Temporary & Fixed-Term Staffing Options for Private Households, Estates & Luxury Venues
When you need additional support, whether for a weekend shoot, a busy household, a full summer season or a special event, we offer flexible, compliant and straightforward resourcing options tailored to private households, estates and luxury venues.
We provide three engagement models, each designed to suit different types of bookings, timeframes and responsibilities.
1. PAYE Temporary Workers (Paid by Us Through Our Payroll)
The traditional temporary recruitment solution suits Clients who want a fully compliant, low-admin solution where we handle all employment responsibilities.
Under this model, The Burford Recruitment Company becomes the temporary worker’s employer for the duration of the assignment. You simply approve hours, and we take care of everything else.
What This Includes
- Worker employed by us under PAYE
- Payroll, tax, pension and holiday accrual handled completely by us
- Weekly or monthly client invoices
- Workers supplied for:
- Seasonal housekeeping
- Events & front-of-house roles
- Hosts and guest services
- Butlers and shoot staff
- Kitchen assistants, bar staff & more
Cost Structure
Your invoice includes:
- The worker’s PAYE pay rate
- Employer on-costs (NI, holiday accrual, pension if applicable)
- Our agency margin
This model offers complete simplicity and ensures full UK compliance.
2. Self-Employed Contractors (Booking Fee Added to Recharge)
For one-off events, shoots, private dining and roles delivered by genuine self-employed professionals, engaging self-employed contractors may be more appropriate.
Typical roles include:
- Private Chefs
- Butlers & Shoot Staff
- Event & Hospitality Professionals
- Estate or Gardening Contractors on short engagements
How It Works
Under this model:
- We engage the contractor directly
- We pay the contractor their agreed self-employed rate
- We recharge the cost to the client
- A booking fee is added on top to cover sourcing, vetting, coordination and administration
This ensures a smooth, fully managed process while maintaining flexibility.
3. Fixed-Term Contracts (Introduction Fee)
For longer-term requirements, such as project work, an extended period with the Principals in residence (summer or Christmas), maternity or long-term sickness cover, employing on a ‘Fixed-Term’ basis may the best option
Uses:
- Six-month housekeeper or nanny cover
- Seasonal hosts or housekeeping teams
- Temporary PA / House Manager support
- Short-term estate or grounds roles
- Live-in seasonal couple cover
How It Works
You employ the candidate directly on a Fixed Term Contract.
We provide the full recruitment service and charge an introduction fee, calculated in the same way as permanent recruitment but based on the pro-rated FTC salary.
This route is ideal when continuity, stability and direct employment make more sense.
Which Option Fits Your Requirements?
| Requirement | Recommended Route | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Short-term cover, peak seasons, events | PAYE Temporary | Fast, compliant, we manage payroll |
| Specialist one-off tasks, chefs, shoot staff | Self-Employed Contractor | We engage & pay contractor; you pay recharge + booking fee |
| Seasonal contracts (3–12 months) or cover | Fixed Term Contract | You employ directly; we charge an introduction fee |
| Holiday or sickness cover | PAYE Temp or FTC | Depends on duration |
| Shoot weekends | Self-Employed or PAYE Temp | Depends on contractor status and hours |
Compliance & Best Practice
Regardless of engagement model, we:
- Ensure right to work checks have been carried out
- Ensure reference checks have been carried out
- Provide clear booking confirmations, role briefs and expectations
- Provide transparent pricing and invoicing
- Provide ongoing support throughout the assignment
Where needed, we link clients to our Private Household Employment Compliance Guide (UK) to help them understand pay, accommodation deductions, working hours and the legal considerations unique to private staffing.
Permanent Recruitment:
Lets Discuss Next Steps:
Contact us on 01993 225055
Email: info@burfordrecruitment.co.uk
Or fill in the contact form below and a consultant will give you a call back to disuss your requirements
