Temporary vs Permanent Hiring - What’s Working for Surrey Businesses Right Now

If the last couple of years have taught us anything, it’s that hiring decisions aren’t always as straightforward as they once were.

Across Surrey - and particularly in and around Woking - we’re seeing businesses take a more considered, and often more flexible, approach to recruitment. The question we’re hearing more than ever is:

“Should we hire permanently, or bring someone in on a temporary basis?”

The honest answer? It depends. But there are some clear patterns emerging in what’s working well for local businesses right now.

Why temporary hiring is having a moment

Temporary recruitment has always had its place, but recently it’s become a much more strategic option.

We’re seeing businesses use temporary support to:

• Manage workload peaks without committing long-term
• Cover planned or unplanned absences quickly and reliably
• Create breathing space while they work out longer-term structure
• Test a role or team fit before making a permanent hire

In a market where budgets, structures and priorities can shift, temporary hiring offers something many businesses value highly at the moment - flexibility without compromise.

There’s also a noticeable shift in mindset. Temporary workers are no longer seen as a “stopgap”, but as experienced professionals who can step in and add value from day one.

Where permanent hiring still leads the way

That said, permanent hiring remains the right choice in many situations.

We’re seeing strong demand for permanent hires where businesses:

• Have clear, stable structures in place
• Are looking to build capability for the long term
• Need continuity and ownership within a role
• Want to develop and retain talent internally

When the timing and conditions are right, a permanent hire brings stability, consistency and the opportunity to really embed someone within the business.

The rise of the “temp to perm” approach

One of the most effective approaches we’re seeing across Surrey is a blend of the two.

Starting someone on a temporary basis, with the intention of moving to permanent, allows both sides to:

• Get a genuine feel for the role and the team
• Reduce the risk of a rushed hiring decision
• Build confidence before committing long-term

For many of our clients, this has become a preferred route - particularly where the role is business-critical but there’s still some uncertainty around structure or scope.

What’s influencing hiring decisions right now?

From our conversations with HR professionals and business owners locally, a few consistent themes are shaping decisions:

• Cautious optimism – businesses are growing, but thoughtfully
• Pressure on time – roles often need to be filled quickly
• Changing priorities – internal structures aren’t always fixed
• Candidate expectations – flexibility and culture matter more than ever

This combination is naturally leading to more flexible hiring models.

So, what’s the right choice?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, but a helpful way to think about it is:

• If you need speed, flexibility and short-term support → temporary can work incredibly well
• If you need long-term stability and growth → permanent is likely the right route
• If you’re somewhere in between → a temp-to-perm approach could give you the best of both

A more considered approach to hiring

What’s encouraging is that businesses across Surrey aren’t rushing decisions.

Instead, we’re seeing a more thoughtful approach:

• Taking time to assess what’s really needed
• Being open to different hiring models
• Focusing on long-term fit, not just immediate need

And ultimately, that tends to lead to better outcomes - for both businesses and the people joining them.

How we support our clients

At Amber Employment Services, we work closely with businesses across Woking and the wider Surrey area to help them navigate these decisions.

Rather than pushing one approach over another, we focus on understanding:

• What’s happening in your business right now
• Where you’re heading
• And what will genuinely work best for you

From there, we can support with temporary, permanent or blended solutions - always with a focus on getting the right fit.

If you’re weighing up your options…

You’re not alone. It’s a conversation we’re having every day.

If it would be helpful to talk through your current plans or challenges, we’re always happy to share what we’re seeing in the market and explore what might work best for you.