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How to fulfil a resourcing need - Agency Workers and consultants
Consideration of the engagement of Agency workers or Consultants can only be after all other options have been considered and must be for a clearly defined reason (eg specific project, skill set) and for as short a period as possible.
Normal Resource Management procedures (ie CEX approval) must be undertaken prior to engagement.
Additional guidance regarding the key points and responsibilities in engaging Agency Workers and Consultants must be adhered to.
Agency worker
A worker supplied by a third party temporary work agency.
How does it work
The agency supplies candidate(s) to fill a defined length resource gap.
The agency submits invoices to the end user (Cumbria) and then pays the agency worker.
Agency workers should only be engaged through our framework provider (currently Randstad).
When to use it
Where there is an urgent need which cannot be filled through other means such as zero hours; casual worker; additional hours etc - for example:
- while recruitment takes place
- short-term absence
Self-employed consultant and contractors
Consultants and contractors operate a business in their own right.
How does it work
They provide services to an organisation either personally or through their company but remain independent.
They submit invoices to the end user (Cumbria) and are responsible for their own tax and NI.
When to use it
Where specific specialist skills or expertise are needed that are not available in-house.
Procurement procedures must be followed.
Management guidance - agency workers and self-employed consultants (core council use only)
Consideration of the engagement of agency workers or consultants can only be after all other options have been considered and must be for a clearly defined reason (for example, specific project, skill set) and for as short a period as possible.
Normal Resource Management procedures (ie CEX approval) must be undertaken prior to engagement.
Agency workers and consultants/contractors are not employees. However, when their engagement is properly set up and managed they can provide a pragmatic solution for filling a time-limited resource or skill gap.
The document attached highlights the key issues regarding agency workers and consultants/contractors, contains guidance on the engagement procedure and provides relevant contact details.