First published on Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Last updated on Wednesday, October 22, 2025
If you’re thinking of hiring temporary staff this winter, here’s what you need to consider.
Contracts – fixed term or specific purpose?
Temporary and seasonal workers have the same rights as permanent employees. Whether your contracts are fixed term or specified purpose, they need to be clear about overtime rates, duration and reasons why a contract might end early. If you don’t put these things in writing, you might end up with an unfair dismissal claim.
You can find legally-compliant contract templates on BrightBase, our document library. Instantly download the policies and documents you need, and make sure your seasonal employees are fully informed and treated fairly.
How to work out annual leave
Annual leave entitlements can seem complex for seasonal and part time workers, but they’re all entitled to the same holidays and bank holidays as permanent staff. It’s a topic that comes up often in tribunals. BrightHR software will work out your pro rata calculations and tell your staff what they’re entitled to.
Keep everyone up to date about their rights with an annual leave policy. You can add clauses about how to book holidays, when times might be restricted, and approvals. We’ve got your back with a FREE annual leave policy to download.
And don’t forget, our HR experts are on hand to talk you through your contracts and policies. We’ll help reduce the risk of tribunal claims and make sure your paperwork is legally compliant.
Get shifts and rotas planned and filled
Still shift planning using spreadsheets and wall calendars? Moving to shift and rota planning software will help you keep your legal obligations. You need to offer additional hours and shifts fairly to avoid claims of favouritism and unconscious bias from an equality perspective. You’ll also show you’re helping your teams avoid burnout and stress related illness, from a health & safety view.
Make sure your busiest times are covered with shifts and rotas software from BrightHR. You can build rotas and work schedules in just a few clicks. You’ll also get real-time updates, holiday clash alerts, and app access wherever you are.
And if you’ve got a last-minute open shift, you can publicise it instantly. So, if someone calls in sick, you’re covered.
Recording hours in multiple locations
It’s a legal requirement that you record everyone’s working hours. A clocking in and out software will show you who’s in, who’s out, and who’s on a break. It’ll help with budget planning and the Working Time Regulations.
With Blip by BrightHR, you can set working locations so staff will get a prompt to clock in when they get to work. You can set up QR codes to scan on mobile phones, or they can clock in and out from PC or tablet. And don’t forget, younger workers and students need more rest breaks and have restrictions on their hours.
Get everyone up to date on health & safety
Safeguard your business and your workers with health & safety support and CPD-accredited training from BrightHR. There’s a digital audit trail for your health & safety assessments and your training records, so you can make sure everyone’s up to date. And with the BrightSafe On The Go app, your teams can complete health & safety training at any time, report risks and accidents, and reach our experts 24/7.
How BrightHR can help
Find out how to manage your HR processes and your staff, all in one place. We’ll help you keep track of your teams, keep up with your legal obligations, and provide you with up-to-date documents and policies, for your peace of mind.
Watch our webinar recording Winter sickness, absence, and leave: Everything business owners must know for more hints and tips.
So, if all you want for Christmas is an extra pair of hands, BrightHR is here to help.