Temporary Work and the Labour Market

Atkinson J, Rick J, Morris S, Williams M | Report 311 | Institute for Employment Studies | Jun 1996

This report considers the changing nature of temporary work in the 1990s. Both quantitative and qualitative data are used to explore the various motives which explain how, and why, employers use temporary workers. 

The report examines the considerable variation that exists in the way employers recruit temporary workers, and their perceptions of the advantages and disadvantages of the intermediary bodies involved. The occupational and other characteristics of this group of employees are explored, and the study discusses the critical issues affecting the prospects for jobseekers in making the transition from temporary to permanent employment.