Not given job then asked to fill in anyway why?

[Southwest]

I have name changed since I need help from employment types as to why this has happened.
I lost my job a while ago (professional but I work in a tiny field)
For two of the jobs I have applied for since I was told I had not got the job, the first one I was then approached by them after a couple of months and told the person we appointed does not want to start for 8 months will you please do the job until then.
I have recently been essentially hounded to apply for a job (by that I mean multiple e-mails over Christmas and New Year telling me about the job asking me to apply asking me where my application was etc etc)
so I applied then had a phone call saying we have not appointed you but decided to readvertise, fine their choice
No real reason was given (current vogue in my area is to give feedback!!!!) not 48 hours later I have received an email asking me if I would like to fill in until they appoint someone.

I have found this really upsetting I know I was more than qualified for the job the email stresses that I would be paid considerably less than a perm member of staff and also since I know what normal workload is I would be expected to do approx 80 percent of a working week in 2.5 days

I would really value a sensible opinion please surely if I am not good enough I am not good enough?

Is this a common thing to happen? Do people really take jobs just to fill in until someone better turns up?

Sounds like they are trying to get you to agree to less money and hours, then if they increase tge hours you'll still be on less money.

Depends how desperate you are I guess.

I reckon they probably think you are too expensive for them, but can't find anyone they want. Therefore they don't want you at your current price but want you to do the job.

Depending on how desperate you are, I would tell them to go shove it. They haven't given you a reason as to why they don't want you to have the permanent job but want you to do a contract job? (effectively). I would suggest to them that you can do a rolling contract for 3/6/9 month periods at a rate of, or you would be happy to consider the role full time for x amount but otherwise they can keep on looking.

I am however in no way legal, I do however think they are taking the piss asking you and so why not take the piss back? You never know it might work!

Thanks guys
I think they are def trying to save money hence expecting me to do so much work in a shortened week, but I don,t think it's the whole story since they are clearly going to have to employ someone
Even just having a reply has cheered me up a bit, I'm trying to think of a polite way of saying you're joking.......

Do you want to do it? If so, take control of the situation and tell them your terms (i.e. hours, salary, etc.). They can always say no again...

If not, just tell them to shove it.

Salaries are laughable at the moment. I think a lot of companies are just taking the pi55.

Umm not sure if I really want it, the job is fine I could do it with my eyes closed, I applied because it was going to give me a good wage and get me back to work (I've not worked since I took mat leave) thereby allow me to get a job I really wanted!!
I was all for writing them a sharp note but my husband said pretty much the same as you chief exec so You have given me food for thought
Thanks