Why Temp?
Temporary employment is an ideal way of exploring different working environments and a variety of jobs. Temporary work often leads to permanent employment so it can be a great way to experience a job before making a more long-term commitment.
Temporary work will also enhance your CV. When you’re working for D&P Recruitment Ltd we will take care of you to ensure you are placed in suitable assignments that match your skills so you never feel out of your depth. We are responsible for paying you and dealing with all the legislative requirements. We also keep in touch with you and the company you are working for to make sure everything is going well.
How does temping work?
Once we’ve found you a suitable temporary job we’ll explain everything you need to know about the role, hours of work, duties, pay, duration, location and travel directions. You’ll also get written confirmation.
We’ll call you when you start, just to check how everything is going and then keep in touch during the assignment. We’re always at the end of the phone if you need any help or advice. You’ll also receive a Contract of Employment.
How many hours will I work?
Most assignments are undertaken on a standard 37.5 hour working week unless otherwise agreed with your consultant and the client organisation concerned
Presentation /Dress Code?
Whilst on assignment through D&P Recruitment, it is expected that you will be suitably attired for work in line with the dress code and expectations of the organisation with which you are working. It is understood that items such as “stressed jeans” and sleeveless shirts are barred even in warehouse environments.
Personal Communications?
Use of client’s equipment to browse the internet, send personal email or make personal calls is not permitted and unless permission has first been obtained, your mobile should be switched off during working hours.
Code of Conduct?
Please respect the code of conduct and regulations of the organisation you are assigned to, ensuring that you maintain confidentiality at all times
Rates of Pay?
The rate of pay for each assignment will be agreed in advance with your consultant and will remain effective for the duration of the assignment. Any overtime worked will be at the same rate unless otherwise agreed. Any bonuses payable will require separate written authorisation from the client.
Change of Duties?
Should the duties involved change significantly during the assignment and you feel a review of your pay rate would be appropriate, please contact your consultant to discuss the situation.
How will I get paid?
You will be provided with a timesheet which will need to be completed each week with the hours you have worked, you then need to get the timesheet signed by your manager and then send it back to our office by email, or post. Following receipt of the correctly authorised and legible timesheet we process the payroll each Friday and you will receive payment into your bank account by BACS. As your employer, we make all statutory deductions, a payslip will be sent by email or can be collected from our office on the same day, we will ask for your bank details and email address when you register. Please note that payments cannot be made into third party accounts and all cheques are ‘Account Payee only’.
How does tax work?
If you have a P45 for the current tax year from your last employer or the Job Centre you need to submit this to us. If you don’t have a current P45 we’ll provide you with a P46 to complete. This will mean you pay the correct amount of tax from day one.
Do I get holiday pay if I am temping?
Yes, you do! As a temp you are entitled to a maximum of 28 days paid holiday including statutory holidays for each complete year you work. You will be added to our holiday tracker and start building entitlement from the date you start working. If you want to take holiday during your assignment you need to check first with the company that it is OK with them and then put in a written request for holiday pay.
What happens if I am sick?
If you’re unable to go to work for any reason you need to notify your consultant by 9.00 am. We’ll then inform the company. Through any period of sickness, you must keep your consultant updated as to when you expect to return to work. You may be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay subject to the rules of the scheme and submitting the relevant medical documents.
I have heard about AWR (Agency Workers’ Regulations). Does it apply to me?
Yes, it does, it applies to every temporary worker. There are 2 stages that apply to AWR – “day one rights” and “12 week qualifying period”. From day one of an assignment, a temporary worker has equal access to “collective facilities” (canteen, parking, showers, gym, vacancies and so on). After 12 weeks in the same assignment, temporary workers are entitled to “equal treatment”. This means that the temporary worker’s terms and conditions must be no less favourable than if the hiring company had employed them directly, taking into account qualifications, skills and experience. This includes rate of pay, holiday pay, overtime and night pay. We contact the company prior to the end of week 12 to establish the relevant information and you’ll be notified of any adjustments to your pay and conditions.
I’ve also heard that all employees will be enrolled into a pension scheme. Does this apply to temps?
Yes, it does! Each employer is given a “staging date” for Auto Enrolment. The “staging date” is the date they have to have a pension scheme available for all employees to join. Full information on Auto Enrolment will be available when you are near to the “staging date.”
Why use an agency to look for permanent employment?
We have strong relationships with major businesses in the office, management, legal and engineering sectors throughout Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire & Northamptonshire. Getting that dream job isn’t always easy so we help by highlighting the things that we know are most important to potential employers. Our consultants are a friendly bunch and their goal is to work with you to get you the type of job you’re after.
How do I register?
Easy! Our website has been built with you in mind. You can upload your CV so we have your details on file and you can sign up to regular email updates as and when jobs in your selected category become available.
We’ll also need you to drop into one of our offices to register in person at some point and we will contact you to arrange this. When you come, you’ll need to bring some ID with you, preferably an in-date passport and your most current CV (if the one we have on file is out of date). When you’re here you’ll need to fill in some simple application forms and complete some short tests relevant to your skills. After that you’ll have an interview with one of our consultants and we’ll do the rest! Simple!
Once I’m registered, what happens next?
During your interview, your consultant will have established what area of work you are looking to get into, the skills you have to offer and your salary and benefits expectations.
We’ll then discuss with you any vacancies that match your expectations. We’ll provide you with full and comprehensive information about the job vacancy and company so that you can decide if you’d like to apply for the role. Once we have your permission, we’ll send your CV to the company. We’ll liaise with you to make interview arrangements and provide you with full confirmation in writing. It couldn’t be easier!
I‘ve got a CV but I think it can be improved. Can you help?
Your CV is your most important sales tool and you want it to work for you. Be sure to check it for spelling mistakes, poor layout and incorrect contact details – potential employers will immediately disregard CVs with mistakes. Your CV should be no more than 2 pages of A4 in a simple typeface and have a clear and uncluttered layout. List your jobs starting from the most recent, detailing your responsibilities in bullet form, your job title and the dates of employment.
You’ll need to include a personal profile, your contact details, your education and qualifications as well as relevant skills you have. Do not use graphics or include a photograph and make sure your email address is appropriate. Never exaggerate your CV as it is inevitable you will be caught out!
We’re happy to discuss your CV when you register and help you get it right.
How should I prepare for an interview? What should I wear?
Your consultant will give you a full outline of the job you’ve been put forward for in writing. However, we would advise you do some research of your own. The more prepared you are, the more chance you have of getting the job.
It is advisable to go on the company’s website so that you have a good knowledge of what they do. Have some general questions prepared, but you may also want to ask some specific questions. Make sure you fully understand the job description and, if there’s anything you’re still uncertain about, call your consultant, who will be more than happy to help.
First impressions are critical, so make sure you’re wearing professional business dress, offer a firm handshake and make eye contact! Arrive in plenty of time – check and double check the time of your interview and make sure you know who to ask for. If you’re uncertain about the location of the company or how long it will take to get there, do a trial run the day before. At the interview make sure you listen, try to remain calm and answer questions fully but don’t waffle! If you have enjoyed the interview and would be interested in the role be sure to say so. You could also ask, if it is not explained, what the next stage in the recruitment process will be.
How do I follow up an interview?
Call your consultant as soon as possible after your interview with your feedback and let them know how keen you are (or not) on the job. This will help when the consultant speaks with the company. If you’re not successful at an interview, we’ll always try to give you feedback, which could be helpful for future interviews.
I’ve handed my notice in but my employers have made me a counter offer. What should I do?
You need to carefully consider why you started looking for a new job in the first place. Money will be one reason but there will also be other factors. So even if you get more money out of your company now, will anything else change?
Also, think about what you had to do to get the salary increase. If you decide to stay where you are, your employers will know that you have been looking for another job so your relationship may change. There is a lot to think about but the rule of thumb is that 70-80% of people who accept counter offers either leave or are let go within a year!
What is your diversity policy?
At D&P Recruitment Ltd we are passionate about eliminating discrimination in the workplace, which is why all our staff look to identify any recruitment practices that could put any one of our candidates at a disadvantage in their job search. You’ll always be judged on your abilities alone – that’s all D&P Recruitment Ltd are interested in, we make sure it’s all that the employers we work with are interested in too.
We protect your rights and promote equal opportunities and diversity, and to make sure you’re always treated the way you should be.