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Temporary, interim and contract staffTemporary and interim recruitment, for the seat that can't wait
When someone leaves, goes on leave or a project needs extra hands, we find an experienced professional to cover the role on a day rate, in finance, engineering, construction and legal.
Temporary and interim recruitment in one line: TalentFinder finds experienced temporary, interim and contract professionals for UK employers in finance, engineering, construction and legal. You pay a day rate for each day worked, agreed in writing before anyone starts, and you can take the person on permanently if they are the right fit.
The work can't wait for a permanent hire.
- A key person has handed in their notice and the work has to carry on.
- Someone is going on maternity, paternity or long-term sick leave.
- A project, an audit or a busy season needs extra skilled people for a set time.
- A permanent search is taking longer than the business can wait.
- You need a specialist for one piece of work, not a permanent role.
Interim and contract roles in our four sectors
We recruit in the same sectors for temporary and permanent roles, so we already know the people and the pay in these markets.
| Sector | Roles we cover on a temporary, interim or contract basis |
|---|---|
| Finance and accountancy | Interim finance director, financial controller, management accountant, payroll and credit control cover |
| Engineering | Project engineer, design engineer, maintenance engineer, quality and compliance engineer |
| Construction | Site manager, quantity surveyor, contracts manager, estimator |
| Legal | Paralegal, conveyancer, legal secretary, compliance support |
Four steps, agreed in writing
A short call about the role
What needs covering, for how long, where, and the skills that matter most.
Available people, vetted
We screen candidates who can start for your dates and send you the ones who fit, with their day rate.
They start, you get one invoice
The person works for you; you pay us for the days worked, at the rate agreed in writing before they start.
Keep them if they're right
If the role becomes permanent and the person fits, you can take them on, on terms set out at the start.
What interim managers report
Figures from the UK's professional body for interim managers.
Who decides IR35 status?
It depends on the size of the client. HMRC's guidance says that if a worker provides services to a small client outside the public sector, "the worker's intermediary is responsible for deciding the worker's employment status and if the rules apply". Medium and large clients make the status decision themselves.
Source: HMRC, Understanding off-payroll working (IR35), checked 6 November 2026.
Temporary cover, or a permanent hire?
| Service | What we do | Best when |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary and interim | An experienced professional covers the role on a day rate | The work can't wait, or the need is for a set period |
| Premium Hire | A five-point review, then advertise, headhunt and screen one role to a shortlist, for one fixed fee | You need a permanent hire |
| Talent Partner | Diagnose why hiring is hard, fix the causes, then work your roles continuously | Roles keep coming back |
| Advertise a Job | Write and post your advert across the major boards | You want to run the process yourself |
Temporary and interim recruitment, answered
What is the difference between temporary, interim and contract staff?
They all cover a role for a set period. Temporary usually means a shorter cover role. Interim usually means an experienced professional who steps into a senior or specialist seat, such as a finance director. Contract usually means a skilled person hired for a project or a fixed term. All three are paid by the day or the hour, not by an annual salary.
How is temporary and interim recruitment priced?
You pay a day rate (or hourly rate) for each day worked. It covers the person's pay and our fee. The rate depends on the role, the experience needed and the location, and you see it in writing before anyone starts. There is no annual salary, no pension or holiday cost to you, and no notice period beyond what is agreed.
Can we take an interim or contractor on permanently?
Yes. If the person turns out to be right for a permanent role, you can take them on. The terms for doing so are set out in writing before the assignment starts, so there are no surprises. Many employers use interim cover to keep the work moving while a permanent search runs alongside it.
Who decides IR35 status for a contractor?
It depends on the size of your business. HMRC's guidance says that where the client is small and outside the public sector, the worker's own company decides the worker's employment status and whether the rules apply. Medium and large clients make the decision themselves. We'll talk it through with you on the call.
How quickly can someone start?
It depends on the role and on who is available in your area at the time. On the first call we'll tell you honestly who we can reach and when they could start, before you commit to anything.
Tell us what needs covering
Book a call. We'll ask about the role and the dates, and tell you who we can reach. Grab the soonest slot that suits.
Or call 0161 327 2895