Recently one of our longest serving temporary workers left the Agency for a permanent contract with our client and it got me to thinking…how do we support our candidates to navigate the changing world of recruitment and decide whether an Agency, a Bank Contract or a Permanent Contract is the right option for them.  Honest answer, I don’t know, you would have to ask the candidates, which is what I did, I wrote to all our leavers in 2021, our current staff and those registering to ask them what factors effected their decision making process.  The feedback covered 4 main themes with the following rankings which I will address in terms of each type of contract.

 

1. Family & Work Life Balance - 43%
2. Financial Stability - 38%
3. Job Security - 14%
4. Candidate Experience - 5%

 

 

Family and Work Life Balance

 

Over the pandemic and as we find our feet on the way out of it we will have seen many articles on work-life balance, discussing what it is and how to achieve this.  Of course this will be different for everyone.  Historically and going forward Agency contracts have offered the greatest flexibility in that you can change between roles scaling up or back depending on the needs of the candidate.

 

If you look at Aimee’s story below she started as a full time support worker, changed to shift work as part of her studies.  

 

“Keenan has been amazing from I registered with them in 2018, Laura Lee found me a brilliant post as a family support worker / contact worker that lasted 2 years in a social services family and childcare team. I am very grateful for this opportunity as it gave me great experience and enabled me to have the experience to apply for a graduate route into social work. 

Keenan was very accommodating and flexible when I started my degree I changed employment paths to the health care sector through Keenan with the help of Laura Lee and Kerry. The flexibility of being able to pick my own shifts to Suit my uni schedule was really helpful and enabled me to work whilst studying also.” - Aimee.

 

Bank contracts offer similar levels of flexibility but there isn’t the same guarantee or someone working with you directly to find you regular shifts to ensure you can cover living expenses.

 

Permanent Contracts will vary.  Many of the advertisements for new posts will list “hybrid and flexible working considered”, meaning there is no guarantee that this can be accommodated across the short or long term.  These contracts are designed to meet the needs of the service and so candidates must navigate this process carefully in their contract negotiation.   A Career Coach or experienced Recruitment Consultant can give you some advice and guidance on this.

 

 

Financial Stability - 38%

 

Just like the ladies of Destiny’s Child, candidates are asking

 

Can you pay my bills?

Can you pay my telephone bills?

Do you pay my automo' bills?

If you did then maybe we could chill

I don't think you do

So, you and me are through

 

Having financial stability is essential.  Research from Mind.Org and similar organisations show that financial stress and worries greatly affect our Mental Health so of course this should factor in our decision making in choosing the right contract.  Thankfully Legislation such as the Agency Workers Regulations introduced in 2010 now guarantees protection such as Pay Parity with Permanent Staff.   That means in most circumstances Agency workers are paid the same as permanent staff.  In some sectors staff shortages have led to inflated wages for off contract Agency Staff within certain disciplines.   The financial impact on candidates means that Agency may be more lucrative however this tends to be a short term impact as these higher rates become unsustainable for Clients.  Bank Contracts also can offer lucrative rates for certain areas of work but again the longer term impact should be considered.  Similarly be aware that a Bank Contract alongside permanent recruitment with another employer will attract a higher level of Tax Deductions.

 

This reminds me of Deborah’s story, she used an Agency contract to gain experience in order to interview and place for a permanent post in order to achieve financial stability for her family.

 

Thank you so much for all your help with getting set up to begin my agency working journey in social work. You found me the post I wanted close to home and as a first social work post it was great. I interviewed for the trust early last summer hoping to get on the waiting list as I wanted a contact that I could depend on for future plans for myself and my family. Late September last year I started my new job with the Trust and I can’t thank you enough for getting me the post and experience I needed to get me on to the next part of my social work journey.  Deborah.

 

Permanent Contracts will provide that financial stability.  Most employers will share their salary scale or set salaries on their job advertisements to ensure that the post you apply for will cover your set expenses.  Some employers will be open to negotiation and candidates you should get comfortable with talking about salary, knowing how to express your worth in setting salaries and salary reviews is where a coach and mentor can help.  However be mindful that higher salaries attract high expectations so ensure you can deliver.

 

I think Brenda’s experience sums this up nicely.

 

For me there was no benefit of working agency in terms of remuneration and more benefits to a permanent post due to BH entitlement, pension and job security. That said, working agency gave me an opportunity to try a new role and flexibility in terms of hours I wanted to work."- Brenda.

 

Job Security - 14%

 

Permanent contracts are surely the most secure across the 3 types of contracts.  However that will not negate against poor performance or redundancy so ensure you are in the right mindset for permanent work and research the company you are applying to ensure they are also secure.

 

Agency contracts throughout the Public and Third Sector continue to remain stable with long term rolling contracts running alongside permanent recruitment drives work well.

 

Bank Contracts whilst not secure do offer the opportunity to try multiple areas, network across client groups and the opportunity for experience to gain alternative longer term contracts if so desired.

 

One of our candidates Bobbie had this experience, providing support on a bank contract, moving to a block booking and then applying for and being successful within the Clients permanent recruitment drive.

 

 

Candidate Experience - 5%

 

Candidate experience was weighted the least of the 4 factors however on reviewing our testimonials (https://www.keenanhealthcare.co.uk/Testimonials) it is the candidate experiences that seem to have the greatest impact.  When all other aspects remain equal what sets the contracts apart.  Positive candidate experience such as streamlined registration process, accurate job descriptions, clear salary and benefits packages, being warm and welcoming at interview, good onboarding and induction alongside efficient and accurate payments should apply to all employers.

 

I think Katie and Madeline’s comments are reflective of the team dynamic at Keenan and what we want to offer our Keenan Community. 

 

"My experience at Keenan Recruitment has been fantastic. The whole team are extremely professional and efficient at all times, answering queries and questions very quickly, succinctly and accurately.

 

I have worked for Keenan for over two years and during that time I have felt so supported and valued. Nothing has ever been a bother and everything is done so efficiently and effortlessly that I never had to worry about anything. Keenan have been amazing and I’ve been so grateful to be working with them during a very difficult time (2020). I genuinely wouldn’t go anywhere else." – Madeline.

 

 

For a one to one consultation to discuss your options please contact one of our consultants to guide you through the next steps by phone on 02890447144 or email info@keenanrecruitment.co.uk

 

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All live vacancies can be found at  www.keenanhealthcare.co.uk