Question 1

What is a temporary work agency and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

A temporary work agency is a licensed company that employs workers and places them with other businesses, known as user companies, to cover temporary needs. The agency is the employer: it signs the temporary employment contract, pays wages and handles insurance. The user company directs the day-to-day work on site.

Question 2

Temporary staff or direct hire: when does each make sense?

Accepted Answer

Temporary staff make sense when the need is temporary: peaks in activity, harvest seasons, cover for absences or projects with an end date. Direct hiring makes sense when the role is permanent and you want the person on your own payroll. Many companies combine both, with a core team and temporary support when volume rises.

Question 3

What is a temporary work agency licence and how do you check it?

Accepted Answer

A temporary work agency licence, known in Portugal as the alvará, is the permit that allows a company to supply temporary workers. It is granted by IEFP, which keeps a public register of licensed agencies showing each company's name, registered office and licence number. Before working with an agency, check in that register that its licence is active.

Questions about temporary work