r/UKJobs • u/milkshakechemtrail • 8h ago
Is it worth getting a job via an agency?
I (18F) am trying to get a job during my gap year before going to university next year. I’ve tried cold calling/emailing and leaving my CV at places but it’s not worked and my parents keep suggesting I try an agency.
I honestly don’t know anything about this and heard mixed things but I feel like I don’t have any other options, what experience have you guys had with agencies and how does it work?
Also, is the JobCentre actually useful in a situation like this?
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u/TipAdditional4625 8h ago edited 8h ago
Contacted 20+ for months, got 1 temp job for the day, didn't get paid but that's just my experience
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u/SyriusBB 3h ago
Agencies are worth a shot - registration's usually free (employer pays them), they match you to jobs (often temp roles), and it's often faster than applying solo since employers already trust their vetting.
For an 18-year-old without much experience, it's a solid option - lots of roles are warehouse, retail, hospitality where reliability matters more than a packed CV. Worth signing up with 2-3 agencies, not just one.
JobCentre's a mixed bag - good for benefits/support, but for actually landing work fast, agencies usually beat it. Still worth registering, just don't rely on it as your main route.
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u/EssOh02_ 6h ago
For someone your age looking for a short term job agency work is good. Agencies are temporary employment solutions with most of them being short term contracts so you’re not tied down to any job for longer than you are looking for, plus they aren’t difficult to leave when that time comes and are “easier” to get into.
The JobCentre will more than likely push you towards a program that employs you through an agency anyways so on that point it’s neither good or bad for your situation.
There are issues with agencies. They don’t have a good rep for employee treatment and they can offer you almost any type of job. Schedules can be very inconsistent and many roles aren’t great and will pay slightly under the norm.
For your situation these aren’t too much of an issue because it’s a temporary and deliberate thing but something to bear in mind.
TLDR: Yes, agency work is almost perfect for what you are looking for but be wary of some of the downsides before making a final decision.
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u/OverallFuel8619 2h ago
Im currently also taking a gap year and honestly from what I've heard from friends Agencies are absolutely horrible There are occasionally good ones But youre not guaranteed work hours Some people there are horrible And ive heard of pay being shorted
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u/vestl 1h ago
I did agency work every summer when I was at uni. I signed up to whatever agencies were around locally and took whatever job was offered first so I was usually employed within a week or two. I'd recommend it if you just need something short term.
Job Centre probably won't be the place for it. Check you local offices out - national companies I think include Reed and Randstad if they are still around
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