Is this £12.55/hour job a social butterfly’s dream, or a costly career move?

“Are you a people person who loves a lively atmosphere and thrives on meeting new people and having upbeat conversations? If so, this customer-facing role, where no two days are the same, might be perfect for you.”

This is the teaser for a temp job that is being promoted by the recruitment agency Ranstad. It’s one of those jobs that could change your life for the better or be a living hell, depending on who you talk to on any given day and the amount of traffic you face.

The role also calls for people who love a challenge: “Excellent verbal communication skills and evidence of persuading reluctant respondents to take part in surveys.”

Who’s hiring?

Back in January of this year, the government’s statistics agency, the Office for National Statistics (ONS), reported it was starting a £8 million recruitment drive to hire a temporary “army of low-paid workers” to improve the “virtually unusable” quality of its UK employment data.

However, economists have warned that policymakers are “flying blind” due to issues with the survey, primarily caused by low response rates, which the ONS itself admitted in June could take until 2027 to fix.

Amidst this, several temporary survey roles, are being advertised across the country with an hourly rate of £12.55 through Randstad, sparking debate among job seekers and employment experts.

While the pay rate appears “competitive” on the surface, the requirements for candidates to use their own car with business insurance and their personal mobile phone for work calls raise questions about the true take-home pay and whether the hidden costs could leave workers at a significant financial disadvantage.

Is the ONS’s urgent need for data being met at a cost to the very workers it hopes to employ?

Breakdown: perks and financial commitment from the temp

The role outlines hours of 22-30 per week, Monday to Friday with occasional Saturdays, and includes benefits such as 45p per mile for travel and meal allowances of £7.50 for 5 hours or £15 for 10 hours worked. However, the mandatory requirement for applicants to possess a valid UK driving license, an owned car, and the willingness to obtain business car insurance, alongside completing a DBS check, are proving to be sticking points.

The hidden costs of this job add up

Industry data suggests that business car insurance in the UK can add a substantial amount to a driver’s annual premium. While figures vary based on individual circumstances (age, driving history, vehicle type, postcode), recent data from Q1 2025 indicates an average annual cost of around £573 for Class 1 business use.

This type of insurance typically covers travel to different work locations, which appears applicable to this role with its “up to 40 miles travel” requirement. Some reports indicate business use policies could range from £475 to £680 per year, with more extensive commercial travelling policies potentially costing significantly more.

Furthermore, applicants are required to complete a DBS check. As of December 2024, a Basic DBS check costs £21.50, a Standard check £21.50, and an Enhanced check £49.50. While the specific type of DBS check required for this role isn’t detailed, it represents an upfront expense the candidate must bear.

The use of a personal mobile phone for work calls also presents a potential cost. While many mobile contracts include unlimited calls, those on pay-as-you-go or limited minute plans could incur additional charges, especially for longer or frequent business calls.

Even for those with unlimited plans, the increased usage for work could lead to faster data consumption if calls are made over VoIP, or simply wear and tear on a personal device. Mobile network price rises in 2025 could also factor in, with some providers implementing fixed monthly increases of £1-£4.

Is £12.55 per hour enough?

On paper, £12.55 an hour is above the National Living Wage. However, when you factor in the mandatory expenses, the net hourly rate could drop significantly. For a temporary contract, where consistent hours aren’t guaranteed, these upfront and ongoing costs can be a real burden.

For example, assuming a Class 1 business car insurance policy costs £573 per year (based on current average data), and a Basic DBS check costs £21.50:

• Annual insurance cost: £573
• DBS Check: £21.50 (one-off)

If a worker secures 26 hours a week consistently (mid-range of the advertised hours), over a year, this equates to approximately 1,352 hours.

The mileage allowance of 45p per mile is a benefit, but it’s designed to cover fuel, wear and tear, and other running costs, not necessarily to offset a dedicated business insurance premium. For someone regularly travelling 40 miles, this would provide £18 per day in mileage, potentially covering daily fuel costs depending on your car’s fuel consumption. The meal allowances are also a positive, helping to offset food expenses during longer shifts.

However, does the £12.55 hourly rate, combined with these allowances, sufficiently compensate for the direct financial outlay on insurance, DBS checks, and potential mobile phone costs, especially given the temporary nature of the contract and the variability in hours?

Potential disadvantage?

This type of role could disproportionately affect individuals who are already on a tight budget. Requiring candidates to absorb significant business costs upfront or continuously, effectively acts as a barrier to entry for many. It also places the financial risk of necessary work equipment squarely on the employee, rather than the employer.

The temporary nature of the contract further exacerbates the issue. Without a guaranteed long-term position, the initial investment in business car insurance might not be recouped if the contract is short-lived or hours are inconsistent.

What should job seekers consider?

Prospective applicants should thoroughly calculate their potential expenses before committing to a role like this. Considerations could include:

• Current car insurance policy: Can business use be added easily, and what is the exact uplift in premium?
• Mobile phone contract: Are work calls covered, or will extra charges be incurred?
• DBS check cost: Is it a Basic, Standard, or Enhanced check, and who pays for it initially?
• Guaranteed hours: What are the realistic expectations for consistent hours, especially if the contract is temporary?

While the flexibility of weekly pay and the mileage/meal benefits are attractive for some, the upfront and ongoing costs could make this £12.55 per hour role a less advantageous proposition than it first appears, potentially putting some job seekers at a disadvantage in the ONS’s critical mission to rectify its “unusable” employment data.

Is there a silver lining?

Yet, despite some financial outlay, this role could be ideal for someone who wants to do research on British modern life and write a book, paper or TV show about it. Think of the stories and experiences they could compile in just a week’s worth of interviews. People who have the gift of the gab and a tough skin when a door gets shut in their face are also good candidates: hello, budding salespeople.

Would you consider a job like this? Especially if you already have the business car insurance?