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What is agency work? Working with the agency as your employer

Imagine you work in a large warehouse at the port. But your contract isn’t with that warehouse. Your contract is with the employment agency. The agency is your employer and pays your wages. The warehouse tells you what to do. You often work at one place for a few weeks or months. Does the company no longer need you? Then your contract often ends too. Don’t panic: the agency will help you find new work. And you earn the same as permanent colleagues doing the same job. The rules are set out in the collective labour agreement for agency workers.

What is secondment? One workplace for the long term, with security

Imagine you’re a mechanic. You have a contract with a secondment agency. The agency places you with one company for a long period, a factory, for example. Not for a few weeks, but for months or even years.

Is the work at the factory finished? Then you usually keep your contract and your wages. The agency finds a new placement for you. Secondment is especially common among skilled tradespeople, such as mechanics and carpenters.

What is the difference between agency work and secondment?

First, what’s the same. In both cases, the agency is your employer. And the company where you work tells you what to do. Here’s what’s different:

1. The contract. With agency work, your contract can end when the work ends. With a secondment, it usually continues.
2. The duration. Agency work is often shorter. With a secondment, you stay in the same place for a long time.
3. The type of work. Agency work is possible in almost any kind of job. Secondment is mainly for skilled tradespeople.

In short: agency work gives you freedom, secondment gives you security.

Which suits you? Take the quick test

• Want to start quickly? Yes? A point for agency work.
• Do you enjoy new places and new colleagues? Yes? Another point for agency work.
• Are you a skilled tradesperson who wants to stay in one place for years? Yes? Then secondment is a good fit for you.

Good to know: Concreeto is an employment agency. Even as an agency worker, you can work at one company for a long time. The longer you work, the more security you get. After a while, you could even get a permanent contract. So you get freedom and security.

Ready to get started?

Now you know the difference. Next step: a job that suits you. Concreeto has work in engineering, construction, logistics, cleaning, horticulture, sales and landscaping. Less talk, more jobs: view our vacancies. Or drop by, the kettle’s on. Prefer to call or email? Get in touch with us. Want to know more? Read about working through an employment agency.
 

FAQ's about agency work and secondment

Is agency work the same as secondment?

No. With agency work, your contract often ends when the work ends. With a secondment, you usually keep your contract.

Can I get a permanent contract as an agency worker?

Yes. The longer you work through the agency, the more security you get. After a while, you could get a permanent contract.

Do I earn less as an agency worker?

Usually not. In principle, you receive the same pay as permanent colleagues doing the same work.

Do I always get a permanent contract with a secondment?

Not always. You often have a long-term contract, but it can also be temporary. Check carefully what your contract says.

What kind of work can I do as an agency worker?

Almost anything. At Concreeto, for example, you can work in construction, engineering, logistics, cleaning or horticulture. View our vacancies.