Why Temp Jobs Spike Before the New Year & How to Make It Work for You

As the year winds down, many people assume the job market does too, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
In fact, the final few months of the year are often one of the busiest times for temporary recruitment in the UK. 

If you’re looking to earn extra income, gain experience, or secure a new role before January, now is the perfect time to act. Here’s why temp work surges during November and December and how you can make it work to your advantage.

Businesses Need Extra Hands Before the Holidays

From warehouses and logistics to manufacturing, retail and admin, temporary jobs increase sharply before Christmas. Orders rise, deadlines shorten, and permanent staff need support to keep up with demand. That’s where temp workers come in, helping businesses stay productive when it matters most. Whether you’re looking for warehouse jobs, administration roles or customer service work, there are plenty of temporary opportunities near you ready to start right now.

Holiday Cover Creates More Job Openings

Many full-time employees take time off around Christmas, which means companies rely on seasonal and temporary staff to fill the gaps. If you’re available and reliable, you’ll be in high demand. And quite often, these short-term roles turn into long-term opportunities once employers see your value. At Regional Recruitment, we see it every year, temps who start as holiday cover end up being offered permanent jobs in January.

Get Ahead of the January Job Rush

January is one of the busiest months for job applications, but that also means more competition. By starting a temporary job in November or December, you’ll gain: Fresh experience on your CV, a steady income through the holidays and professional connections inside hiring businesses

Many employers recruit internally first in the new year so starting now can give you a head start on 2026 opportunities.

Temporary Work Builds Skills and Confidence

Temp work isn’t just a short-term fix, it’s a great way to grow your skill set and boost your confidence. You’ll quickly develop qualities that employers value most like: Reliability and timekeeping, adaptability and communication plus much more. Every assignment adds value to your CV and makes you more employable for future roles.

Flexible Work That Fits Your Lifestyle

Temporary jobs are ideal if you want flexibility. You can choose roles that suit your schedule, whether that’s full-time hours, weekend shifts, or part-time work. This makes temp work perfect for students, parents or anyone looking to earn extra income over the festive season. Regional Recruitment works with a wide range of local employers, so you can find a placement that fits your goals, skills and availability.

How to Make Temp Work  Work for You

Here’s how to get the most out of seasonal and temporary work:

• Be reliable: Turning up on time every day makes a huge impression.
  
  
• Be proactive: Offer to help where needed, flexibility stands out.
  
  
• Stay in touch: Keep communication open with your recruiter for upcoming roles.
  
  
• Stay positive: Your attitude can turn a short-term job into something long-term.
  
  

Even a few weeks of temporary work can leave a lasting mark on your career.

Ready to Start Your Next Role?

If you’re ready to make the most of the end-of-year hiring surge, now’s the time to act.

Regional Recruitment has immediate-start temporary roles available across the East Midlands and beyond in industrial, logistics, driving, commercial, and technical sectors.

Explore our latest temporary jobs

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Register with Regional to find work fast.