Cash‑Crunching Christmas: Brits Turn to Temp Jobs to Keep Their Wallets Warm
Picture this: the holidays are coming, gifts are piling up, and a full‑price turkey is still way out of budget. Compare that to the fact that 23 % of Brits are actively hunting temp gigs to pad their bank accounts.
Why are so many grabbing short‑term gigs?
- 36 % of folks feel the extra shift will help pay those seasonal splurges—think gifts, decorations, and that fancy dinner.
<li 19 % are already full‑time workers, yet still grab temp work because the cost of living keeps climbing.
<li 20 % say the biggest driver is the sudden surge in food and energy prices—electricity, gas, you name it.
Interestingly, almost half of people who considered temp work last Christmas—44 %—saw that it wasn’t necessary last year. So this time, they’re looking for a quick money boost.
Instant Pay: Because waiting for payday is the last thing a gifter should do
For a segment of temp workers—about 19 %—the appeal is the “Instant Pay” feature that lets them grab up to 70 % of their wage within hours after finishing a shift. It’s the perfect way to cover that last‑minute holiday treat without the bureaucratic delay.
Higher Pay: Season’s greetings also mean higher hourly rates
Data shows that temporary roles on this platform saw an 8.56 % bump in hourly pay over the last year—outpacing the general wage increase of 7.8 %. That’s like finding a hidden gift in your stockings.
Beyond the holiday rush: A steady workforce for the future
Businesses, especially in hospitality, retail, and warehouses, lean on temp workers to keep the gears turning during peak season. But this reliance is not limited to December—many companies have shifted to regular temp staffing to shore up ongoing workforce shortages.
At the root, the flexibility that short‑term gigs provide is a win‑win: workers get extra cash when the prices are sky high, while employers get the extra help they need, sometimes even on a regular basis.
