As we move towards 2026, conversations around employee benefits have never been more important. Our latest salary survey revealed that while salary remains critical, benefits now play an equally decisive role in attracting and retaining talent. More than half of professionals (56%) told us they want their employer to help with the rising cost of living.

So what matters most to employees in 2026?

1. Annual Leave

With employees consistently ranking annual leave as their number one priority, paid time off tops the list again this year. Despite the statutory minimum remaining unchanged, employers are now going beyond the standard 20-25 days. Some businesses are offering senior staff additional holiday entitlements or simply rebranding ‘duvet days’ as ‘recharge days,’ designed to reduce burnout. Others are offering additional PTO to employees who commit to full-time in the office, sometimes up to 15 additional days.

2. Hybrid and Remote Working

Flexibility remains a non-negotiable for many. However, the survey found that satisfaction with flexible working has dropped as employers increase mandatory office days. Over half (54%) of professionals are satisfied, a worrying sign given how closely flexibility ties into retention.

Employees are seeking alternatives where flexibility is shrinking, such as banks of remote-working days or shorter working weeks. Some businesses are offering work from anywhere schemes, often one or two weeks a year and typically used in the summer as an alternative to traditional sabbaticals.

3. Cost of living support

Household expenses are still high and jobseekers want to see more from employers. Some examples we’ve seen include:

4. Health Insurance

Private medical cover continues to be one of the most valued core benefits, particularly in larger firms. It’s now being extended to include greater mental health provision, fertility treatment and cover for dependants.

5. Personalised benefits

Three in ten employees now say they want the ability to tailor benefits to their personal circumstances. This means moving away from a one-size-fits-all package, which often fails to cater to differences in lifestyle, age, family commitments or career stage.

Many employers are turning to flexible benefits platforms, which allow staff to shape their own package. Employees are given a set allowance, or credits to spend on a menu of options, from extra holiday, training courses and gym memberships to childcare support, wellbeing stipends or enhanced healthcare. This not only ensures individuals can choose what’s most valuable to them but employers avoid wasted spend on underused perks.

6. Retirement and financial planning

As the workforce ages, finance wellbeing is climbing the agenda. Pension contributions above the statutory minimum are offered by over a third of employers according to our survey. Employees increasingly expect financial education, savings schemes and planning support alongside them.

7. Professional development and training

Two-thirds of professionals told us they want more learning opportunities and many feel this is lacking in general. It shouldn’t just be a nice-to-have; it’s central to retention. One of the top five reasons employees leave their jobs is due to lack of progression and learning opportunities. Employers should be building clear development pathways to keep staff engaged long-term.

8. Mental health and wellbeing

While requests for wellbeing support have slipped slightly in the rankings, the issue remains acute. 15% of professionals told us they resigned due to burnout, just one point below those who left for higher pay. This is a stark reminder that wellbeing isn’t a secondary concern.

The best employers are taking a proactive approach, such as offering access to Employee Assistance Programmes, wellness apps, “recharge days”, and in some cases, wellbeing stipends that employees can spend on what works for them, whether that’s yoga classes, therapy sessions or a gym membership.

The future of benefits

It’s temping to focus on headline-grabbing perks, from Christmas hampers and turkeys, to unlimited holiday (which in reality, often leads to people taking less time off). Our research shows employees care most about the essentials, time, flexibility, financial security and wellbeing. While creative benefits can differentiate you as an employer, it’s important to ensure the basics are in place first.

The post How to build a benefits package employees will love in 2026 appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

The Benefits of Temp Work

In today’s fast-moving job market, more professionals, at all levels of seniority, are turning to temporary work.

There are many reasons why a professional may choose to do temp work. Some may have been made redundant, others may fit temp work around another commitment, such as a creative pursuit or parenthood, or to gain the relevant experience. Temporary work can range in length – some temp placements can be for a day; others can be for several months.

Could temping be for you? With plenty of benefits, it could just be the perfect career path.

It presents a challenge

Temporary assignments can be extremely challenging as you will need to pick up processes, procedures and policies very quickly. You will likely be required to cover a workload for a member of staff who is out of the office, so there’s a chance there won’t even be a handover. For this reason, you’ll need to be able to pick up tasks with little to no direction, using your common sense and initiative to figure tasks out.

Experience

Working as a temp will allow you to develop your skillset and gain fantastic experience, which you can then add to your CV. A broad CV that displays several skills is very appealing to employers and may well get you the job over another applicant.

Remember to regularly update your CV whilst temping, making a note of key achievements within a role. Think about what will be appealing to those reviewing your CV and try to sell yourself.

Temporary work works extremely well for those straight out of education, as it allows you to ‘try before you buy’, while building up essential experience that will bode well when you eventually decide to pursue permanent work.

Flexible working

The flexibility of temp work is what makes it appealing to so many people.  If you communicate your availability to your consultant, the temporary working world is your oyster.

As temporary working assignments can vary in length, you can choose exactly how long you’d like to work for, making your work life work for you.

Confidence boost

Starting a new job can be daunting, whether it is temporary or permanent. Taking those first steps into work is nerve-wracking. However, taking on temporary work placements means you’ll be required to do this regularly, which will increase your confidence immensely. You will build your people’s skills each time you step foot in a new office and find new ways to strike up a conversation or get to know your colleagues. Building your confidence will also help you when it comes to interviewing elsewhere for new roles.

Networking opportunities

Often, when job seekers first move to an area, they can walk straight into a great temporary job and gain experience and income quickly. Moving to a new area can be difficult, and the idea of leaving friends and family behind is a scary thought. By working as a temp, you will be meeting new people regularly. You will be constantly building new relationships and making great friends!

Paid holiday

Did you know that temporary workers also have the right to claim holiday pay? The Agency Workers’ Regulations, introduced in 2010, state that all temporary workers should receive a minimum of 28 days’ holidays a year, pro rata against the hours they’ve worked. Holiday pay is accrued at 12.07% of your gross pay. When temping through Tiger, you remain on our payroll, so your holiday pay accrues across all placements. You can usually get this paid out should you not want to use it. If you have any questions about holiday pay as a temp, feel free to get in touch with the temp team.

Opportunity

Temporary work could be that all-important foot in the door with employers. They could ask you to come back each time to cover an absence. Not only this, but temporary work could lead to a permanent position within the company. Your employer may see great potential in you and will not want to let you go. We see a high instance of candidates starting in a temporary role and going permanent. Think of every temp job as an interview and initial introduction to a company.
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If you’re looking for temp work, submit your CV today.

The post The Benefits of Temp Work appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

The search for a job in London can be a full time job in itself. However, there are ways to make the process easier, including registering with a recruitment agency. Employment agencies in London specialise in placing candidates in roles across a range of industries and can help you secure your next dream role.

Choosing an agency

Firstly, you need to think about your needs. What job are you looking for? What industry do you want to go into? You can get generalist and specialist agencies, so if you know exactly what you want to do – you want to be a PA, for example – look for an agency that specialises in administrative and PA recruitment. If you have no idea what route you want to go down, look for a generalist agency who will have a number of different roles that might be suitable. Have a look on the agency job pages on their website to see the roles they have advertised to help you decide which might be most suitable. You might have certain employers you want to work for; perhaps you could find out who does their recruiting and get in touch with them.

It’s always good to ask friends and colleagues if they have any recommendations too. Tiger offers a £250 reward for any successful referrals for permanent positions and other agencies can offer similar, so it works in your friends’ benefit.

How do you register with job agencies?

The process of registering with a job agency in London will vary from agency to agency, but usually you will submit an initial enquiry online. You may then be invited to meet with a recruitment consultant for an interview. During this meeting you will have the chance to talk about your CV and career goals. It’s not only skills and experience that make an impression;, this is also an opportunity for your consultant to get a sense of your personality and what roles and company cultures may suit you best.

Don’t be afraid to register with a few job recruitment agencies in London or elsewhere. By placing your CV in front of as many job agencies as possible, you’ll increase your chances!

Finding the perfect role

Once you’re registered with a London job agency, you’ll be considered for jobs that fit your skills and preferences. It’s not uncommon for London employment agencies to ask you to complete skills testing – these online tests will assess relevant skills such as your touch-typing speed and Microsoft Office proficiency.

Should your consultant wish to put you forward for a role, they will check with you to ensure you wish to be considered for the position. Generally a shortlist of candidates is shared with the company seeking to hire, and they will make the decision to invite a selection of people to interview.

The perks of using a recruitment agency in your job hunt

Your consultant will support you in every stage of your job hunt. The collaborative nature of securing work through a job agency will save you time and may also expand your professional horizons as you could be considered for roles you wouldn’t have otherwise heard about.

Many job agencies also offer interview training, CV advice and professional development opportunities to candidates, all at no cost.

Some London recruitment agencies offer assistance with securing temp roles as well as permanent contracts. Temping in London can be a great way of gaining confidence and experience, making ends meet while hunting for a permanent role, or working flexibly alongside other commitments. There are both specialist temp recruitment agencies in London, as well as industry-specific agencies in London that cover both temporary and permanent placements.

The post What can a recruitment agency do for jobseekers? appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

Are you a chef who is looking to pick up an extra shift doing the catering for a party? Are you a nanny looking to gain experience in different households? Why not put yourself forward for temp roles! Temping is a great way work around your schedules, gain experience in different environments, and earn some extra money.

In this podcast, our Head of the Temporary Division at Tiger Private, Ruth Edwards, explains how temping works for our candidates. She clarifies common misconceptions and outlines the benefits of temping in the private sector.

Are you a looking for a temp role in the private sector? Submit your details online today!

The post Podcast: Temping in the Private Sector appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

Hiring temp to perm employees is becoming an increasingly common practice for companies looking for immediate support in their day-to-day roles. In fact, Tiger’s 2019 Salary Review revealed that the volume of temp-to-perm placements increased by 42% from 2017 to 2018, meaning there is plenty of demand for candidates who have both short- and long-term availability.

Have you asked your temp agency about opportunities for temp-to-perm jobs in London? If not, why not? With plenty of benefits, it may be worth considering as part of your job hunt!

What does temp to perm mean?

Temp to perm means starting a job as a temporary worker and then moving into a permanent role, usually within 3-6 months of joining a business. Think of it as a probation, without the waiting around – you can start working immediately, while getting a feel for the business, your role and the people you work with.

How does temp to perm work?

A temp to perm placement can happen in two ways. The first is when you are hired on a temporary contract, usually a month or longer, and then during your contract, your employer decides to offer you a permanent role. Your consultant can often advise you during the recruitment process whether this is a feasible option, but there is no obligation on your part to accept the permanent job offer.

Alternatively, many employers will advertise a role as temp to perm. This means you are accepting the contract with full intention to go permanent. Of course, should the role not be what you’re after, or the company not be the right fit, you are within your rights to leave – this is where the temporary part comes in!

During the temporary working period, you will be paid weekly by Tiger or your staffing agency. When you move into a permanent capacity, you will join the payroll of your employer, possibly shifting to a monthly pay cycle. The temporary working period also leaves time for your new employer to complete any compliance measures.

It depends on each role, but a temp to perm job will usually become permanent within the first 3-6 months. Most employers will be able to give you a timeframe during the hiring process.

Why do companies hire temp to perm?

There are plenty of benefits of hiring temp to perm candidates. It allows both parties to ‘try before they buy’ before making a formal offer. For a business, this means seeing how the employee works within the team, how they handle the role and how they fit into the company. It also means that a candidate can start while compliance measures are carried out.

Equally, taking on a temp to perm admin job in London offers the employee a chance to try out the role and company, ensuring that it’s somewhere they want to commit to permanently. It’s also a great way to get your foot in the door of a business.

Is temp to perm a good idea?

It completely depends on your circumstance! If you are looking for a permanent role, but struggling to find the right thing, taking on a temp to perm job in London is a great way to break into the business and provides opportunities to progress. That said, if you are temping around other responsibilities, or don’t want to commit long term, it may not be the right fit for you.

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If you are looking for a temp to perm job, the temporary team at Tiger can help! Get in touch today.

The post The ultimate guide to temp to perm jobs appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

Domestic temporary, contract and seasonal staff can offer benefits beyond leave cover or busier periods – there are plenty of situations where having an extra pair of hands can prove helpful. With an established temporary division, Tiger Private has an ever-growing database of temporary and seasonal chefs, chauffeurs, housekeepers, live-in couples, nannies and other private support staff who are available for a night, weekend, month or even in a temp-to-perm capacity.

If you’re a chief of staff or private PA and responsible for your principal’s staffing requirements, understanding where temporary staff could help can be harder than first thought. As former private PAs and lifestyle managers, our expert team have plenty of experience in ensuring that you have the right levels of support. Here’s our comprehensive guide to hiring temporary staff for a private occasion:

For a weekend away…

Whether it’s a shooting or fishing weekend, or a culinary-themed country retreat, a weekend away is made all the easier with the right help on hand. If your principal is holidaying in the UK countryside, for example, consider hiring a temporary chauffeur for the duration of the trip. You’ll also need a housekeeper to prepare the home for their arrival, maintain it whilst in residence and leave it sparkling once everyone has left. Alternatively, you could hire a temporary live-in couple that can satisfy both roles.

A private chef can look after all catering including menu design, sourcing of ingredients in addition to preparation, service and any required clean up. Similarly, should families be present, a nanny will ensure that Mum and Dad truly relax by taking charge of children, entertaining them during the day and supervising their night-time routine.

If the weekend location is near a major town, contract close protection officers may also be required for your principal’s safety and wellbeing.

For visiting guests at your principal’s main residence…

Your principal’s permanent household staff may need extra support when extended family or friends come to visit. This could mean an extra chef in the kitchen or, if there isn’t a permanent chef on hand, hiring someone to look after the catering so that your family doesn’t need to think about the practicalities when entertaining. You could also look to hire additional housekeepers to maintain guest bedrooms and common areas. For more formal dinner parties, consider hiring temporary butlers to assist with silver service requirements.

If your principal is looking to wine and dine outside of the home, turn to an expert – a contract lifestyle manager can look after all entertainment requirements, making reservations in the hottest restaurants in town or securing seats for the latest theatre.

Should your principal’s guests have young children, treat them to a temporary nanny for their visit!

For your principal’s next event…

Is your principal hosting an event in the near future? Make sure it’s a success by hiring temporary private support for a night. This could range from a whole team of chefs and kitchen attendants, to butlers for meeting, greeting and silver service and housekeepers to prepare and clean the venue. You may even want to consider hiring chauffeurs for a valet service, as well as close protection officers for event security.

For your principal’s extensive travel requirements…

When your principal is hopping from one country to another, having someone to look after their luggage can prove incredibly helpful. As travel packing and wardrobe manager experts, temporary travelling butlers can do just this, ensuring that your principal isn’t without their perfectly pressed tuxedo, ballgown or golfing gear. If your principal doesn’t have permanent close protection officers on hand, hiring temporary bodyguards may be required for additional security purposes.

For your principal’s family holiday…

Should your principal and their family be heading to the slopes over winter or escaping to the heat of summer, you will need to staff their chalet or villa for the length of their vacation. Live-in couples are a popular option for these types of requirements, as they can often look after housekeeping, gardening, chauffeuring or butler responsibilities, as well as training of new staff.
More generally, within a ski chalet or villa, you’ll need to think about hiring a housekeeper for all cleaning duties; a private chef for all culinary requirements, and hosts who can look after elements like airport transfers, logistics, ski hire and other relevant activities.

If your principal would prefer to be seaside, you’ll need to look at hiring yacht crew, such as stewards and stewardesses, deckhands and chefs.

For trying before buying…

If you are looking to hire permanent staff on behalf of your principal, but want an immediate start or a longer probation period, a temp-to-perm arrangement is a great solution. It allows both parties to test out the role and working environment before committing long-term and lessens the risk should it not work out. Generally, candidates looking for temp-to-perm placements are also available immediately, meaning you can get them working as soon as possible.
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Should you need to hire temporary and seasonal private staff, Tiger Private can help. Get in touch today.

The post How temporary staff could help your Principal appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

For students, temp work can offer more than just monetary benefits. From flexible working conditions to the opportunity to bolster your CV and reference list, taking on something temporary can pay off in more ways than one.

Here are just some of the reasons to consider temping while studying:

1. Income

Perhaps most obviously, taking on a temporary role offers a way to make some extra cash. With living expenses continuing to increase, having an income, even just for a short while, can make a huge difference to your lifestyle and relieve any financial stress from potential tuition fees.

2. Experience

There are some things university can’t teach. Temporary work offers an opportunity to garner some real-world experience without committing to a permanent position. Soft skills such as time management, customer service, team work and communication are translatable across a variety of industries and after graduating, will indicate to prospective employers that you are more than capable of taking on a permanent role.

3. References and a stronger CV

The very nature of temporary work means it can brief and so, having a collection of temping experiences on your CV won’t put potential employers off. In fact, it could work in your favour, with an increased pool of possible references and an indication that you could adapt to a variety of situations. It also shows to any prospective employers that you are reliable and keen to take on more responsibility.

4. Flexibility

Committing to a part-time or casual job may require continuing to work during busy academic periods such as exams or assessment periods, adding additional stresses and pressure. With temporary work, you can commit to time periods that suit your lifestyle, deciding precisely when you work and how much you’d like to take on.

5. Career Testing

Temporary positions are needed across a huge variety of businesses, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to figure out what you like and don’t like about particular industries. For example, law students who temp in a law firm over a summer may discover that in fact, law isn’t what they want to do. By switching their major, they end up saving time and money in tuition fees and are one step closer to deciding what career they’d like to pursue.

6. Networking

Creating and maintaining relationships while temping can prove to be incredibly beneficial when looking for a position post-study. Having a network of knowledgeable professionals from a diversity of industries means a strong contact book to call on when the permanent job search begins, as well as a foot in the door at organisations you may have already worked for.

While balancing work and study may seem too arduous, especially at times of academic pressure like exams or assessments, temporary work offers the best of both worlds. With the flexibility to choose when you work and the opportunity to bolster your CV and reference list, temping can open doors to your preferred industry long before your permanent job search begins.

Looking for a temporary role? Our expert team of consultants can help, so register or get in touch to find out more.

The post Six benefits of temporary work while you’re studying appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

Finding a new job can be terrifying, but did you know recruitment agencies are here to make your life that much easier? Most recruitment agencies cover permanent, temporary, contract, part time and full time roles, so proving you’re working with those in your industry, they should be able to help you on your job search.

It is important to find the right recruitment agency for you, as a lot of agencies specialise in specific sectors or industries. For instance, if you are looking for PA, secretarial or administrational work, then Tiger Recruitment would be the perfect agency for you. Ensure the agency/agencies you approach has a good reputation and are both reliable and responsive to enquiries.

The process

Here at Tiger Recruitment, we strive to source the best candidates in the market. To ensure this, we request an online registration and CV first of all – this is to know a little more about you, your achievements, interests, working experience and most importantly, your wants and needs in your new role. When you have send over this information, we will review it and if we think we can help you, we will contact you to register in person at the Tiger offices.

This is where you will go through your CV, speak about your experience in depth and discuss which roles you are ideally looking for. Once the registration process is complete, our team of experienced and professional consultants will contact you as and when roles come in. If you are happy for your CV to be put forward, and the client would like to meet with you, the consultant will then set up an interview for you. This is where you take over and wow your potential employer!

Occasionally an agency may not have a role suitable for you at the exact time of application and registering, but do not lose hope – most agencies will keep a record of your CV and will contact you as and when the perfect role comes in. An agency cannot guarantee to find you a new job within 24 hours, but they certainly will try their best to find you exactly what you are looking for.

The consultant meeting

The meeting with a consultant is your first step, so it’s important you impress them. If your consultant sees that you are well presented, turn up early for your interview and are competent and proactive, they will be able to put you forward for most roles. Dress to impress for your meeting (smart business wear is recommended) and ensure your body language is positive, keeping eye contact and avoiding slouching. Occasionally a recruitment consultant will offer friendly advice regarding your CV or some interviewing hints and tips – never feel embarrassed or insulted, they are just trying their best to help you find your dream job.

Be a realist

When meeting with a consultant, or even when you are interviewing for a position, be realistic, speak about your skills but be sure to not sugar coat the truth. Never lie on your CV; employers do check and it could land you in a very awkward situation. Make sure you make the most of your meeting, speaking about the skills that make you stand out from the crowd. If it is a creative role, why not put a portfolio of your work together to show off exactly what you can do?

Make sure you set a realistic salary target – understand that if you are currently on £20,000 per annum, you cannot suddenly jump to a high-end salary. That said, if you show interest in roles with career progression, you will be well on your way to that higher pay bracket.

What is temping and is it the right option for me?

Temporary work suits many candidates; those who are looking to do something with their spare time, those who require extra income and those who have other commitments and cannot always work regular working hours every day. Temp work is a common occurrence and most agencies will source work regularly. When you have registered with an agency, a consultant will contact you as and when a suitable role comes in. Do not lose faith in an agency if you do not seem to get a call every day – a client will contact an agency when they require a temporary employee and it may not be every day that you are available. The beauty of temp work is that you can accept or decline any offers a consultant offers you depending on your availability. When you have been placed in a temporary position you will need to keep track of the hours you have worked and record this on a timesheet. Your agency will then pay you directly into your account, usually at the end of the working week. Temp-to-perm is also a great way to get your foot in the door of a company. This way, you can trial a company without a fixed contract, as well as wowing your potential employers into giving you the role on a permanent basis.

How to keep in the know

Make sure you keep up to date with your recruitment agency – the best way to go about this is online. Always check your agency’s website to see the current roles they have on their books – it does not hurt to ping across an e-mail to your consultant to check in and mention that you are interested in a particular role. Another way to keep up to date with the latest roles is to follow your agency on their social media platforms. Most agencies have profiles on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram– agencies often post about their current roles, and it is so simple to keep an eye on this on your news feed and get in contact to express your interest.
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If you’re on the hunt for a role in the business support sector, feel free to get in touch with the Tiger team.

The post Candidates, this is how recruitment agencies work appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

With the festive season now behind us, we’re refreshed and ready to start the new year with gusto and recharged energy. Right…? Right?

While for many, the festive season brings a welcome respite from the daily stresses and anxieties that can come from working in a high pressure environment, for others this may not necessarily be the case. Whatever the reason, it’s not always easy to take time away from work, especially if you’re a in a PA job or executive assistant role who supports a senior exec that depends heavily on you for their daily necessities and general firefighting.

The average full-time UK employee is entitled to 28 days’ annual leave a year including public holidays. Despite this, most of us only take three quarters* of our holidays. Regardless of how many days’ leave you’re entitled to at your place of work, you should always aim to take them, and here’s why:

Aligning the balance

Taking a holiday isn’t just about sun, sea and sand. It’s about taking a break from the work place and aligning yourself back to your true centre. Work-life balance isn’t just a buzz word. It’s incredibly important in ensuring your mind and body are healthy, focussed and comfortable. Taking regular breaks from work means you can return to work refreshed with perspective and renewed objectivity.

Improving productivity

Are you feeling guilty – or worse, made to feel guilty – about taking time away from the office? Don’t. UK employers are increasingly aware of the importance of work-life balance, and the research to support the links between it and employee productivity is gathering pace. By encouraging flexible working and work-life balance, your employer will see reduced stress levels, improved productivity and enhanced efficiency in your performance.

Your friends and family

They need you too. And (presumably!) unlike your job, they’re here for life. It’s not uncommon at all for marriages to break down as a result of an imbalance in working hours. Even taking work home can put a strain on relationships with friends and family. According to a recent Glassdoor survey*, nearly half (44%) of employees reportedly worked while they were on holiday. This doesn’t contribute to quality time, and while you can offer to be contacted by your workplace before you go on leave, ensure they know it should be in case of ‘emergencies’. By leaving detailed handover notes in place, any contact should be minimal to none.

Happiness

If you’re constantly neglecting your social life, fitness, hobbies and well-being to spend time in the office, you’ll invariably start fostering negative feelings towards your workplace and managers. Taking time out will allow you the opportunity to regain perspective and spend time on YOU, thereby giving your positivity a boost in and out of the office.

On that note, we sincerely hope you take our advice and book in your holidays for the year ahead. The anticipation of a holiday alone can also help to lift spirits and give you a goal to work towards, so book them ahead of time to maximise the benefits!

If you’re unhappy in your current place of work and need a break, temping can be a great way to give you more flexibility and balance in between permanent roles. Give us a call today to find out more.

The post Work life balance: Why you should use ALL your holiday entitlement appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

As one of the best London temp agencies, a question that we are asked most frequently is “How long will it take you to find me a job?” This question is difficult to answer for more than one reason. What we can do is give you a bit of an insight into the processes on our side so that you can see what is happening behind the scenes.

Why temp work?

This is where it all begins. Have a good think about what you want to get out of temp work. Is it to build your experience or keep some money coming through whilst you work on other projects? It’s important to know your reasons for temping as this will help us to make the right match. As a support staff agency, the roles that we recruit for cover all industry sectors but will always have an assistant focus. Is this what you want?

It all starts with your CV

We notice a lot of clients ask to see CVs and in some instances, meet candidates. Bear in mind this is because they want to ensure that you have the right experience for their role and organization. If our client is looking for a receptionist, they would like to see reception experience on paper. Even for temp work, make sure your CV sells your experience. Once your CV gets you in front of the client, it all comes down to you…

The basics

If you have registered with Tiger you would have received a copy of our candidate brochure, which highlights all the basics of temp work. These are all important points and it’s good to read through this as a reminder of what we expect from our temps once you have been booked into a role. It’s the little things like punctuality, switching off your mobile phone and respecting the client’s dress code that can make the difference between a good temp and a great temp.

Treat every temp job like gold

Every temp role gives you an opportunity to get in front of new people, companies and contacts. Think of each temp role as a first interview and your chance to show a client what you can do. If you create a good impression today, it could lead to tomorrow’s job. It might be a reception role, but you never know what doors this can open. Many of our candidates find that what they think is going to be a one-day booking leads to on-going work simply because they have been in the right place at the right time and impressed the client.

Repeat, Repeat

It’s simple! Positive client feedback leads to repeat bookings. Clients will always want to re-book candidates that they already know and trust. When we receive positive feedback, these are the most common traits.

• Flexibility and ‘can do’ attitude: Nothing is too much to ask, right? Are you happy to make the tea and coffee yet able to assist with the complex tasks? Clients love temps that aren’t fussy about what they will and won’t do.

• Quick learner: Do you pick things up quickly and ask the right questions? It’s important that the client feels they can explain something once and feel confident that you understand and can do the job.

• Confidence and control: Tackle those tasks with gusto and greet the senior management with a “Good Morning” and a smile. Show that you are in control.

• Friendly and helpful: Do you do it with a smile? If a client feels that you will be happy to help, they will hand over more work. This can help to extend your booking.

• Well-presented: Take pride in your appearance? Aim to be one of the well-presented people in the company and create a good impression.

• Punctual: Aim to be five minutes early, not five minutes late. It makes all the difference.

• Initiative: Whilst it is good to ask if there is anything else you can help with, it’s better to notice the things that need to be done and ask if you can help.

• Attention to detail: This comes in all forms, including making sure the reception room is tidy through to getting that flight booking right.

• Common sense: You would be surprised how often clients comment on this. Your ability to make the right decisions and use your judgement on the job should never be underestimated. Makes sense doesn’t it?

Contact is key

Another great way to maximise your temp opportunities is to keep in contact. E-mails or calls once per week to update your consultant of your availability will ensure that you are on the top of our list. Even if you are booked into a role with another agency, let us know when you are free again as we always view relationships with our candidates in the long-term. When you update your CV, send us a copy and we will update this too. Along the same lines, let us know when you are not available so we are not clogging up your inbox or voicemail.

Here to help

Remember to keep in touch with your consultant and know that you can contact us for anything at all. We are always here to help. Whether it’s big or small, if you have any questions about your booking before, during or after call us anytime.

The post How to make temp work work for you? appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

Unfortunately, redundancies are a part of working life. If it hasn’t happened to you, the thought of being made redundant might seem unimaginable and terrifying, and if it has, you will know that it is not terribly enjoyable. However, being made redundant doesn’t have to be a bad thing. If you turn it around in your favour then it can be a very positive thing. Instead of looking at it in a negative way, think of it as a challenge and turning point in your life that will lead to a new and exciting future. It is going to be daunting and you need to think about how you are going to go about moving forward, but if you change your mindset, you might find it to be a more positive experience than first thought.

Understand the process

It’s not every day that someone is made redundant, therefore the way it works and the processes it involves are not going to be clear. Make sure you sit down with your manager or the key decision maker in the company to understand what is happening, when you have to leave, what pay you should expect and what rights you have. Being made redundant will often come out of the blue and be very unsettling, so being able to clear things up in your head will make you feel calmer and in the know. You will also need to know what your financial situation will be and how long you can afford to be out of work.

Switch your mindset

It is not going to be easy being told you are being let go but if it happens, it happens, and it will happen to a great number of us. You need to pick yourself up and think positively, focusing on the next stage of your life. It may be the job you were in wasn’t what you wanted for your life plan anyway and now is the perfect opportunity to change that! Try not to dwell on the negatives and think of the ways you can pick yourself up and turn the situation around so it works in your favour.

Think about your options

It is now time to grab the opportunity to really think about what you want to do with your career and weigh up your options. If you were really happy in your job and have no interest in changing career then that’s fine. Hopefully your previous employer will be understanding of the situation and offer some guidance – they may even have some contacts for you at a similar company or for a similar role. The important thing is not to rush into anything. If you are struggling financially and haven’t decided on the next step, why not join a temping agency and try to secure a bit of work to tide you over? You may have used recruitment agencies to get your last job, so call them up again and tell them what has happened and let them know you are now looking again.

You may decide you want a complete career change, in which case you will need to think about the steps you need to take to do that. Maybe you have always wanted to start your own business? Now is your chance! You should try and have as clear a view as possible about what you want and try to be specific – this will help in your future endeavours.

Start networking

We all know that as a jobseeker, networking is crucial. Now is the time to make the most of your contacts – speak to friends and family, tell them of your situation, what you’re thinking of in terms of next steps, and see if they can put you in touch with someone who may be able to help. Find out about any events going on that may be beneficial and really try to build up your professional network. Make sure you don’t put things off. You may now have a lot of time on your hands but there is no time like the present and you never know what opportunities may pass you by!

Keep yourself occupied

You will now have a lot more time on your hands. It can be very easy to fall into the trap of being lazy and unproductive, sitting at home and putting off the job hunt, but you are just making it harder for yourself and delaying the inevitable. If you’re not ready to start the job search quite yet, then use the time to get things done; it will look much better to future employers to say you’ve been active and busy. Why not learn some new skills or a language and take a course? You might have always wanted to go traveling but been too stuck in your job to do so. If you have the finances and it is still on your wish list then perhaps this is the time to do that!

Start the job hunt

There’s no need to rush into anything but try and start the job-hunting process as soon as you can, if that is what you want to do. Register with recruitment agencies, update your social media profiles, especially LinkedIn, and keep the momentum going!

Being made redundant isn’t going to be easy, but it doesn’t need to be negative. Be optimistic about the situation and confident about your future and you will be back doing what you want to do in no time!
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If you’ve found yourself being made redundant, we can help you find a brand-new role. Get in touch to see what roles we’re currently recruiting for.

The post How to cope with redundancy appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

Seasonal employment is a fantastic option for those looking to build a flexible lifestyle, providing a chance to earn extra income and increase your career knowledge without committing to a full-time role. In the private sector, seasonal jobs can range from three months in a ski chalet as a stewardess, to six months working on a yacht or looking after a summer estate as temporary household staff.

These opportunities present plenty of benefits, not least the chance to shake up your routine! In recognition of Tiger Private now recruiting for private temporary and seasonal roles, we’re looking at the reasons you may want to embrace contract jobs or temporary work.

1. Added flexibility

Contract work, such as ski season jobs or yacht jobs, is, by definition, conducted on a short-term basis, meaning you don’t have to commit to ongoing work. As a stewardess, you could work on a yacht sailing the Mediterranean over summer, and then head to the French Alps to work in a ski chalet over the winter, introducing a wide variety of tasks and ensuring that not two days are the same!

2. Potential for international travel

Most seasonal jobs are based overseas, catering for a UNHWI’s holiday estate or secondary residence. As such, seasonal staff often have the chance to be based internationally and on days off, can explore a completely new country! If based on a yacht, this could mean exploring somewhere new every few days as you travel from place to place.

3. Develop your skills

Temp work presents an opportunity to expand your skillset. Working in a different team in a different environment means you can pick up knowledge that you can then use in future roles. What’s more, many of these soft skills are transferable to other industries, including communication, flexibility, remaining calm under pressure and problem solving. In the private industry, working seasonally is always a welcome addition to any CV!

4. Variety

No day is the same with seasonal employment. The sheer variety of tasks means you’ll be doing something completely different every day and will be required to think on your feet, taking a flexible approach to often-urgent situations. In an estate, you may be required to host a three-day event, while as yacht crew, your location can change literally overnight! Whatever the type of work, there’s always a new challenge to overcome.

5. Added income

Most obviously, seasonal jobs allow you to earn some extra income in and amongst other commitments throughout the year. If you’re waiting for a new permanent role to start, or have some time off between working and studying, temping jobs can present a fantastic opportunity to raise some extra revenue, while also picking up some useful experience along the way. Most ski jobs or superyacht jobs, as well as private household roles, are live-in, meaning you won’t have to worry about paying rent. Coupled with the potential for tips, it’s a great way to bolster your bank balance.
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Tiger Private is a private household recruitment agency that undertakes temporary and seasonal hiring. So, if you’re looking for a seasonal job hiring immediately, or a ski season job, please get in touch!

The post The benefits of private seasonal employment appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

When competing for your first graduate role, distinguishing yourself from your peers can be harder than first thought. If you are sitting at similar life stages to everyone else, how do you convince a potential employer that you’re the right person for the role?

It all comes down to planning – the quest to stand out from the crowd should begin long before the graduation ceremony. Small choices during your degree can make a big difference in the long run, making your job hunt a much easier process.

Here are five ways to increase your appeal to potential employers as a graduate:

1. Work experience
While getting good grades is important, having applicable work experience is arguably more attractive to employers. Whether you’ve been temping over summer, have completed an internship, are working one day a week in an office or have completed ad-hoc jobs in a corporate environment, this experience shows that you are familiar with office settings, have some basic training and can complete many of the tasks required of an entry-level position. It also shows that you have been exposed to the intricacies of workplace etiquette and understand unspoken rules, like how to address colleagues, turning up five minutes early and not packing up your desk before home time.

2. Extra-curriculars
If you haven’t had any professional experience, focus on your extra-curriculars. If you were a president of a committee or captain of a team, it shows that you have leadership abilities and work well in a team environment which are skills that are transferable to the workplace. Furthermore, if you volunteered regularly during your studies or took a year off to travel and work, emphasise this – it gives the employer confidence that you are comfortable in a range of situations, can deal with curveballs and are comfortable chatting to people from different backgrounds.

3. Personal profile
Use those few lines at the top of your CV to really show employers why they should hire you. Avoid words like ‘bubbly’, instead opting for strong adjectives like ‘enthusiastic’, ‘ambitious’ and ‘passionate’. Instead of just telling, show the employer that you’re aspirational, declaring why you want to work in their industry. If you’re submitting your CV to recruiters, consider explaining why you want a career in a corporate environment or why you want to work in a particular position.

4. Interview
Your CV might be out of this world, but if you don’t nail the interview, it’s all for waste. Make sure you’re dressed appropriately – jeans and trainers are out of the question. Open with a strong handshake and maintain even eye contact throughout your conversation; it will convey confidence and an air of gravitas (even if you are nervous on the inside!). Follow up the next day with a quick thank-you email – it may not be responded to, but it will definitely be noted.

5. Take the opportunity to grow
There’s a high chance that you may have to attend a couple of interviews before receiving an offer. Use these unsuccessful interviews to learn, taking every opportunity to pick up something new about your industry, interviewing style or approach to the job hunt. Whether it’s advice on how to format your CV (check out these graduate CV tips), how to frame your questions, when to arrive for your interview or your behaviour within the interview itself, everything you learn will be of value down the track.
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Looking for a new graduate role? Tiger can help! Get in touch today.

The post How to stand out from the crowd as a graduate appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

From the outside, temping in London can appear to be a daunting experience. However, with advantages galore, it’s definitely a viable option for those starting out in the industry, in between jobs, or looking for a more flexible lifestyle.

We sat down with Ruth, one of our longstanding temps, to get the inside scoop on temping – why she chose to temp, what advantages she’s found and how she prepares for each assignment.

1. Can you provide a brief overview of your professional journey since leaving high school? How did you end up temping?

After leaving sixth form, I went to drama school, where the classes are really intense – and 40 hours a week! On the weekend, I continued to work on my craft (while also trying to recover!), so there was
no opportunity to take on paid work. After graduating, I worked in fashion retail between acting jobs and was very lucky to have incredibly supportive managers who let me work around auditions and performing – but it also gave me quite an unhealthy obsession with designer handbags! At the end of 2015 I was finishing a show with a particularly gruelling schedule and had three jobs booked for the next year, so I knew that my time in retail wasn’t going to be convenient for much longer. I was introduced to the idea of office temping through my boyfriend who works contracts in film and TV. He had a really positive experience with Tiger, so I wrote to his consultant Rosanna and never looked back!

2. Do you have any specialisms within business support temping?

Having lots of customer service experience through retail, I feel naturally drawn to front of house roles.

3. What are the advantages of temping for you?

It’s definitely flexibility. I often get offered permanent jobs on placements and I decline every time because you can’t put a price on how valuable it is to be flexible. When an audition comes in from my agent it can be very short notice so preparing can be a very stressful experience. When you add the angst of feeling that you are letting people down, it’s not a good spot to be in!
. In my profession, it’s also a good way to meet other actors – I have made some great connections through temp jobs.

4. How do you approach and prepare for a new temping assignment? Do you do any research, or have any rituals before starting?

Tiger is really good at sending through a detailed brief with the company website and contact information for who will be meeting you, so I always look forward to receiving that. Planning my journey is the second task and if I’ve not been to the area before, I check out where will be good to eat that day – you never know what office kitchen you’re going to be dealt so I always buy out on my first day at a new place.

5. As with every new workplace, learning about a company’s processes and procedures can take a while! Is there anything you do to make the transition as smooth as possible?

Don’t put pressure on yourself! It’s important to understand that it can take time and nobody is expecting you to walk in knowing their specific procedures – just have an open mind, a positive attitude and take notes. Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you need to! My main advice would be to just get stuck in straight away. Something all temps on reception seem to agree on is the relief of taking ‘the first phone call’; once that’s been dealt with, you feel ready to conquer the world.

6. Are there any skills that you have found particularly helpful when temping?

Most definitely. I’d say the most important is efficiency – if someone gives you a task, do it straight away. The sooner it’s done then it’s another thing you know how to do and it’s out of the way. Communication is also essential – it’s always better to have passed on too much information than not enough. If you already have computer skills then, of course, these are really handy but don’t fret if you don’t – I learnt most of mine on jobs just exploring different computer systems and getting to grips with different software.

7. Are there any challenges in temping?

Each placement has its own challenges, but it’s nothing that can’t be overcome. It makes sense that the more placements you do, the more at ease you feel with new challenges. In the wider picture, it can be difficult to juggle pursuing your main profession whilst committing to temp placements, but with organisation and perseverance with a new routine, it is possible to keep shaping your career whilst paying the bills!

8. In your opinion, what are the most important attributes of a temp?

Confidence, flexibility and positivity.

9. Do you have any advice for those looking to temp?

Don’t expect the agency to know your diary. There are a lot of people looking for work and you want your phone to be the one that rings, so it’s up to you to make sure they know you’re available. Oh, and keep your phone handy!

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Interested in temping? Tiger has plenty of temporary opportunities on offer. Get in touch today.

The post Live the life you love with temping: A candidate’s experience appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

For many, working in the City is a lifelong ambition. Living in London, working in the fast paced and exciting finance industry can be a dream come true. But how can you ‘get in’?

What’s the appeal?

Some of the oldest, most reputable firms in the world are based in the City, as well as many considered the most desirable to work for. These businesses hire the crème de la crème, exposing you to some of the most talented and influential businessmen and women in the world. Securing a job at a top firm will help you to excel in your field and offers career opportunities to PAs that many in other industries can only dream of. Even before you progress, if you form a strong bond with your boss then there is a good chance you will be able to move on with them, should the chance arise.

Get started

While there are plenty of reasons to make your move for a job in the City, getting a foot in the door is not always easy. It can be a slightly closed-off world, with most firms only hiring staff with previous City experience. This is beginning to change though: EY have recently removed the need for a degree when hiring and some firms are willing to take a chance on PAs without City-specific experience, but you should be aware that it is still unusual.

The good news is there are other ways into the industry. If, for example, you’ve held a desk assistant role dealing with expenses you may have the initial skillset required to get a foot in the door. If not, the easiest way to get started is via a junior float position on the trading floor. The job essentially supports traders to perform their role. From researching commodities to diary management and travel bookings, excellent organisational skills are essential. Make no mistake, this is a tough job; long hours in an intensive role are the norm. Fast-paced is an understatement and stress can be high. Know too that there is a culture of temping in the City. If you’re in a permanent role now, you will probably need to contract if you work for a City-based firm. However, there will be many rewards to reap!

Next steps

If you can tough it out, there are plenty of benefits for those working in finance. Let’s start with the obvious one: remuneration. A 22-year-old junior assistant could earn up to £35-£40k in banking. Some firms now offer 0% loans to staff, many give 12 months maternity leave at full pay, and free gym memberships are common place. You can also expect to form some long-lasting relationships. There are lots of great social opportunities and close friendships to be formed; many of our candidates even meet their future spouse at work!

A role in the City will set you on a career path that can last almost as long as you want it to. Experience in the industry will make you a very desirable candidate in almost any other field, with few able to match it for tempo and pressure. Health benefits and travel opportunities are common, but best of all, career progression within finance is a real possibility. You may be able to make the move into an Analyst position at some point, with Junior Assistant and PA experience giving you a sure footing to transition into the role.

If you think you’ve got what it takes to make a move into the industry get in touch with us today.

The post Want to work in the City? Here’s how appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

There’s no doubt about it: London is an incredible place to live and work. The City boasts a deep-rooted history as the hub of financial services, evidenced by the stunning architecture and consistent buzz of activity. Cross over to the West End and you’ll experience some of the best retail therapy in the world, from the tailors of Jermyn Street to the luxury brands of Bond Street. Whether you’re looking to work for an exciting start-up in Shoreditch, a global financial institution in the City, a creative agency in Soho or a family business close to home, you’ll find it in London. As a PA, opportunities abound as a wide breadth of industries continue to flourish and grow.

If you’re considering a move to the capital and are applying for PA or secretarial jobs in London, these pointers should nudge you in the right direction.

1. Location

If you haven’t yet moved to London, consider where you want to live first as this may dictate your place of work. This city is a BIG place. A PA role in West London, for example, might be at least an hour’s difference in terms of a commute, compared to a PA position in the City. The City of London also represents a very different culture and lifestyle compared to the West End and other parts of London.

2. Perfect your CV and cover letter

If you’re moving to London from abroad, there’s a possibility your CV will need to be updated in line with the UK standard. We recommend updating your CV to be about two pages in length. Keep the formatting simple and easy to read. As a PA, there’s no need to design your CV to the extent that the visual look and feel overshadows the content. We’ve also put together cover letter tips to help you stand out from the crowd.

3. Cultural fit

As specialists in PA recruitment, we can confidently say that there is an etiquette yardstick that candidates are measured against in London. While organisational culture will differ from one organisation to another, the mark of a top PA is normally evidenced by their proactive attitude, professional approach and discreet demeanour.

4. Consider temping to get your foot in the door

Taking on temporary jobs in London can represent huge advantages to PAs for a host of reasons. Working across different industries with a variety of teams will give you an insight into what’s available and what might offer you the best fit. Secondly, experiencing different systems and platforms means that you’ll develop a robust set of skillsets that will make you a far more attractive candidate to potential permanent employers.

5. Networking (the face-to-face kind)

Networking can present a terrifying prospect for many, but the opportunities that arise from networking can be vast! If you’re new to London, put yourself out there and start talking! Registering with recruitment agencies is a good place to start. Next, subscribe to some of the industry publications. They often host events for PAs and EAs – meeting others in your field may open some doors. On a personal level, get out and about to explore all of London’s delights! You never know who you might meet.

If you’d like to be considered for Tiger’s temporary and permanent PA opportunities, register with us here.

The post Five steps to finding a great PA job in London appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

Jess started at Tiger in February 2020, after being referred by a friend. She initially worked as PA to our MD, Rebecca, then in the marketing team, before finding her calling as a recruiter in 2021. Ever since, she has thrived in the West End temporary team, still working closely with Rebecca.

What makes you Fiercely Distinctive?

Having started my career as a temp, I know firsthand what it’s like to work in the temporary market, which gives me added insight and empathy towards candidates, as well as an appreciation for what our clients are looking for. In the office, I’m also the go-to person for any restaurant recommendations!

The post Jess Campbell appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

Finding a good temp agency can quite often be harder than you think. It is crucial that you use a company that is well-respected in the market, has a temporary division of a certain size and is used to sourcing an appropriate calibre of staff. They also need to have a sound referencing system in place and be priced competitively.

When starting your search, there are several places you can look. Type “temp agency London” into Google and it will bring up a number of agencies. Check out the relevant pages and see what they offer. They should describe how they work, which companies they recruit for and the job roles they look after. They should also give some information on their recruitment process.

In the support staff recruitment market, all candidates should be tested by the agency on their Microsoft Office and typing skills. Candidates should also have been referenced, with two references on hand – some will collect five years of references. A thorough agency will confirm a candidate’s Right to Work by taking a copy of their passport and if necessary, relevant visas.

The candidate should also have gone through an in-house screening process in the form of an interview, where they will have discussed their previous and current experience with a consultant, as well as going through their CV in some detail. A temp agency conducting these types of processes should inspire confidence in the hiring manager and indicate that they will provide you with the right candidate.

Where else can you source a reliable temping agency from?

The best source is personal recommendations – speak to one of your friends or contacts and ask who they have used to do their hiring in the past. If they have had a positive experience, it is likely that you will too.

If you don’t know of someone who has hired a temp in the past, then how about asking someone who has temped before and which agency they were most impressed with?

Another source would be industry job sites. Each market sector has two or three top job sites where temp agencies will advertise. You can use this as a directory and call companies from there.

Legalities

There is a lot of legal information that an agency has to adhere by. They need to have a contract of services agreement with each of their candidates as effectively they will be employing these individuals on your behalf.

They also need to provide paperwork to confirm that they comply with agency workers regulations. These nominate that once a candidate has worked with you for 12 weeks, they are entitled to equal holiday and any bonuses that a permanent member of staff would enjoy.

Again, if an agency is up to speed with the legal side, it shows confidence in their offering.

Speed

Hiring a temp can require a very quick turnaround – you may need staff that day, the next day or the next week. Therefore, a great temping agency needs to work fast, with an established database of suitable candidates that can fill a vacancy quickly.

A great way to see how fast they work is to see how long they take to respond to a business enquiry. Their response time to this – whether by phone or email – should indicate how fast they’ll work when a requirement comes in.

At the end of the day, a good temping agency will work in partnership with you to find the best quality candidates. If they can’t do that while remaining compliant, it’s time to look elsewhere.
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To find out how Tiger’s team can help you, get in touch.

The post How to find a reliable temping agency appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

Temporary work has changed dramatically over the last 10 years. We sat down with Rebecca Siciliano, Director and Head of Temporary Division (West End), and our Head of Temporary Division (City) to find out what the temping industry looks like in 2018 for candidates.

https://youtu.be/qOx6Ymq-gI4

Looking for a temporary role? Get in touch to find out how Tiger can help.

The post The temping industry in 2018 appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

The temping industry has changed dramatically since the recession of 2008. We sat down with Director and Head of Temporary Division (West End), Rebecca Siciliano, and the Head of Temporary Division (City), to find out what value temporary workers bring to businesses.

https://youtu.be/5357ruVHnpw

If you’re a business in need of a temp for one day, a month, year or temp to perm contract, Tiger can help! Get in touch today.

The post The temping industry in 2018: what clients should know appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.