Difference between a "Temporary" and an "Ongoing" Position

NoNoDrama

What is the difference? I've been offered an 'ongoing' role but not sure whether I should accept it. Would my time be better used looking for a full-time permanent position? Money isn't really an issue for me at the moment but having a career is. If I take this ongoing position it's going to take up valuable job searching time. As I understand it ongoing is even less secure than temporary as there is no notice period so they can get rid of you whenever they want. It's a big company with about 200-300 people working at the site and 20 or so 'temps' of which I would be one.

They are deliberately vague when quizzed about the longevity of the position. Get the feeling they may shaft me after Christmas.

I'm in receipt of full benefits including JSA, HB and Council Tax benefit as well so of course I'd have to end those and reclaim when they get rid of me, another potential pain in the backside.

What would you do in this position?

Employers and HR staff - ongoing what exactly does this mean? No chance of being made permanent/easy to get rid of?

scheming_gypsy

it probably means it's a rolling contract. They can't specify an end date as it all depends on how long they keep getting the money

NoNoDrama

I should also point out it's through an agency so I would be on their books and not the employers. This makes me even more sceptical.

scheming_gypsy

most rolling contracts are through agencies; it's so the company doesn't have to mess about sticking you on payroll, they just pay an invoice to the agency.

an9i77

If you're not desperate for money and really want a permanent job, then I'd perhaps wait it out for a perm role. But the two are not mutually exclusive, can you still seek permanent work whilst doing this 'ongoing' role? Most employers would be reasonable and let you out for interviews etc so long as you gave them notice of when you had an interview and didn't have loads every week. Can you ask that before you say yes or no? Also I'd be suprised if there is no notice period at all, is this job direct through the employer or through an agency? Most roles would have at least one week's notice each way, although not all agencies give this.

Jarndyce

The term ongoing has no legal meaning. You need to ask the agency what they mean by that - is it a rolling contract, indefinite appointment - what?

scooby088

When i was temp to on going it was just that temporary to cover over the xmas period i was given my p45 on the 1st of jan. Would say not to bother and look for permanent.

Spendless

I've just finished an on-going position, employed via a temping agency. I've been doing it for 16 months. It was 'on-going' cos they didn't know how long they would need me for. As it happened I upped my hours from 13 to 30 started doing 2 days a week and ended up doing 5. They've just taken me on but that is on a temp basis till end of year as a contract finishes and they are waiting to see if they get it again. They have had the advantage of finding out that I am reliable, punctual, flexible and honest before offerring me a job. Yes you are paid via the agency. You fill in a time-sheet and get a pay slip and your wages paid into your bank account. They just invoice their client.

You'd have the advantage of current work experience, something up to date on your cv, a recent reference to give, you can say you are unavailable if an interview for something permanent comes up

Hammyman

If you are waiting for a permanent job you may be on the dole for a very long time in the current climate with no guarantee it will last longer than a temporary or ongoing one.

an9i77

Hammyman wrote: »

If you are waiting for a permanent job you may be on the dole for a very long time in the current climate with no guarantee it will last longer than a temporary or ongoing one.

That's true, before one year's service (soon to be two, probably) employers can just get rid at whim, even if you are the ideal employee they may decide they don't need you, so in that sense all jobs with less than one /two years service are 'temporary/ongoing'

NoNoDrama

Still not sure what to do. I may just take it up and do some 'networking' to find out what their plan is for the temps, and what the chances of permanent are, then leave within a week if it sounds like they are going to get rid of us after xmas, I don't need the experience either. If I really like it and then they get rid of me I'll be gutted. Not sure this temping lark will be for me.