Within a few clicks you have created a profile as a FreeFlexer. Yay! You can start right away, but of course as a future or new FreeFlexer you would like to know what you need to know when you start freeflexing. Read on for the answers to 12 frequently asked questions.
1. What is freeflexing?
If you work via our platform, you are a FreeFlexer. When freeflexing, you work for yourself and you have the freedom to determine which jobs on our platform you respond to. Because you can work for various hospitality or retail companies, every day will be different.
2. What is the difference between Temper and an employment agency?
As a temporary worker, you have a contract and you are on the payroll of a company. Via our platform, you work as an independent entrepreneur and you don’t have a contract with anyone.
3. How much work experience do I need to start?
In general, you don't need to have previous work experience to start as a FreeFlexer at Temper.
If you have any relevant experience, make sure you add it to your profile. You can learn how to add it from this article. This way your profile will be even more attractive to your potential clients.
4. I'm on the payroll at my main job. Can I also work via Temper?
Yes, that’s definitely possible. You can work as a FreeFlexer next to being employed directly somewhere else. When filing your tax returns, these two gross incomes are added up together. Your total combined income then defines what band of tax rate applies to you for the tax year.
5. How do I get enough work?
As a FreeFlexer you are responsible for arranging your own work. On our platform there are 1,000+ new shifts every week, so you'll always find something of your taste. Use the filters in the work overview to find the shift that suits you best. Do you meet the requirements - for example the amount of work experience - and are you available? Then click on 'Confirm and respond'. The client (for example the restaurant or shop where you work) selects the FreeFlexer who best suits the shift. If you are the chosen one, you will receive an email with the confirmation.
6. How do I increase my chances of being selected?
Often, more than one FreeFlexers respond to a shift. The client decides who can work the shift. Respond to several shifts at once, to last-minute shifts and to shifts with few applications. That way you have the best chance of getting work. Have you worked somewhere and is the client satisfied with you? Then you may get invited to his flexpool. From this position, you are considered as a preferred FreeFlexer and the chance that you will be chosen is even bigger.
7. Are travel expenses reimbursed?
No. Travel expenses will nog be covered by the clients you work for. The hourly rate includes travel expenses, accommodation costs, any material costs and other expenses. In exceptional cases, travel costs are reimbursed. If so, it will be stated in the briefing.
8. When will I get paid?
With almost every shift, you have the option to be paid within 3 or 5 business days for 2.9% of the invoice amount. Don't you want this or is it not possible? Then you have to wait until the client pays. This takes 15 to 30 days on average.
Learn more on how to get paid fast in our video.
9. What about insurance?
Temper believes that you should always be properly insured. Therefore, as a FreeFlexer, you are automatically insured for liability, accidents and disability from 15 April 2022. This collective insurance is offered by insurance partner Alicia and is free of charge for FreeFlexers as a part of the FreeSecurity offering.
10. What if I can't come to work?
Are you not able to go to your shift and are you too late in cancelling because the agreed cancellation period before the shift begins has already started? Then you have to arrange a replacement yourself. Fortunately, this can be done very easily via our platform. Is it not possible to arrange a replacement or to come yourself? Then the client has the option to claim a £50 compensation fee.
11. Which taxes do I have to pay as a FreeFlexer?
Sole traders must pay income tax and National Insurance Contributions once a year, or twice a year, depending on the previous year’s returns. Deadlines are January 31st and July 31st. So make sure you leave some of your earnings on the side in order to pay your taxes. You could risk being fined by the HMRC.
12. Can I try out Temper?
You can start applying to shifts through the platform and work freelance jobs without needing immediate registration at the domestic tax authority (HMRC). You are only required to register as a sole trader and file tax returns if you earn more than £1,000 from self-employment work in one tax year.
Is your question not listed? Search our helpdesk for an answer or contact support via live chat or support@temper.works.
