Labour Hire vs Permanent Recruitment. Here's How to Choose.
Know the difference — and which one makes commercial sense for your situation.
Roles We Fill
Employment Relationship
Speed to Hire
Flexibility
Cost Structure
Risk
Temp-to-Perm Options
Employment Relationship
Labour hire: worker employed by Trade Assist. Permanent: worker becomes your direct employee after placement.
Frequently asked questions.
What is the main difference between labour hire and permanent recruitment?
Labour hire means workers are employed by Trade Assist but work at your site. Permanent recruitment means the worker becomes your direct employee after placement.
When should I use labour hire?
Labour hire is ideal for project-based work, seasonal demand spikes, or when you need to trial a worker before committing to permanent employment.
Is labour hire more expensive than hiring directly?
The hourly rate is higher, but you save on recruitment costs, payroll admin, ACC levies, and employment risk — making it cost-effective overall.