Local authorities up and down the country are finding it difficult to attract social workers like you to permanent roles. Because of this they find themselves relying more and more on temporary staffing and temp social work roles are now in high demand from candidates. But why are so many social workers overlooking the benefits of permanent employment? Permanent social work jobs often provide more stability, more opportunities for growth and a better work-life balance. To help you make the choice between perm and temp, we’re looking at the pros and cons of temporary employment and why taking a permanent social work role could be the right decision for you.
Why Are So Many Social Workers Choosing Temp Roles?
One big reason that many social workers are choosing temporary roles is the cost-of-living crisis.
Salaries have not kept pace with the rising costs of housing, food and energy and households across the UK are feeling the pinch. For social workers, temporary positions offer higher rates of pay and contract bonuses making them extremely attractive. However, there is often a trade-off between the short-term financial gain and the long-term stability and benefits of a permanent role.
The economy is stabilising, inflation is falling, and many local authorities are trying to move away from relying on temporary social work contracts. Which is why it’s important you understand the pros and cons of temporary employment versus permanent employment in social work, so you can make the best choice.
The Pros and Cons of Temporary Roles
While better pay is a clear benefit of choosing a temp role, let’s look at some of the other pros and cons of temporary employment in social work.
Temporary social work roles can be beneficial if you are looking for flexibility. You may also want to think about taking temp jobs early in your career. Short-term commitments can be great for experiencing a variety of clients, settings, and issues.
- Temporary social work positions typically offer less job security than permanent roles. Uncertainty about future employment can cause stress and instability.
- In a temp role you may also receive fewer benefits compared to permanent employees, such as pension contributions and paid time off. This can impact your financial security and overall well-being.
- There are fewer opportunities for professional development and career advancement compared to permanent roles. This can hinder your skill development, progression within the field, and limit your long-term career prospects.
- Developing meaningful connections requires time and continuity. In a temp role you may have limited time to build relationships with clients and colleagues, which can impact the care you can offer, the chance to build professional connections and your job satisfaction.
The Long-Term Benefits of Permanent Social Work Roles
Once you’ve considered the pros and cons of temporary employment, it’s important to compare the long-term benefits of a permanent social work role.
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Employment Stability
A permanent social work role can provide a sense of security and stability that temporary positions often lack. While many temp social work roles are on longer term contracts, there is always the possibility that your contract will not be renewed and finding a new role may require you to move local authority. Choosing a permanent role ensures you a more predictable income stream and job security. This stability reduces your stress and uncertainty around your job, allowing you to focus more on their clients' needs rather than worrying about finding your next temporary position.
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Access to Employer Pension Contributions
Unlike temporary roles where you will have to manage your own pension fund and won’t benefit from any employer contributions, permanent positions offer the opportunity to build a robust pension fund over the course of your career. Most social workers working for councils in the UK will have access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
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Better Work-Life Balance
Permanent roles often come with perks such as more holidays, manageable workloads, and greater access to support services, all of which contribute to a better work-life balance. If you are in a permanent position, you may have more control over your schedule and workload, allowing you to effectively manage their professional responsibilities alongside personal commitments. Permanent positions also typically offer more comprehensive support systems, including access to counselling services or employee assistance programs, which can help you manage stress and prevent burnout.
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Professional Development Opportunities
Employers are more likely to invest in the training and development of their permanent staff, providing access to workshops, conferences, and additional qualifications that can improve your skills and expertise. For this reason, taking a permanent social work role can offer greater opportunities for ongoing professional development and career advancement.
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Mentorship
Mentorship plays a crucial role in your growth and development as a social worker, especially for helping you navigate complex cases and professional challenges. A permanent role puts you in a position to connect and build long-term relationships with senior colleagues and supervisors. These mentorship relationships provide valuable guidance, support, and feedback, helping you hone your skills, expand your knowledge base, and act with confidence.
Weighing up the pros and cons of temporary employment and permanent roles for social workers, clearly shows the long-term benefits of landing a permanent social work job. Permanent employment offers opportunities to develop your skills, grow your career and find stability.
At Vetro we offer expert advice and recruitment support for social workers at all stages of their careers. Learn how to develop your career, grow your abilities, and find the perfect roles for you with the help and guidance of our industry-expert consultants.
If you'd like more information on how Vetro could help you find your next social work role, get in touch or explore our hundreds of live vacancies across the UK.
