Full-Time vs Temporary Work in 2025: What's Right for You?

Choosing between full-time and temporary work has always been an important decision for job seekers, but in 2025, the Scottish job market is shifting, making flexibility a key factor in career planning.

At Allstaff, we work closely with both employers and job seekers, and we’re seeing businesses adjust their hiring strategies in response to changes in recruitment costs, economic conditions, and the need for workforce flexibility.

This guide will help you decide:

What’s the difference between full-time and temporary work?
Why employers may be offering more temporary contracts in 2025.
The benefits and challenges of each option.
Which one is best for your career goals?
How Allstaff can help you secure the right job.

Whether you’re looking for job security or career flexibility, understanding your options will help you make an informed decision in 2025.

The Scottish Job Market in 2025: Full-Time vs. Temporary Work Trends

Scotland’s job market is evolving, with some industries favouring full-time staff while others are increasing their use of temporary contracts.

Key Job Market Trends for 2025

Growth in temp work across sectors like:

Logistics & warehouse roles
Office administration & customer support
Hospitality & seasonal work

Stable full-time job demand in:

Healthcare & social care
Skilled trades & engineering
IT, finance, and professional services

Why temp work is increasing:

Some employers are offering more temporary contracts to manage rising costs (such as the employer NICs increase in April 2025).
Many businesses are using temp-to-perm hiring—starting employees on a temporary basis before offering full-time positions.

What this means for job seekers:

If you want stability, industries like healthcare, skilled trades, and finance still favour full-time hiring.
If you’re looking for flexibility or want to gain experience across different sectors, temp work could provide great opportunities.

Understanding Full-Time Work

Definition and Characteristics

Permanent role with an ongoing contract.
Regular working hours (typically 35-40 per week).
Employers cover taxes, National Insurance, and pension contributions.
Usually includes career growth opportunities and structured

Benefits of Full-Time Employment

Job Security – A long-term contract provides stability and predictability.
Consistent Income – Regular salary helps with financial planning.
Company Benefits – Holiday pay, sick leave, pension contributions, and sometimes additional perks.
Career Progression – Full-time roles often include structured promotions and skill development.

Challenges of Full-Time Work

Less Flexibility – Set hours mean less freedom to explore different jobs.
Work-Life Balance – Long-term commitments may limit time for other pursuits.
Slower Career Changes – If you want to explore different industries, full-time work can

make transitions slower.

Exploring Temporary Work

Definition and Characteristics

Fixed-term or short-term contract
Can be part-time or full-time hours, but for a limited period.
Often used for seasonal work, maternity cover, or project-based roles.
Some temporary jobs lead to permanent positions (temp-to-perm).

Benefits of Temporary Employment

Flexibility – Choose jobs based on your availability and career goals.
Fast Hiring Process – Employers fill temp roles quickly, helping you avoid job gaps.
Higher Hourly Pay – Many temp jobs offer better hourly rates than permanent roles.
Diverse Experience – Work in different industries and gain new skills.
Pathway to Permanent Jobs – Many employers use temp work to assess candidates before offering full-time roles.

Challenges of Temporary Work

Lack of Long-Term Security – Contracts may end suddenly, requiring frequent job searches.
Less Career Stability – Jumping between temp roles may mean less structured career growth.

Full-Time vs. Temporary Work: Which Is Right for You?

Both full-time and temporary work offer valuable career opportunities, but the best choice depends on your personal and professional goals.

Choose Full-Time Work If:

You want long-term job security and stable income.
You prefer structured career growth and
You value company benefits and workplace protections.
You want to stay in one industry for the long run.

Choose Temporary Work If:

You want flexibility in work schedules and job types.
You need a fast-hiring role to start earning
You want to gain diverse experience before settling on a long-term career.
You’re considering temp-to-perm opportunities for future full-time

Hybrid Option: Some job seekers start in temporary work and transition into full-time positions—this is becoming a popular hiring model in 2025.

How Allstaff Can Help You Find the Right Job in 2025

At Allstaff, we understand that job seekers have different priorities—whether it’s long-term career stability or short-term flexibility. That’s why we offer:

Full-time job placements – Connecting you with permanent roles in leading
Temporary & contract work – Helping you find immediate job opportunities with competitive pay.
Temp-to-Perm roles – A pathway to secure full-time employment after a trial
Career support & guidance – Helping job seekers navigate salary negotiations and job market changes.

We work closely with top employers across Scotland to help job seekers secure roles that fit their skills, career aspirations, and financial needs.