Three in five (59%) UK workers are considering picking up some seasonal shifts this summer as household budgets remain stretched, new research by Indeed Flex, the online staffing platform for temporary work, reveals.
With core inflation at its highest level in more than three decades2, the soaring cost of living is squeezing households across the UK and prompting millions to consider temporary work as a way to make some extra cash.
Employers offering temporary work this summer are set to see a surge in applications, as a quarter of Indeed Flex’s survey respondents (29%) said they are considering picking up shifts, and 15 percent are already proactively looking. Another 15 percent of workers intend to start searching soon.
The main reason that more than half (54%) of those seeking a summer job are doing so is to top up their income, as stubbornly high inflation and rocketing prices leave many worrying about their finances. Meanwhile, a third (30%) are looking to earn some extra cash to help pay for a much-needed holiday.
Which sectors see the most seasonal job hunters?
The retail sector is the most sought-after for seasonal job hunters, with a third (33%) searching for this type of role. This is followed closely by hospitality, with 30 percent happy to pull pints or wait on tables this summer, with a tenth (10%) of those seeking temp work looking for warehouse roles.
But there could be fewer opportunities this year for young people and students – the demographic most typically associated with summer jobs – as a quarter of those keen to do seasonal work are now aged between 35 and 45 years old.
Why is this occurring?
The rising cost of energy, food and mortgage repayments could explain why more mature workers are looking for seasonal work. Out of the 54 percent of survey respondents who said they need to top up their income because of the cost of living crisis, a fifth (20%) already have full-time employment and choose to do flexible work alongside their current job.
For those looking for temporary work this summer, but don’t know where to start, Indeed Flex is a one-stop-shop where employees can find and book shifts in a range of roles and sectors. Its flexibility allows them to earn money when and where they need to, and work as little or as often as they like during the holidays.
Novo Constare, CEO and Co-founder of Indeed Flex, said:
“This summer many workers will be using some of their spare time to bring in some extra cash.
“The cost of living crisis means that millions of people – even those who already have a full-time job – are seeing their finances squeezed. That’s why so many are looking at ways to top up their income through additional employment; for them a summer job offers an instant way to earn some extra cash, whether to pay the bills or to treat themselves to a holiday.
“This shift will come as welcome news for employers, many of whom have been battling a labour shortage since the pandemic, as it could help them fill shifts during what is typically a busy period.
“Temp workers like those at Indeed Flex offer greater flexibility and enable businesses to take seasonal surges in demand in their stride. Meanwhile, for the workers themselves, temping gives them the freedom to pick up shifts whenever and wherever they like, and the ability to quickly top up their bank account whenever they feel the need.”
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
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