There are many people in the workforce who are looking for temporary employment, instead of a full time job. This may be for any number of reasons.
There are others, though, who can't find full time employment, and they may need money right away to pay rent, credit card payments, or other debt. They may take a temporary position until a full time job comes along.
Called "a temp agency," a temporary employment agency is one that place workers on short term jobs by matching the job opening with the appropriate personnel, and charging the company a fee for the placement.
The fee charged by the agency may be based on a percentage of the salary paid to the employee or a predetermined amount. The agency may also charge the employee an up front fee for placing them on a job but most charge the employer.
Temporary employment agencies are more common today than ever before and the need for temporary workers is constantly growing. Temporary agencies provide a necessary function in the economy by providing a ready workforce for businesses that may not need full time employees or have short term or part time positions available.
Since an agency gets paid only if positions are filled, they work hard to find employment for those who sign up to work for them. Sometimes a temporary position may be for only a day or two, weeks, months, a year, or it may end up lasting for many years.
Most jobs filled by temp agencies are office related positions but there are those that handle factory, warehouse, and other manual labor positions.
There are times when those who are sent on temporary job assignments end up with full time jobs if the position turns into that. It happens frequently. If the employees value is realized, employers may make the decision to hire the temporary worker to a permanent position.
There are laws that all employment agencies must obey, such as income tax and social security withholdings, minimum wage requirements, the amount of hours an individual can work, and in many states, the agency must provide workers' compensation insurance.
In some instances, depending on how long the employee works for the agency, health insurance may be offered at group rates and the employee may be eligible for sick, holiday, and vacation pay.
Before signing on with any temp agency, ask questions about their fees and whether they offer benefits. Since there are many temporary agencies in the job market, shop around and find one that can fit your needs.