New Hampshire Union Leader (02/18/13) Barbara Taormina

Many work force analysts say temporary work is the “new normal.” According to the American Staffing Association, 12.9 million people are hired by staffing firms annually, and about 2.8 million people are working at a temporary job on any given work day. Sheri Merrill of Bonney Staffing in New Hampshire says the 2008 recession and the fickle recovery are prompting the demand for temporary employees.

Businesses that rely on staffing firms are spared the costs of health care and other benefits. But staffing firms consider temporary workers their employees, and many offer some benefits. “We do provide certain benefits,” says Nicole Horan, a business manager at Squires Staffing Services in Nashua. “We have a 401(k) plan and paid holidays and sick days.”

Staffing specialists say one of the biggest misconceptions about temporary work is that firms charge fees and shave a significant part of a worker’s salary for their services. “There are no fees, and clients pay market rates for temporary work,” says Horan.