UK employer guide
How agency temp worker costs are built up
Agency temp workers can be a good fit for cover or short-term staffing gaps, but the headline day rate is only part of the cost.
In short
A temp worker is usually supplied through an agency or staffing business. The employer pays the placement rate plus any agency markup or fee, and may also have extra onboarding or equipment costs.
What makes the cost add up
The agency invoice usually reflects the worker's pay, the agency's margin and any other contract terms. Longer placements can look more expensive than a short contractor job if the staffing gap runs for months.
When this is useful
Use a temp worker comparison when you need office cover, seasonal help or longer temporary support where the worker is not being engaged for a one-off specialist project.
What to check separately
VAT, holiday pay handling, notice periods, agency replacement terms and worker rights can all affect the final bill. The calculator gives a planning estimate rather than a legal or payroll decision.
Use the temp worker cost calculator to budget the annual agency spend. If you are comparing this against a contractor, see the contractor vs temp worker guide.