Agencies - how do they work? What are the pluses and minuses of working for one?

[Cheeseandbeansontoast]

Dh is continuously stressed in his job.

He asked if he could reduce his hours, but the form he works for are not allowing it.

We are financially sorted and can afford a drop in his wage, so I mentioned to him about working for an agency a couple of days a week, and having the rest of the week to himself.
We don't really know the ins and outs of agency work as to whether you can work the hours that suit you, or have to fit in with the place you will be working for. Any help is appreciated, thanks xx

[Cheeseandbeansontoast]

Firm, not form!

[LightastheBreeze]

I have found with agency work you have to be quite flexible and work when they want you rather than when you want, that's my experience anyway.

[Cheeseandbeansontoast]

Oh right.

Can you say from the offset how many hours you are willing to work for on a weekly basis?

It seemed like a good idea, less hours a week for him.

[BackforGood]

I guess - like with most employment - its going to depend on if his skill set is in great demand or not.
Generally you will have to work when the work is available though.
People i know that have done office temping tend to do 'blocks' of work though rather than 2 days every week type thing - work a block then have some time off.

[Cheeseandbeansontoast]

He is an engineer by trade, but in the last few years, he has worked in the office, so has admin skills, deals with orders etc.
Think he would like working in blocks, then time off.

[LightastheBreeze]

Yes it's blocks of work so quite likely there would be gaps between assignments, it's not very flexible though

[Cheeseandbeansontoast]

Thanks Light and Back for replying xx
Ok, I'll see what he thinks, look at other options also.

[OdinsLoveChild]

Its not really flexible and the pay is well below industry standards via an agency. I used to be paid £9.00ph and the company were billed £16.00 ph.
You may not do the work you are expecting to do or in the area you expect.
If you turn down assignments they often don't put you top of the list again so work can dry up. I would approach them and say Im looking for work between x date and x date then take time off. Go back after your break and tell them you want work again.
You probably wont get any sick pay or annual leave if you are not on the books for full time working.