Temporary Christmas Staff
Businesses hire temporary Christmas staff, or “Christmas Temps,” during the holiday season to manage the increased workload and meet higher customer demand. Christmas Temps work on short-term contracts that usually last a few weeks or months. Businesses hire them specifically to support the existing workforce during this busy period.
But what exactly are the rules surrounding their employment?
Pay Scales for Christmas Temps
Firstly, how much should you pay your Christmas Temps? The law entitles them to the National Minimum Wage (NMW). As of April 2024, here’s how the rates stand:
- Apprentices and under 18s: £6.40 per hour
- 18 – 20 year olds: £8.60 per hour
- 21 year olds and older: £11.44 per hour
- The National Living Wage now applies to those aged 21 and above, with a rate of £11.44 per hour. This reflects the lowered age threshold for the National Living Wage.
- Accommodation Offset: £9.99 per hour
Employment Rights
Temporary staff have the same rights as permanent employees when it comes to working conditions. The law entitles them to:
- A maximum of 48 working hours per week.
- Regular breaks.
- A detailed payslip.
- Protection against discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.
Even though their employment is temporary, Christmas Temps should receive a fixed-term contract outlining their start and end dates. Furthermore, state clearly if the contract may end early to avoid misunderstandings.
Holiday Pay
Contrary to what you might believe, temporary Christmas staff do accrue holiday pay. Contrary to popular belief, Christmas Temps do accrue holiday pay. Moreover, the amount is proportional to the duration of their employment. For example:
- If you hire a temp from 1st October to 31st December:
- 28 (annual leave days) ÷ 12 (months) = 2.33
- 2.33 x 3 (months of employment) = 7 days of annual leave
However, if a temporary worker doesn’t use their holiday entitlement, you must compensate them for the accrued days in their final payslip.
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