Interim and consultancy solutions

Generally speaking, hiring a daily rate consultant is more cost-effective for short-term projects requiring specialised expertise for a limited period. On the other hand, a fixed-term contractor may be more cost-effective for longer-term projects or positions that require a consistent level of support over an extended period, i.e., long-term projects, maternity/paternity cover or temporary positions that may lead to permanent opportunities. It’s important to consider the project’s requirements carefully, the budget available, and the market rates for the specific skills needed when deciding whether to hire a consultant on a daily rate or a fixed-term contractor.

To help you work out which route is best for your hire we have put together a simple tool. Click here to find out more

Experienced professionals may choose to go down the consulting route for several reasons:

Flexibility: Consulting offers more flexibility than a traditional 9-to-5 job, as consultants can work on projects and assignments that suit their skills and interests. Consultants can choose their working hours and location, providing a better work-life balance
Variety: Consulting can provide an opportunity to work on various client projects, offering a diverse and dynamic work environment. This can help professionals avoid feeling stagnant or bored in their careers.

High earning potential: Consulting can offer increased earning potential, particularly for specialised or niche areas of expertise.

Professional development: Consulting offers opportunities for professional development, as consultants are often exposed to new industries, technologies, and business practices. This can help professionals build new skills and knowledge and stay up-to-date on industry trends.

Autonomy: Consulting offers the independence that may not be available in traditional corporate roles. In some cases, consultants can have more control over their work and decision-making and often work independently or in small teams. As a result, consulting can be an attractive career path for experienced professionals who value flexibility, variety, high earning potential, professional development, and autonomy.

Not all contractors are necessarily looking to secure a permanent role, as many may choose to offer consultancy solutions throughout their career. Many contractors prefer the flexibility and autonomy that contracting offers and the opportunity to work on various projects with different clients.
 
That being said, some contractors may have a goal of eventually securing a permanent role. For example, they may use contracting to gain experience and build their network in a specific industry, intending to transition to a permanent role later on. Other contractors may enjoy their work but be open to permanent opportunities if they align with their career goals and values. Each contractor has unique career goals and aspirations; recruiters and clients must understand and respect their preferences and motivations.
 

Yes, it is possible for an interim contract to lead to a permanent role. It’s not uncommon for employers to hire interim professionals to transition them into permanent employees potentially.
 
This can happen for various reasons, such as the employer wanting to evaluate the interim worker’s performance and fit within the company before making a long-term commitment. Another reason could be that the hiring manager cannot secure headcount; however, once a contractor is embedded in the team and has shown their worth and value add, it’s a much easier case to present to the business to convert the contractor to a permanent member of staff.

When an interim assignment sits inside IR35, the end client or the agency that engages the contractor takes on the responsibility for National Insurance (NI), holiday pay, and pension contributions. It’s crucial to seek professional advice and carefully review contract terms to understand obligations related to tax, NI, holiday pay, and pensions.

As a recruitment partner to our clients, we are able manage this process for you so you can be sure all regulatory requirements are meticulously met. We have a dedicated interim payroll and onboarding team who will ensure contractors receive the correct holiday pay and pension contributions in accordance with their employment status.

Typically you can have your new interim hire start within two weeks. At Taylor Root we have pools of dedicated interim contractors specifically looking for interim opportunities and we work with them on a constant basis. We can therefore provide you with a shortlist of candidates within the first 24-48 hours. The interviews, contract negotiations and compliance can be completed within seven days allowing a hire to start very quickly following your meeting with them.

The process can take a bit longer in instances where the role requires very specific skills or experience or if your preferred candidate has any other short term commitments which need to be completed before they start. However, in any of these instances we work with you to try to tie the process up as fast as possible.

If the contractor would like to take your permanent offer the process is fairly straight forward. You will need to create an employment contract for the permanent role and be prepared for negotiations on things like salary and notice period. You may wish for this person to attend a more formal induction programme at your business if they did not receive this before. If you used a recruitment agency you should also ensure they are aware of the change and you are taking the person on as a permanent member of your team as there might be fees that you are required to pay.

Exposure to different industries:
Working as an interim legal professional allows you to work with companies across many industries, which can broaden your knowledge and experience in different sectors.

Less competition:
Due to the limited number of skilled professionals in the interim job market and the urgency to hire, competition for these roles is typically lower, especially compared to the senior permanent job market, where there are often fewer job opportunities but more applicants.

Diverse project assignments:
As an interim legal professional, you will likely work on a range of projects requiring you to learn new skills and adapt to different environments. This can help you develop and showcase potential employers a more diverse skill set and make you more adaptable.

Learning from experienced professionals:
As an interim legal professional, you’ll collaborate with experienced professionals, gaining valuable insights into effective strategies while enhancing your skills. This experience gives you a competitive edge for future assignments.