Hourly pay rates for UK temporary job workers for jobs listed on Indeed Flex have increased by an average of 8.6% over the past year, ahead of official figures that reveal average weekly wages for all jobs rose by 7.8% for the three months June to August.

Data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) indicates that median weekly earnings for part-time workers rose by 5.5% for the 12 months to April 2023, while median weekly earnings for full-time workers rose by 6.2% - recording the fastest growth rate since comparable records began in 1997. 

Indeed Flex’s analysis revealed that temporary positions in business support, hospitality, and the industrial sector dominated the top five roles, experiencing the fastest wage growth.

Hourly wages for temporary administrators rose the fastest, increasing 32.6%, followed by commis chef roles, which saw wages rise by 13.2%, and stockroom assistants, who also experienced an increase of 12.7%.

Recent data from Indeed Flex sheds light on the challenges businesses face in 2023, with more than half of UK companies (55%) grappling with more challenging recruitment hurdles than the previous year. To mitigate these staff shortages and maintain operational efficiency, 33% of firms turn to temporary workers. Meanwhile, almost half (47%) are becoming increasingly reliant on temporary staff compared to a year ago.

Novo Constare, CEO and Co-founder of Indeed Flex said: “Temporary workers in the UK are experiencing a welcome boost in their hourly wages, surpassing the national average wage growth.

“This trend reflects a seismic shift in the employment landscape, driven by ongoing workforce shortages”.

“This has been particularly prominent in the hospitality and industrial sectors, and it’s here where we have seen the most significant wage growth. Where there’s a heightened demand for workers, temporary positions are being made more appealing with increased hourly pay rates”.

“Temporary workers can play a vital role in sustaining operations, especially when employers are struggling with recruitment”.