Did you know that in the UK there are two main types of care jobs? It’s true and they are permanent and temporary. Each one has its own pros and cons, however, it’s important know and understand the difference between them before you decide which one to pursue.
In this article, we’ll discuss the major differences between permanent and temporary care jobs in the UK.
What is a Care Worker?
As a care worker in the UK, you may find yourself working with children, adults, the elderly, people who have disabilities or learning difficulties, and more. The main role of a care worker is to provide the support a person in need of care requires. It involves improving their lives by attending to their specific needs and helping them with their daily tasks.
Duties for this type of work may include the following:
- Working with clients, their families, and other health professionals to identify their specific needs and develop a care plan
- Provide personal care to clients depending on their needs (assist them with washing/feeding/dressing/and more)
- Help the client with other everyday tasks such as shopping, cooking, or studying
- Provide emotional support to clients and their families
- Keep the client comfortable and at ease at all times
The qualifications and skills to become a care worker include the following:
- Have relevant professional qualifications
- Be sensitive and understanding
- Have a deep desire to help people
- Be able to work well with others
- Patience and the ability to remain calm at all times
- Be able to accept criticism
- Customer service skills
- Excellent verbal communication
- Be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or handheld device
What are Permanent and Temporary Care Jobs?
A permanent care job refers to a role that is ongoing and does not have a set end date. In the UK, these jobs can be full-time or part-time. They carry many benefits, including sick pay, holiday pay, and pension contributions.
On the other hand, a temporary care job refers to a role that has a set end date. These care jobs can be part-time or full-time, too. And they may be required to cover staff shortages, holiday leave, or other issues. These jobs may also be offered for a specific period, such as to cover maternity leave or to support a special project.
Salary and Benefits
The main difference between permanent and temporary care jobs is the salary and benefits offered for this work. Permanent care jobs usually pay higher salaries and have more benefits than temporary positions.
For instance, permanent care workers usually receive paid sick leave, annual leave, along with a pension scheme. On the other hand, temporary care workers may not receive any benefits, or they may only receive basic benefits such as statutory sick pay.
Employment Security
Another essential difference between permanent and temporary care jobs is employment security. Permanent care jobs bring more job security because these are usually ongoing roles. That means once you’ve been hired, you will work for the employer for some time. Of course, it’s necessary to meet all job performance requirements, too.
However, temporary care jobs have a set end date, and there’s no guarantee that you will be offered a permanent position at the end of your contract.
Flexibility
Temporary care jobs can be a great choice for anyone needing more work schedule flexibility. Temporary care positions may offer more flexibility than permanent roles, as these may be available on a part-time or casual basis.
This can be the best solution for anyone who has other commitments, such as caring for children, studying, and more.
Training & Career Development
When it comes to training and career development, you’ll also find some differences between permanent care and temporary care roles.
Permanent care positions are usually best for those who want to improve their development and training opportunities. This is because permanent care workers are viewed as long-term investments to their employers. For this reason, they’re more likely to receive offers for training and career development.
On the other hand, temporary care workers may need access to these same opportunities or the same level of training.
The Nature of the Work
The nature of the work can also differ between permanent and temporary care jobs. For instance, permanent care workers may work with specific clients or patients over a longer period. This allows them to build a deeper understanding of each patient’s needs and preferences.
On the other hand, temporary care workers may work with a broad variety of clients, and they may not have the same level of continuity or depth of relationships as a result. However, it is possible for some temporary care roles to lead to permanent care jobs, depending on the employer’s requirements.
Which Should I Pursue – A Temporary or Permanent Care Role?
It all comes down to the type of job you want, long-term vs. flexible, along with other issues. Here, it’s best to consider the benefits of each kind of job.
Temporary care jobs may be better for individuals who:
- Have other commitments and need more flexibility in their schedule
- Need better work-life balance to gain more control of the time they work
- Work with different organisations to see which one may be the best fit
These jobs may be a better option for anyone who has family responsibilities, is a student, or who is searching for the right long-term organisation to work for. These positions can sometimes lead to more permanent jobs, depending on the organisation.
Permanent care jobs are for those who:
- Want more financial stability and a steady income; these positions may also include bonuses and earning more
- Have found the right organisation and want to build a long-term work relationship with them, and take advantage of training and career development opportunities
- Prefer a permanent role that offers more benefits and the chance to advance into more senior roles
Carefully consider your life and whether you prefer to have more flexibility in your schedule, or whether you need steady work and more financial stability. Choose the role that is the best fit for your lifestyle and needs.
Summing It Up
Care workers are needed in the UK and you can usually choose from temporary or permanent care roles. The right position for you is one that provides what you need to live a comfortable, happy, fulfilling life and allows care for others at the same time.