Temporary employment companies in London are pivotal in supporting the city’s ever-evolving workforce demands. As businesses adapt to economic shifts, seasonal changes, and unforeseen circumstances, the need for reliable, flexible staffing has never been more critical. Temporary staffing isn’t just a solution for urgent needs. it’s a strategic tool used by London’s top employers to stay agile in a competitive landscape.
This guide explores the best temporary staffing agencies operating in London today, and it answers essential questions that employers and job seekers frequently ask. Whether you’re looking to hire temporary staff or find flexible job opportunities, this resource will help you make well-informed decisions.
What Makes a Temporary Employment Company Stand Out in London?
London’s job market is as diverse as its population, and not all temp agencies offer the same quality of service or level of expertise. The most successful temporary employment companies distinguish themselves through a mix of local industry knowledge, streamlined processes, and long-term relationship-building with both clients and candidates.
Local Market Specialisation
An agency’s ability to deeply understand London’s unique labour landscape is crucial. Top-performing firms don’t operate with a one-size-fits-all approach they tailor their offerings to suit specific sectors such as legal, finance, tech, hospitality, and construction. Their recruiters are often specialists with experience in the very industries they recruit for, giving them insight into the nuanced needs of their clients.
Personalised Recruitment Experience
Successful temp agencies know that behind every job opening and CV is a person. Whether it’s a small business in Shoreditch looking for a receptionist or a multinational finance firm in Canary Wharf hiring for contract roles, top agencies deliver customised solutions.
They take time to understand both the candidate’s career aspirations and the employer’s workplace culture, ensuring a better fit and higher satisfaction for both parties.
Reputation Built on Trust
Word-of-mouth referrals and online reviews reflect how dependable an agency is. Companies with consistent five-star reviews on Google Business, Trustpilot, and Glassdoor typically deliver on their promises. Their longevity in the market also speaks volumes; if a company has been around for decades, it’s usually because they’re doing something right.
How Do Temporary Staffing Agencies in London Work?
Temporary employment companies operate at the intersection of talent acquisition and workforce agility. Their process is designed to reduce friction for both employers and job seekers, allowing businesses to adapt quickly to change and candidates to access short-term work without unnecessary red tape.
From Employer Request to Placement
When a business requires temporary staff whether for maternity cover, a seasonal surge, or urgent replacement they reach out to an agency with their requirements. The staffing firm quickly reviews its pool of available candidates and selects those best suited for the role. Pre-screened professionals can often be placed within 24 to 48 hours, particularly for urgent or high-demand roles.
Candidate Onboarding and Deployment
On the candidate’s side, the process begins with registration usually online or through a recruitment app. After submitting documentation, undergoing interviews, and sometimes completing skill assessments, candidates are added to the agency’s roster. When a suitable opportunity arises, the agency matches them to roles that fit their profile, often offering multiple options in a week.
Legal, Payroll, and Compliance
In most cases, the agency acts as the legal employer of the temp worker. They manage payroll, tax deductions, holiday accrual, and compliance with UK employment law. This removes significant administrative burdens from client companies and ensures workers are fairly compensated and legally protected.
What are Top 10 Temporary Employment Companies in London?
1. Reed – “Shaping Careers, Shaping Futures”
Reed is a cornerstone in the UK recruitment industry, having established itself as one of the most trusted names in staffing since 1960. In London, Reed operates across multiple locations, servicing both large corporations and smaller businesses with equal precision.
What sets Reed apart is their dedication to understanding the long-term goals of job seekers while offering employers flexible and responsive recruitment services.
Their extensive job portal and internal database enable them to quickly fill temporary vacancies in administration, finance, marketing, and customer service roles. With a consultant-led approach, Reed provides tailored recruitment strategies and support throughout the hiring process.
Sector Expertise
Reed focuses heavily on professional and office-based staffing, particularly in financial services, marketing, and public administration.
Most Suitable For
Reed is ideal for companies in need of well-vetted administrative professionals and candidates seeking meaningful temporary placements that can lead to long-term opportunities.
- Website: www.reed.com
- Phone: +44 20 7929 8662
- Address: 10 Bury Street, London EC3A 5AT, United Kingdom
- Email: hello@reedlearning.com
Review: ★★★★☆
“Reed helped me secure a short-term admin role that matched my background perfectly. Very professional and fast.”
2. Adecco – “Where People and Jobs Connect Instantly”
Adecco is a global staffing powerhouse with operations in over 60 countries. Their London office mirrors this international reach with a local touch, serving thousands of temporary job placements each year.
Adecco’s strength lies in its scalable solutions for businesses of all sizes, especially those requiring quick staffing for customer service, retail, administrative support, and logistics roles.
Their technology-driven recruitment methods such as AI-matching tools and mobile apps streamline the hiring process for employers and make job hunting accessible for candidates. Adecco also provides online skill assessments and training tools to help workers improve employability.
Key Industry Focus
Adecco is particularly strong in large-volume recruitment for customer-facing roles in retail, warehousing, and public services.
Best Suited For
Best for companies that need immediate staffing at scale, such as retail chains, logistics providers, and seasonal event organisers.
- Website: www.adecco.co.uk
- Phone: 01782358470
- Address: 125 Shaftesbury Ave, London WC2H 8AD
- Email: generalenquiries@adecco.co.uk
Review: ★★★★☆
“Within three days of signing up, I was working in a busy retail store in central London. Adecco really moves fast.”
3. Hays – “Recruiting Experts Worldwide”
Hays is one of the most respected names in professional staffing, with a particularly strong reputation across London. The company’s recruiters are known for their in-depth industry knowledge, often having direct experience in the sectors they serve.
Hays specialises in placing skilled professionals in temporary, contract, and interim roles, particularly in construction, finance, legal, IT, and office administration. Their central London offices offer strategic access to candidates and employers throughout the city. Hays also stands out for its advisory services, including market insights, salary benchmarking, and workforce planning.
Recruitment Niche
Hays is best known for their specialisation in construction, legal, finance, and high-level admin roles on both a temporary and contract basis.
Best Choice For
Hays is perfect for businesses with complex recruitment needs in professional industries, including corporate finance, public infrastructure, and technology.
- Website: www.hays.co.uk
- Phone: +44 (0) 20 3978 2520
- Address: 4th Floor, 20 Triton Street, Regent’s Place London
- Email: ir@hays.com
Review: ★★★★★
“Hays placed me on a government IT project that perfectly matched my skills and career goals. Highly professional service.”
4. Blue Arrow – “Powered by People, Driven by Purpose”
Blue Arrow has carved out a niche in London’s busy hospitality, catering, and logistics sectors. With more than 60 years of experience, they are a go-to agency for companies needing fast, reliable staffing for events, commercial kitchens, and transport services.
Blue Arrow’s candidate pool includes both entry-level and skilled professionals, and they are especially known for preparing candidates with essential training before deployment. Their recruiters focus on people-first placement strategies, creating ongoing opportunities for temporary workers and reducing hiring risks for employers.
Core Service Area
Blue Arrow leads in providing hospitality, catering, and logistics temp staff to events, hotels, and delivery companies.
Ideal For
Blue Arrow works best for restaurants, hotels, and logistics companies that require quick, high-volume staffing.
Pricing: Flexible pricing models for employers; free registration for job seekers.
- Website: www.bluearrow.co.uk
- Phone: +44 20 7236 1488
- Address: 33 Soho Square, London, W1D 3QU, United Kingdom
Review: ★★★★☆
“Was placed at a hospitality event within 48 hours. They even gave me uniform guidance and a training pack beforehand.”
5. Manpower – “Human Potential Unlocked”
ManpowerGroup is a globally recognised leader in workforce solutions, with a strong operational presence in London. They specialise in industrial, engineering, manufacturing, and contact centre staffing.
Manpower stands out for its commitment to candidate development through upskilling programs, career advice, and digital learning resources.
Their London consultants work closely with businesses to understand the operational requirements of each role, ensuring they provide job-ready candidates even under tight deadlines. For job seekers, Manpower offers a structured approach to employment, particularly for those entering new industries.
Operational Specialty
Manpower’s strength lies in supplying skilled industrial and engineering personnel for both temporary and long-term contracts.
Designed For
Best for companies needing factory operatives, contract engineers, or high-volume industrial staffing.
- Website: www.manpower.co.uk
- Phone: +44 20 8993 7320
- Address: 86 High St, London W3 6QX, United Kingdom
- Email: london@manpoweruk.co.uk
Review: ★★★★☆
“I got placed at a tech manufacturer within a week and received access to training modules—Manpower exceeded expectations.”
6. Pertemps – “Your Local Recruitment Partner”
Pertemps is one of the UK’s most enduring recruitment brands, known for reliability and close partnerships with both public and private sector clients. In London, Pertemps frequently works with local authorities, transportation services, and logistics firms to supply temporary administrative and clerical staff.
Their consultants maintain a strong regional presence, offering tailored solutions rather than national cookie-cutter approaches. The firm also actively invests in job fairs and community outreach, attracting a steady stream of candidates from across Greater London.
Area of Excellence
Pertemps excels in public sector recruitment, especially for office and operations support.
Preferred By
Local councils, transport organisations, and back-office operations teams seeking short-term assistance.
- Website: www.pertemps.co.uk
- Phone: +44 20 7430 2446
- Address: 307-308 High Holborn, London WC1V 7LL, United Kingdom
- Email: social@pertemps.co.uk
Review: ★★★★☆
“Pertemps connected me with a council admin position that became permanent. They made the process easy and efficient.”
7. Brook Street – “Established. Experienced. Exceptional.”
With over 75 years of experience, Brook Street is among the UK’s most respected recruitment agencies. In London, they focus on placing business support professionals in a variety of temporary and contract roles.
Brook Street combines traditional values with a modern approach to recruitment, prioritising transparency and long-term client relationships. Their consultants are well-regarded for in-depth screening and interview prep, which makes their placements more effective and long-lasting. Their partnerships span the private sector and government departments.
Functional Focus
Brook Street is known for supplying dependable business support staff including receptionists, administrators, and data entry specialists.
Recommended For
SMEs and corporate offices looking for flexible but skilled office-based temporary talent.
- Website: www.brookstreet.co.uk
- Phone: 0208 888 1132
- Address: The Brook Street Band 210 Victoria Road Alexandra Park London N22 7XQ
- Email: contact.us@brookstreet.co.uk
Review: ★★★★☆
“They prepared me so well for interviews that I landed an admin role at a finance firm the same week.”
8. Huntress – “Smart Staffing Solutions with a Personal Touch”
Huntress has quickly made its mark in London’s competitive recruitment market by focusing on personalised, boutique-style recruitment. They specialise in office support, HR, marketing, and IT placements. What sets them apart is their emphasis on long-term career progression and cultural fit.
Huntress consultants provide in-depth candidate feedback, offer interview training, and work closely with startups and SMEs to understand their evolving talent needs.
Recruitment Strength
Huntress leads in placing candidates in digital, office support, and HR-related contract roles.
Tailored For
Startups and creative agencies seeking office staff with strong interpersonal and tech skills.
- Website: www.huntress.co.uk
- Phone: 020 7744 1300
- Address: 15 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 3AR
- Email: london@huntress.co.uk
Review: ★★★★★
“Supportive, insightful, and genuinely interested in my career—Huntress helped me break into the marketing industry.”
9. Office Angels – “Bringing People and Office Roles Together”
Office Angels is a top name in the UK for office-based recruitment, particularly for temporary placements in HR, secretarial, and executive support roles. In London, their consultants are known for discretion, professionalism, and high service standards.
The agency often works with corporate clients who demand top-tier administrative staff on short notice. Office Angels also supports candidates through coaching, CV writing, and role preparation.
Service Specialisation
Specialists in administrative and executive-level temp roles, particularly for legal and financial sectors.
Best Fit For
Corporate clients needing high-calibre personal assistants, secretaries, and HR officers.
- Website: www.office-angels.com
- Phone: 0207 430 2531
- Address: 2nd floor, 10 Bishops Square, Spitalfields, London, E1 6EG
- Email: CentralLondon@office-angels.com
Review: ★★★★☆
“Efficient, discreet, and great support. I found a PA role in the City within a week.”
10. Rullion – “Delivering Talent in Complex Environments”
Rullion is a specialist recruitment agency with a focus on engineering, utilities, and infrastructure staffing. Their London office serves as a strategic hub for supporting technical contractors, rail projects, and utility networks.
With a client base that includes large energy providers and national infrastructure projects, Rullion offers tailored managed staffing solutions, including compliance management, onboarding, and workforce analytics.
Area of Focus
Rullion excels in placing skilled contractors and technical professionals in regulated, safety-critical industries.
Best Used By
Engineering firms and utility providers looking for experienced, accredited temps and contractors.
- Website: www.rullion.co.uk
- Phone: 01616022470
- Address: Office 404, 20 St Dunstan’s Hill, London EC3R 8HL, United Kingdom
Review: ★★★★☆
“Dependable and experienced they understand the complexities of recruiting in the infrastructure sector.”
What Types of Jobs Are Available Through Temp Agencies in London?
The range of temporary roles offered through staffing agencies is broader than ever. As companies embrace more flexible staffing models, opportunities exist in both white-collar and blue-collar roles.
Office and Administrative Roles
Office support roles are consistently in demand. From data entry clerks and receptionists to executive assistants and administrators, companies across sectors rely on temp staff to keep operations running smoothly during periods of increased workload or employee absences.
Hospitality and Events
London’s thriving hospitality scene often calls on temp staff to support large events, catering, or seasonal surges. Waitstaff, baristas, chefs, and event coordinators are often sourced via agencies, especially around Christmas, New Year, and summer festivals.
Construction and Trades
With constant infrastructure development in the capital, construction firms frequently seek short-term tradespeople, labourers, and site supervisors. Many temp agencies specialise in sourcing certified workers with CSCS cards or similar credentials.
Why Should Employers Use Temporary Staffing Services in London?
Employers benefit from temp staffing in ways that go far beyond quick hires. It’s a cost-effective, strategic way to manage workforce needs while maintaining productivity.
Cost-Effective Hiring
Recruitment, onboarding, and payroll administration come with costs. Temporary staffing firms absorb much of this by handling payroll taxes, insurance, and compliance freeing up resources for the employer.
Reduced Hiring Risks
Hiring the wrong permanent employee can be costly and time-consuming. Temp roles act as a trial period, allowing employers to assess performance before committing to a full-time position.
Emergency Coverage and Flexibility
Unexpected sick leave or urgent project needs can be addressed within hours by working with a responsive agency. Top firms maintain candidate pools that are “on call” for such scenarios.
What Should Job Seekers Expect When Using Temp Agencies?
For job seekers, partnering with a reputable temp agency can open doors to new industries, skill-building, and future career opportunities.
Fast Access to Jobs
Many job seekers secure assignments within a few days of registration. Some roles are even filled on the same day, making this a popular choice for those needing immediate income.
Experience and Exposure
Temporary roles can serve as stepping stones. A marketing assistant role at a small firm or a receptionist job at a large law office could lead to permanent positions if the candidate performs well.
Continuous Support
The best agencies don’t place candidates and forget them. They maintain regular communication, offer performance feedback, and help candidates transition between roles efficiently.
Are There Any Drawbacks to Temporary Work Through Agencies?
While temp work offers many benefits, it’s important to approach it with the right expectations.
Inconsistent Hours
Temporary roles may not offer a guaranteed number of hours each week. This can make financial planning challenging for some candidates, especially those with ongoing expenses.
No Long-Term Security
Unless clearly stated, temp roles typically end once a project or coverage period is complete. While this suits some, others may feel unsettled by the lack of continuity.
Limited Access to Benefits
Some roles may not include paid holidays or sick leave unless workers are employed under umbrella companies or accrue benefits over time. It’s essential to clarify this upfront with your agency.
How Can You Choose the Best Temp Agency in London?
With so many agencies to choose from, it’s vital to vet them carefully before signing up.
Check Accreditation
Look for membership in the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) or similar bodies. Accreditation is a sign of professionalism and compliance.
Read the Fine Print
Before accepting a role, review your contract and understand how you’ll be paid, what your rights are, and who your actual employer is some workers are hired through umbrella companies, which can affect pay and tax.
Test the Communication
Agencies that respond quickly, offer clarity, and respect your preferences are more likely to deliver a positive experience. Trust your instinctsif a firm feels disorganised, it likely is.
What Trends Are Shaping Temporary Staffing in London?
The temporary staffing industry is adapting fast to London’s changing business and economic climate.
Remote and Hybrid Temp Roles
Administrative, customer service, and tech-based roles are increasingly offered as hybrid or remote positions. This opens up more flexibility for candidates and access to a wider talent pool for employers.
Digital Transformation
Digital tools are revolutionising temp recruitment. From chatbots that conduct first-round interviews to apps that allow candidates to accept jobs instantly, technology is reshaping the way agencies operate.
Focus on Candidate Wellbeing
More agencies are offering mental health resources, online training, and wellbeing check-ins to improve job satisfaction and retention among their temporary staff.
Conclusion
London’s fast-paced economy relies heavily on the flexibility and efficiency that temporary employment companies provide. For employers, they’re an indispensable tool for workforce management. For candidates, they offer opportunities for quick employment, skill-building, and potential long-term growth. The top agencies combine industry expertise, robust support systems, and fast placement processes to serve both ends of the market effectively.
Whether you’re seeking your next contract role or looking to hire skilled short-term staff, choosing the right agency can make all the difference.
FAQs About Temporary Employment Companies in London
How quickly can I find temporary work through an agency?
Many agencies place candidates within 24–72 hours of registration, depending on demand and role suitability.
Are there fees for using a temp agency as a job seeker?
Legally, agencies cannot charge candidates in the UK. All recruitment costs are covered by the employer.
Can temporary roles become permanent positions?
Yes, many employers use temp placements to trial candidates before offering permanent contracts.
Do temp workers receive sick pay and holiday pay?
Temp workers typically accrue holiday pay, and some contracts include statutory sick pay. It varies by agency and contract.
Can I work with multiple agencies at once?
Yes, candidates are free to register with several agencies to maximise job opportunities.
What documents are needed to register with a temp agency?
You’ll need a valid ID, proof of Right to Work in the UK, a National Insurance number, and often a recent CV.
Are there remote temporary jobs available?
Yes, especially in admin, customer service, marketing, and tech. Many agencies now specialise in remote placements.