Taking on agency workers

Using agency staff can be ideal, especially when you need emergency temporary cover. One potential drawback is that it costs more than employing a temporary staff member directly. However, a big benefit is that all of the administration is handled by the agency.

The business(client) usually pays the agency and the agency pays the worker. The rate will includes holiday pay and sick pay, as well as an administration fee and profit margin to the agency which is thier profit. At first glance you may see a bill that looks like it is a 30-40% increase of the temps salary, however when you add the costs of holiday pay, sick pay, payroll and insurances, you'll see that most agencies offer great value for money.

Agency responsibility

It is the agency's responsibility to meet requirements such as paying the Minimum Wage and so on - but do some research to ensure you are happy with the agency's reputation. Any poor experience the worker has - such as not getting paid on time or the right amount - could reflect badly on your business.

The agency is responsible for the worker they deploy has the right to work in New Zealand, and that they can do the job well. They should follow your instructions and be able to work within an agreed format. 

Taking on agency temps

if you have thought about taking on a temp or a contractor, then always speak to the agency first. The agreement you have with yoru agency is likely to be that they can charge you a fee for release of one of thier workers. If you don'd have a fee agreed and hire an agency worker direct then some agencies have been known to charge thier standard terms for permanent recruitment - this can become quite expensive!

Always work with your recruitment agency they will advise you on feedback from the temp, it may be that the person you thought would be a model worker is going on thier OE but hasnt told you!

If you do decide to take on a temp, try to negotiate a period of rebate. Plan ahead and wor out your agenncy requirements. Many agencies tender for exclusivity and you can save money by offering exclusive contracts to your prefferred supplier

Working with Agencies

Even though agency staff do not work directly for you, you are still responsible for their health and safety. In fact, temps are likely to be at greater risk because they don't know the business well. Most agencies are keen to look at your health and safety, after all they want a safe place for thier temps to work and becuase of the experience they have within many different local companies they can also offer great advice.

Never discount your recruitment consultant, they can be a god send, try to hold a good relationship, after-all when its 6am monday morning and your permnanent staff have called in sick - who are you going to call?