British Chambers of Commerce, 2025). This shows that clear expectations support retention.
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Regions such as the Midlands have reported growth in temp placements after earlier declines (REC regional labour market data, 2025).
These trends match what Jobwise sees daily. Temps stay when communication is clear and the role offers consistency.
Why temps stay longer than expected
1. Temps often become permanent
Temporary staff quickly gain knowledge of company processes, workplace routines, and team culture. Over time, this puts them in an ideal position to transition into permanent roles, reducing onboarding time and long-term hiring costs.
2. Temp-to-perm acts as a natural trial period
Short-term placements allow both the employer and the worker to decide if the role is the right fit. This reduces the risk of mis-hires and increases retention when temporary staff move into permanent roles.
3. Temps bring adaptability and strong work ethic
Many temps have experience across different sectors and assignments, making them flexible and quick to learn new tasks. This adaptability often makes them integral to the team.
4. Clear workplaces help temps stay longer
Retention increases significantly when temps know what’s expected of them. When companies offer structured onboarding, strong support, and transparent communication, temps choose to stay longer.
Why temps deliver long-term value
Operational flexibility
Warehousing, logistics, and industrial environments often need to scale their workforce during peak seasons or sudden surges. Temps allow businesses to flex without committing to long-term contracts.
Reduced long-term costs
Temporary staff who convert to permanent roles already understand the role, meaning fewer training hours and improved productivity from day one.
Better cultural alignment
Companies see how temps work before making a permanent offer. This helps ensure long-term compatibility and reduces staff turnover.
Fresh perspectives
Temps often bring experience and insights from a range of workplaces, providing a fresh approach that can improve efficiency or customer experience.
Why Jobwise temps stay
Jobwise has decades of experience placing temporary staff across the North West in:
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Commercial office support roles
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Customer service and call centre roles
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Warehousing and logistics
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Industrial and production environments
Our retention success is driven by:
✔ Thorough candidate screening - We match both skills and personality to ensure the right fit from day one.
✔ Fast but thoughtful placement - We respond quickly without compromising on quality.
✔ Regular check-ins with candidates and clients - This helps resolve issues early and maintain engagement.
✔ Reliable local talent pools - We work closely with candidates who are experienced, dependable, and motivated.
✔ Effective temp-to-perm pathways - Many clients choose temp-to-perm because it leads to long-lasting, reliable hires.
Temporary staff play a vital role in supporting teams through sickness, holiday cover and project demands. They also become essential during the busiest times of the year. During those times many businesses start to feel the pressure of increased customer demand, tighter deadlines and higher staffing needs. Temps can give teams the reliability and consistency they need to stay on track.
The idea that "temps don’t stay" is no longer true. At Jobwise, we see temps becoming long-term team members every week.
Thinking about bringing temps onboard?
If you need dependable people to support your team, Jobwise is here to help. We can advise you on:
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Workforce planning for busy periods
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Choosing roles that suit temporary or temp-to-perm models
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Improving retention and engagement for temp staff
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Building long-term teams through short-term hires
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Market insights across commercial, customer service and industrial sectors
Reach out to the Jobwise team. We’re always happy to help.
