Temping Agency London

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Temping Agency London: Fast, Reliable Temp Staff for Your Business

Get skilled painters, CSCS labourers & site cleaners same-day. Register as a temp or post a job today with London's trusted temporary staffing agency.

★★★★★ 4.8/5 (6,134 Reviews) | 500+ Temps Placed in 2025 | 98% Client Retention

✓ CSCS Compliant ✓ REC Member ✓ 20+ Years Experience Zero No-Show Guarantee ✓ Same-Day Placement

London's Premier Temping Agency – Staff Direct

Welcome to Staff Direct – the leading temping agency London businesses trust for fast, reliable temporary staffing solutions. Whether you're a construction firm needing CSCS labourers tomorrow morning, or a job seeker looking for flexible temp work in London, we've got you covered.

Last week alone, we staffed a Shoreditch build with 15 temps overnight and placed 20 painters for a West London project in under 24 hours. That's the Staff Direct difference – London sites are waiting, and we make sure they never wait long. With over 20 years of experience as a temporary staffing agency London  specialists, we've placed thousands of workers across construction, trades, hospitality, and industrial sectors.

Why Choose Staff Direct as Your Temping Agency London?

What Makes Staff Direct the Best Temping Agency in London?

Staff Direct is London's best temping agency because we offer same-day placement (often within hours), specialize in construction and trades sectors, provide fully vetted CSCS workers, guarantee zero no-shows, and save clients up to 30% on recruitment costs. With 20+ years experience and 98% client retention, we're the reliable temping agency London businesses choose first.

When you're searching for a temp agency London that actually delivers, you need more than promises – you need results. We've been operating as a specialist London temping agency since the early 2000s, and in that time, we've learned exactly what London businesses need: speed, reliability, and workers who show up ready to graft.

⚡ Same-Day Placement

Unlike other agencies that say "sometimes same-day," we guarantee it. Call us before 10am and have temps on your site by lunchtime. Our rapid response approach means your project never stalls.

🏗️ Construction Specialists

While other temporary agencies focus on office temps, we specialize in construction, trades, and labour. CSCS labourers , painters, decorators, site cleaners – that's our bread and butter.

💰 Save 30% on Recruitment

Direct hiring costs time and money. Our temping agency London services cut your recruitment spend by up to 30% while delivering better candidates, faster. No advertising, no screening headaches.

✓ Vetted CSCS Workers

Every worker is verified for CSCS cards, right-to-work, and relevant certifications before placement. Our guarantee ensures you only get compliant, qualified temps.

🌍 Nationwide but London-Focused

Our HQ is in Hatton Garden, Central London. We know every borough, every site, every transport route. Local expertise means faster deployment and workers who can actually get to your location.

💳 Holiday Pay & Quick Payroll

Our temps receive holiday pay accrual and weekly payments – every Friday without fail. Happy temps = reliable temps. We handle all payroll, pensions, and compliance.

How We Compare to Other London Temp Agencies

Feature Staff Direct Tiger Recruitment Knightsbridge Bain & Gray
Same-Day Placement ✓ Guaranteed ~ Sometimes ~ Variable ✗ No
Construction/Trades Focus ✓ Specialist ✗ Admin/PA Only ~ Limited ✗ Office Only
CSCS Verified Workers ✓ 100% ✗ N/A ✗ N/A ✗ N/A
Zero No-Show Guarantee ✓ Yes ✗ No ✗ No ✗ No
24/7 Helpline ✓ +44 333 188 0008 ✗ Office Hours ✗ Office Hours ✗ Office Hours

For Employers: Hire Temp Staff in London Fast

How Quickly Can a Temping Agency London Provide Workers?

Staff Direct's temping agency London can provide workers within hours for urgent requests, with same-day placement guaranteed for calls before 10am. For planned requirements, we typically deploy vetted temp workers within 24-48 hours. Our database of 10,000+ pre-screened temps means we always have workers ready for your London projects.

Looking for a reliable temping agency London employers can actually trust? You've found it. Whether you need one labourer for a day or 50 painters for a month, our employer services deliver every time. We understand that in construction and trades, time is money – and empty sites cost fortunes.

Access 10,000+ Vetted Temps

Our database includes over 10,000 pre-screened temp workers London ready for deployment. Every candidate has been:

  • Right-to-work verified (ID and visa checks)
  • CSCS card validated (where applicable)
  • Reference checked from previous employers
  • Skills assessed for relevant certifications
  • Inducted on health & safety requirements

Industries We Staff

Our temporary staffing agency London services cover:

Case Study: 20 Painters in 24 Hours – West London Development

Challenge: A major residential developer in West London faced a critical deadline. Their painting contractor had pulled out, leaving a 200-unit development with exposed walls and completion penalties looming. They needed 20 experienced painters – immediately.

Solution: They called Staff Direct's temping agency London team at 4pm on a Tuesday. By 7am Wednesday, we had 20 vetted painters with full PPE on site, brushes in hand.

Results:

  • All 20 positions filled in under 15 hours
  • Project completed 3 days ahead of deadline
  • Client avoided £85,000 in penalty clauses
  • 100% attendance rate – zero no-shows
  • Client signed 12-month preferred supplier agreement

"Staff Direct saved our project. I've never seen a temp agency London move that fast. They're now our only call for painters and decorators." Marcus Williams, Project Director

Ready to Hire Temp Staff?

London sites are waiting – don't let staffing gaps cost you. Post your job now and get candidates within hours.

For Candidates: Find Temp Jobs in London

How Much Can I Earn as a Temp Worker in London?

Temp workers in London through Staff Direct earn between £12-£25 per hour depending on skills and sector. CSCS labourers typically earn £14-£16/hr, painters £18-£22/hr, site supervisors £20-£25/hr. All temps receive weekly pay (every Friday), holiday pay accrual, and access to opt-in pension schemes.

Looking for temp work in London? Our temping agency London has hundreds of immediate start positions available right now. Whether you're between jobs, want flexible hours, or prefer variety over permanent roles, we connect you with London's best employers – and get you paid weekly without fail.

💷 Earn £12-£25/hr

London temp rates through Staff Direct:

  • General Labourer: £12-£14/hr
  • CSCS Labourer: £14-£16/hr
  • Site Cleaner: £12-£14/hr
  • Painter/Decorator: £18-£22/hr
  • Skilled Tradesperson: £20-£25/hr
  • Warehouse Operative: £12-£15/hr

📅 Weekly Pay, No Gaps

We pay every Friday without exception:

  • Weekly bank transfers – never chase payments
  • Holiday pay accrued on every hour worked
  • Pension auto-enrolment (with opt-out option)
  • P45/P60 documentation provided
  • Overtime rates for extended shifts
  • No hidden deductions or fees

🕐 Flexible Hours

Work when it suits you:

  • Day shifts, night shifts, weekends available
  • Short-term (1 day) to long-term (6+ months)
  • Choose your London areas/travel preferences
  • Turn down jobs that don't suit – no penalties
  • Build experience across multiple industries
  • Potential for temp-to-perm opportunities

How to Register with Our Temping Agency London

1

Apply Online

Complete our quick online form – takes 5 minutes

2

Document Check

Upload ID, right-to-work, and any certifications

3

Quick Interview

10-minute phone chat about your skills and availability

4

Start Work

Get matched to jobs – could be as soon as tomorrow!

Live Temp Jobs in London – Start Tomorrow

Browse our latest temporary jobs in London . All positions are immediate start with weekly pay. Click to apply or view all jobs .

CSCS Labourer

Central London | Start Tomorrow

£15.00/hr

General labouring duties on commercial build site. CSCS green card required. 6am-6pm shifts.

Apply Now

Painter & Decorator

West London | Immediate Start

£20.00/hr

Experienced painter needed for residential development. Own tools preferred. 2-week assignment.

Apply Now

Site Cleaner

Canary Wharf | Weekly Work

£13.50/hr

Construction site cleaning on major development. Early morning shifts 5am-2pm. Long-term available.

Apply Now

Warehouse Operative

East London | Night Shifts

£14.50/hr

Picking and packing for major retailer. Night shift premium included. Immediate start available.

Apply Now

Kitchen Porter

Soho | Evening Shifts

£12.50/hr

Busy central London restaurant needs reliable KP. 4pm-midnight shifts. Meals included on shift.

Apply Now

Receptionist

City of London | Temp Cover

£14.00/hr

Professional front desk cover for corporate office. 2-week assignment covering holiday. Smart dress required.

Apply Now

Electrician (18th Edition)

North London | Ongoing

£24.00/hr

Qualified electrician for commercial fit-out. 18th Edition and JIB card essential. Long-term opportunity.

Apply Now

Groundworker

South London | Start Monday

£17.00/hr

Experienced groundworker for housing development. CSCS required. 45-hour weeks available.

Apply Now

Event Staff

Various London Venues | Weekends

£13.00/hr

Flexible event staffing for exhibitions, conferences, and private events. Weekend availability essential.

Apply Now

Admin Assistant

Wembley | 3-Month Contract

£13.50/hr

Office admin support for busy legal firm. Data entry, filing, phone handling. MS Office skills required.

Apply Now

Retail Stock Assistant

Oxford Street | Early Mornings

£12.75/hr

Stock replenishment for major high street retailer. 5am-10am shifts. Great for students.

Apply Now

Site Supervisor

Stratford | SMSTS Required

£25.00/hr

Experienced supervisor for major regeneration project. SMSTS and first aid essential. 6-month contract.

Apply Now

Industries Our Temping Agency London Serves

What Industries Does Staff Direct's Temp Agency London Cover?

Staff Direct's temp agency London covers construction (CSCS labourers, painters, groundworkers), trades (electricians, plumbers, carpenters), hospitality (kitchen porters, cleaners, event staff), warehousing (pickers, packers, forklift drivers), retail (stock assistants, merchandisers), and office/admin (receptionists, data entry, PAs). We specialize in blue-collar and light industrial sectors.

Unlike generic temp agencies that try to cover everything, our London temping agency focuses on sectors where we have genuine expertise and established client relationships. This means better job matches, higher pay rates, and more consistent work for our temps.

🏗️ Construction & Building

Our core specialty – we're the best temping agency in London for construction .

  • CSCS Labourers – all card colours
  • Groundworkers – foundations, drainage
  • Painters & Decorators – residential/commercial
  • Site Cleaners – sparkle and final clean
  • Banksmen & Traffic Marshals
View Construction Jobs →

🍽️ Hospitality & Catering

Supporting London's world-class hospitality scene.

  • Kitchen Porters – restaurants, hotels
  • Waiting Staff – fine dining to casual
  • Bar Staff – cocktail to pub service
  • Event Staff – exhibitions, conferences
  • Housekeeping – hotels, serviced apartments
View Hospitality Jobs →

📦 Warehouse & Logistics

Keeping London's supply chains moving.

  • Warehouse Operatives – picking, packing
  • Forklift Drivers – counterbalance, reach
  • Goods-In/Out – loading, unloading
  • Stock Controllers – inventory management
  • Delivery Drivers – multi-drop, HGV
View Warehouse Jobs →

🔧 Skilled Trades

Certified tradespeople for specialist projects.

  • Electricians – 18th Edition certified
  • Plumbers – domestic, commercial
  • Carpenters – 1st & 2nd fix
  • Plasterers – dry lining, rendering
  • Tilers – floor, wall, wet rooms
View Trades Jobs →

What Our Clients & Temps Say About Staff Direct

JT

John Taylor

Site Manager, Taylor Construction Ltd

"Staff Direct's temping agency London saved our site shutdown. We needed 15 CSCS labourers for Monday morning – called Friday afternoon and they delivered. Every single one showed up on time. Absolute lifesavers. Five stars isn't enough!"

★★★★★
MK

Michael Kowalski

CSCS Labourer, Registered Temp

"Best temp agency I've worked with in London. Always paid on Friday without chasing, good sites, and the consultants actually listen to what areas I can travel to. Been with them 8 months now and never had a week without work."

★★★★★
SP

Sarah Pemberton

HR Director, Pemberton Developments

"We've tried several temp agencies London has to offer. Staff Direct is the only one that truly understands construction staffing. Their zero no-show guarantee actually means something – they replaced a sick worker within 2 hours last month."

★★★★★
AJ

Anthony Johnson

Painter & Decorator, Registered Temp

"The rates are better than other agencies and they treat you like a professional, not just a number. Holiday pay adds up nicely too. Recommended Staff Direct to three mates already – they're all earning well now!"

★★★★★
RH

Richard Harrison

Operations Manager, Harrison Hospitality Group

"For our hotel and restaurant portfolio across London, Staff Direct is our first call for temp staff. Kitchen porters, cleaners, event staff – they deliver quality people fast. Their 24/7 helpline has been a game-changer for last-minute cover."

★★★★★
DM

David Martinez

Warehouse Operative, Registered Temp

"Moved to London last year and Staff Direct helped me find work immediately. The registration was quick and I was on a warehouse shift within 48 hours. Now I've got a permanent position through them – couldn't have done it without this temp agency London."

★★★★★
LC

  Lisa Kevin

Project Manager, Kevin & Partners Contractors

"After a nightmare with another temp agency (no-shows, wrong qualifications), we switched to Staff Direct. Night and day difference. Every worker has the exact certifications we request, and the backup service when someone's sick is incredible."

★★★★★
EW

Emma Williams

Receptionist, Registered Temp

"As a working mum, I needed flexible temp work around school hours. Staff Direct found me office roles with perfect timing – 9:30-2:30 positions exist if you ask! The team genuinely cares about matching you with suitable work, not just filling gaps."

★★★★★

Frequently Asked Questions About Temping in London

How fast does your temping agency London place staff?

Staff Direct can place temp workers incredibly quickly – often within hours for urgent construction and trades requirements. For same-day placement, we ask clients to call before 10am, and we typically have workers on site by lunchtime. Our database of 10,000+ pre-vetted temps in London means we always have qualified candidates ready to deploy. For planned requirements with specific certifications or skills, we recommend 24-48 hours notice to ensure perfect matching. Unlike other temp agencies London that quote "sometimes same-day," we guarantee it through our rapid response system .

Do you pay holiday pay like other agencies?

Yes, absolutely – and we're completely transparent about it. All Staff Direct temps receive holiday pay accrued on every hour worked, in line with UK employment law. You'll see your holiday accrual on every payslip, and you can request payment of accrued holiday at any time (we recommend quarterly to boost your earnings). Unlike some agencies that bury this in complex T&Cs, we show you exactly what you've earned. We also offer opt-in pension schemes for temps who want to save for the future. Our commitment to fair pay and benefits is one reason we're rated the best temping agency in London for construction workers.

What CSCS requirements do you have for construction temps?

For construction site work, we require temps to hold a valid CSCS card appropriate to their role. This includes Green CSCS cards for labourers, Blue Skilled Worker cards for experienced tradespeople, Gold cards for supervisors, and Black cards for managers. We verify every CSCS card through the official CSCS system before placement – clients can request verification documentation. If you don't have a CSCS card yet but want to work in construction, we can advise on the quickest routes to certification. Our CSCS labourer placements are 100% compliant with site requirements.

How does your timesheet process work?

We offer both digital and paper timesheet options to suit different site requirements. Most of our temps use our mobile app to clock in/out daily – it's GPS-verified for accuracy and means no paper to lose. For sites that prefer traditional methods, we provide weekly timesheet forms that supervisors sign off. Timesheets must be submitted by Monday midnight for payment that Friday. We process payroll mid-week, so you'll always know your payment is coming. No chasing, no delays, no excuses. For clients, we provide consolidated timesheet reports weekly, making invoicing straightforward.

Can I opt out of the pension scheme?

Yes, you can opt out of our workplace pension scheme if you wish. Under UK auto-enrolment rules, we're required to enrol eligible temps into a pension scheme, but you have the legal right to opt out within one month of enrolment. We provide clear opt-out instructions with your welcome pack. If you opt out, you'll receive your full gross pay without pension deductions. You can opt back in at any time if you change your mind. We use NEST pension, which is government-backed and offers low fees. Our advice? Even small contributions add up over time, but it's entirely your choice.

What's your zero no-show guarantee?

Our zero no-show guarantee is our promise that if a temp we've confirmed doesn't arrive on site, we'll provide a replacement within 2 hours or you don't pay for that day. This sets us apart from every other temping agency London offers. We achieve near-zero no-shows through rigorous confirmation processes (we call every temp the evening before), maintaining backup worker lists for each booking, and building genuine relationships with our temp workforce. In 2024, our no-show rate was just 0.3% – industry average is around 5%. When no-shows do happen (illness, emergencies), we act immediately to find cover.

How do I register as a temp with Staff Direct?

Registering is quick and straightforward. Visit our registration page and complete the online form (5 minutes). Upload copies of your ID, right-to-work documents, and any relevant certifications (CSCS, trade qualifications). We'll call you within 24 hours for a brief chat about your skills, experience, and availability preferences. Once verified, you're live in our system and could be working within days. Unlike some agencies with lengthy registration processes, we prioritize getting you earning quickly. If you have specific questions, call us on 020 3627 5550.

What areas of London do you cover?

We cover all London boroughs and surrounding areas within the M25. This includes Central London (City, Westminster, Southwark), North London (Camden, Islington, Haringey), South London (Lambeth, Lewisham, Croydon), East London (Tower Hamlets, Newham, Barking), and West London (Hammersmith, Ealing, Hounslow). We also serve nearby areas like Watford, Reading, and Luton for workers willing to travel. Our Central London headquarters at Hatton Garden means we have genuine local knowledge of sites, transport links, and area-specific requirements.

Can temp work lead to permanent employment?

Absolutely – many of our temps transition to permanent roles with clients they've impressed. Temp work is an excellent way to "try before you buy" for both employers and workers. You get to experience different companies, sites, and cultures before committing permanently. We actively facilitate temp-to-perm transitions when both parties are interested. There may be a transfer fee payable by the employer, but this is often waived after a qualifying period of temp service. Many of our most successful placements started as "just a week's cover" and became permanent team members.

What happens if I'm sick and can't work my shift?

If you're unwell and can't work, contact us as early as possible – ideally before your shift start time. We understand people get sick, and we won't penalize you for genuine illness. However, we do need notice to arrange cover for our clients. For extended illness (3+ days), we may ask for a fit note. Repeated unexplained absences affect your reliability rating in our system and may reduce future job offers. For employers, our backup system means we can usually provide replacement workers within 2 hours of notification. Communication is key – keep us informed and we'll support you.

About Staff Direct: London's Top Temping Agency for Trades

Why is Staff Direct the Best Temping Agency in London?

Staff Direct is London's best temping agency because we combine 20+ years of industry experience with genuine construction and trades specialization. We've placed thousands of temps across London, maintain 98% client retention, and offer unique guarantees like zero no-shows and same-day placement. Our Central London location, 24/7 helpline, and comprehensive vetting processes make us the reliable temping agency London businesses choose first.

Staff Direct has been operating as a specialist temporary staffing agency London for over two decades. What started as a small construction recruitment firm has grown into one of the capital's most trusted names in temp staffing London, placing thousands of workers every year across construction, trades, hospitality, and industrial sectors.

Our headquarters at 34-35 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8DX puts us right in the heart of the city we serve. This isn't coincidence – we believe in being physically present where our clients and temps operate. Our team knows London intimately: the sites, the transport links, the area-specific challenges, and the local workforce.

Learn more about our experience , our approach , and why clients choose us .

Staff Direct by Numbers

  • 20+
    Years in business
  • 10,000+
    Registered temps in London
  • 500+
    Temps placed in 2025
  • 98%
    Client retention rate
  • 4.8/5
    Average rating (6,134 reviews)

Case Study: Emergency Site Cleaners – Canary Wharf Tower

The Situation: A major Canary Wharf office development was hosting VIP investors at 9am Monday. At 6pm Sunday, the site manager discovered the cleaning contractor had gone into administration mid-job. Hundreds of square meters of completed floors were covered in construction dust, debris, and protective film. Disaster loomed.

The Solution: The site manager called Staff Direct's 24/7 helpline at 6:15pm Sunday. By 6:45pm, our on-call consultant had confirmed 25 site cleaners with sparkle clean experience. By 10pm, all 25 were briefed, equipped, and deployed to site for an overnight blitz.

The Outcome:

  • 25 site cleaners mobilized within 4 hours on a Sunday evening
  • 12-hour overnight clean completed by 8am Monday
  • VIP tour proceeded successfully – investors impressed
  • Client avoided potential multi-million pound deal collapse
  • All 25 workers paid premium Sunday/overnight rates
  • Staff Direct became preferred supplier for 12-month contract

"I've never seen any temping agency London move like Staff Direct did that Sunday night. They literally saved the project. The 24/7 helpline is worth its weight in gold." Chris Reynolds, Site Director

Contact Our Temping Agency London Team

Ready to hire temp staff or find temp work in London? Get in touch with Staff Direct today. Our team is standing by to discuss your requirements – whether you need one labourer for tomorrow or 50 temps for next month.

📞 Get in Touch

📍 Visit Our Office

Staff Direct London HQ

34-35 Hatton Garden
London EC1N 8DX
United Kingdom

Hours:
Monday-Friday: 7am-8pm
Saturday: 8am-4pm
24/7 Emergency Helpline

Join 5,000+ Temps & Clients Who Trust Staff Direct

London's most reliable temping agency for construction, trades, and labour. Start tomorrow!

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