Recruitment Agency in Reading for Temporary Staff and Local Jobs
Staff Direct is a recruitment and staffing agency serving Reading, Theale and the wider Berkshire area. We connect employers with vetted temporary, temp-to-perm and permanent workers, and help local candidates find flexible agency work in Reading. Whether you need short-notice warehouse cover, administrative support, catering staff or general labourers, speak to our team on 0118 230 4153.
- Local Reading-area support
- Temporary and direct-hire staffing
- Candidate screening
- Multi-sector recruitment
- Employer and job-seeker support
A Staffing Agency Serving Reading Employers and Job Seekers
As a reading recruitment agency working across Berkshire, Staff Direct sits between two groups: businesses that need reliable cover at short notice, and candidates who want flexible, well-matched agency work. Both are supported by the same local team, so requirements and applications move quickly between the two sides.
For employers hiring in Reading
As a staffing agency Reading businesses turn to for cover that can't wait, we support:
- Last-minute absence cover
- Seasonal workforce demand
- Short projects and temporary assignments
- Temp-to-perm recruitment
- Direct-hire staffing
- Candidate screening and onboarding support
For candidates looking for agency work in Reading
Searching for agency work Reading employers are actively recruiting for? We list:
- Temporary and flexible shifts
- Part-time opportunities
- Short-term assignments
- Local warehouse, office, catering and support roles
- A straightforward application and eligibility process
Advertised roles depend on current employer demand, so availability changes week to week.
Recruitment Services Available in Reading
Staff Direct Recruitment covers the full range of staffing needs for a recruitment agency in Reading, from one-off emergency cover to ongoing managed staffing.
Temporary staffing
Planned and short-notice cover for shifts, seasonal peaks and variable workloads across warehousing, admin, catering and more.
Temporary staff in Reading →Temp-to-perm recruitment
An initial temporary assignment gives employer and worker time to assess fit before committing to a permanent appointment.
Discuss temp-to-perm →Permanent and direct-hire staffing
Where direct hire staffing is the right fit, we work with employers on candidate availability and fees directly.
Talk to the team →Emergency and absence cover
Support for sickness, holiday and unforeseen demand. We won't promise same-day cover as guaranteed, but we move fast on urgent requests.
Our guarantee →Zero No Show Up →
Workforce payroll services
Payroll support for temporary and contract workers, run alongside your existing staffing arrangements.
Payroll services →Managed and volume staffing
Shift-based, multi-worker requirements for warehouses, hospitality operations and short-term projects.
Discuss volume staffing →Temporary Jobs and Staffing Sectors in Reading
Staff Direct's job agency Reading clients and candidates use most often covers the sectors below. Each links through to the relevant employer service or candidate vacancy page.
| Sector or role | Typical temporary requirements | Employer service | Candidate opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warehouse operatives | Picking, packing, goods-in, dispatch and stock handling | Warehouse staffing | Warehouse jobs in Reading |
| Administration | Data entry, reception, filing and office support | Administration staff | Admin assistant jobs in Reading |
| Catering and hospitality | Chefs, kitchen assistants, event and front-of-house staff | Catering staff | Chef opportunities in Reading |
| Construction | CSCS labourers, general labour and site support | CSCS labourers | General labour roles |
| Retail and customer service | Shop-floor support, customer assistance and seasonal cover | Retail assistant recruitment | Customer assistant jobs |
| Housekeeping | Hotel, accommodation and facilities support | Contact the Reading team | Housekeeper jobs in Reading |
| IT and telecoms | Service desk, technical support and project cover | IT and telecom staffing | IT support technician jobs |
| Logistics | Transport coordination, dispatch and supply-chain support | Contact the Reading team | Logistics coordinator jobs |
Vacancies change according to employer demand. A linked role may be filled, paused or replaced, so candidates should check the individual listing and the main jobs page for current availability.
Current and Recent Jobs in Reading
A sample of the roles Staff Direct has recently recruited for in Reading. Availability moves quickly, so always confirm status on the listing itself before applying.
How Our Reading Recruitment Process Works
Employer recruitment process
- Tell us what you need. Role, skills, shift, location, duration, start date and budget.
- Candidate search and screening. We carry out identity, right-to-work, reference and role-suitability checks appropriate to the assignment.
- Candidate introduction. Staff Direct presents suitable available workers and confirms assignment details.
- Placement and support. Onboarding, timesheets, payroll and account support, where applicable.
- Review or extend. Discuss continuation, replacement or temp-to-perm options subject to agreed terms.
Candidate registration process
- Search current vacancies.
- Apply or submit your relevant details.
- Complete eligibility and role-specific checks.
- Discuss suitable assignments with the team.
- Receive confirmed shift and workplace information.
- Record your hours and follow the assignment's process.
Read more about Staff Direct's approach or contact the recruitment team to get started.
Why Reading Businesses Use a Recruitment Agency
Businesses across Reading and Berkshire use a temp agency Reading employers trust for the same reasons: less time spent advertising and screening, and faster access to candidates who are ready to work.
- Access to candidates interested in flexible or temporary work
- Less internal time spent advertising and screening
- Scalable cover for peaks, absences and projects
- Role-specific recruitment support
- Temp-to-perm flexibility
- A single point of contact for staffing requirements
- Local coverage extending beyond Reading town centre
- Straightforward, transparent assignment terms
Businesses comparing recruitment agencies Reading has to offer should look at sector knowledge, screening procedures, communication, pricing and replacement terms — not rankings alone. Staff Direct explains the proposed service and assignment terms before work begins.
Areas We Cover Around Reading
As a reading employment agencies shortlist regularly includes, Staff Direct's local coverage extends across Reading town centre and the surrounding Berkshire and Thames Valley area:
- Reading town centre
- Theale
- Tilehurst
- Calcot
- Earley
- Woodley
- Caversham
- Winnersh
- Wokingham
- Pangbourne
- Green Park
- Thames Valley business areas
Nearby Berkshire locations are also covered, subject to worker availability.
Staff Direct also recruits outside Berkshire: Northampton recruitment agency and temporary staffing in Milton Keynes.
Reading Employment and Staffing Facts
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Staff Direct contact address | Arlington Business Park, Theale, Reading RG7 4SA |
| Local telephone | 0118 230 4153 |
| County | Berkshire |
| Primary local coverage | Reading, Theale and surrounding areas |
| Main sectors served | Warehousing, administration, catering, construction, retail, housekeeping, IT and logistics |
| Recruitment models | Temporary, temp-to-perm and direct hire |
| Vacancy availability | Changes according to employer demand |
Reading local labour market statistics
| Metric | Reading value | South East comparison | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employment rate (16–64) | 86.1% | 79.3% | Year ending Dec 2023 | ONS |
| Unemployment rate (16+) | 3.5% | 2.9% | Year ending Dec 2023 | ONS |
| Economic inactivity (16–64) | 11.3% | 18.3% | Year ending Dec 2023 | ONS |
| Claimant count (16–64) | 4.2% | — | March 2024 | ONS / DWP |
| Working-age population (16–64) | 126,045 (68.9% of residents) | — | Mid-2023 estimate | Reading Borough Council / ONS |
| Total population | 182,907 | — | Mid-2023 estimate | Reading Borough Council / ONS |
Last updated: September 2026. Figures are drawn from published ONS local labour-market data and the Reading Borough Council profile of Reading; refresh at least annually as newer releases become available.
Find Staff or Work With Staff Direct
Need temporary staff in Reading?
Tell Staff Direct the role, shift, workplace, start date and number of workers required, and we'll get back to you with suitable candidates.
Request staff Post a jobCall 0118 230 4153 or email [email protected]
Looking for Staff Direct jobs?
Browse current roles and apply only through the relevant vacancy page. Availability and start dates vary by employer demand.
View all Staff Direct jobs Find temporary jobs in ReadingFrequently Asked Questions
Is Staff Direct a recruitment agency in Reading?
Staff Direct provides recruitment and staffing support to employers and candidates in Reading, Theale and surrounding Berkshire areas. Services may include temporary staffing, temp-to-perm recruitment and permanent or direct-hire support, depending on the role and current availability.
What types of temporary staff can you supply in Reading?
We supply warehouse, administration, catering, construction, retail, housekeeping, logistics and IT support staff, subject to current employer demand and candidate availability.
How quickly can a temporary worker start?
Start times depend on the role, shift, checks, location and worker availability. Urgent requests can be discussed by calling 0118 230 4153, but a placement isn't confirmed until Staff Direct has matched a suitable worker.
How do I find agency work in Reading?
Browse Staff Direct's current vacancies, apply for a suitable role, and complete the required eligibility and role-specific checks. Assignments depend on current employer demand and candidate suitability.
Does Staff Direct offer part-time jobs in Reading?
Part-time and flexible roles may be available according to employer demand — check the current listings on our part-time jobs page.
Which areas near Reading do you cover?
Staff Direct serves Reading, Theale and surrounding Berkshire locations, subject to the requirements of each assignment and worker availability.
What checks do temporary workers complete?
Checks typically include identity verification and right-to-work documentation, with references and role-specific qualifications or licences added where the role requires them.
Do you offer temp-to-perm and direct-hire staffing?
Yes. Temp-to-perm lets an employer and worker assess fit through an initial assignment before a permanent offer, while direct-hire staffing is arranged directly with the team from the outset.
What should I compare when choosing recruitment agencies in Reading?
Look at sector fit, screening quality, response speed, transparent terms, ongoing worker support and replacement policy, rather than rankings alone.
How can Reading employers request staff?
Call 0118 230 4153, email [email protected], or submit your requirement through our employer enquiry page.
Visit or Contact Staff Direct in the Reading Area
Arlington Business Park
Theale
Reading RG7 4SA
Telephone: 0118 230 4153
Email: [email protected]
Website: staff-direct.co.uk
Appointments may be required — please call ahead before visiting.
Open Arlington Business Park in Google MapsHow Staff Direct Supports Employers and Candidates
A short overview of how Staff Direct works with local employers to fill temporary and permanent roles.
An introduction to the staffing process from a candidate's point of view, from registration through to a first shift.
Recruitment Advice and Useful Resources
Free guides for Reading employers and candidates, built from real hiring and onboarding practice.
Temporary Staff Booking Checklist
Job title, site address, shift times, PPE, pay and timesheet approval — everything to confirm before a booking is placed.
Download the Reading temporary staff booking checklist →Reading Job-Seeker Registration Checklist
What to have ready — CV, right-to-work documents, references and availability — before registering for agency work.
Get the registration checklist →Reading Temporary Staffing Cost Guide
An explanation of the components behind a staffing quote: pay, holiday pay, employer National Insurance, pension and agency margin.
Read the cost guide →First-Shift Induction Checklist
A simple checklist covering arrival, supervisor contact, PPE, manual handling and clocking in for a worker's first day.
View the induction checklist →Interview Scorecard
An editable scorecard covering role skills, reliability, communication and availability, used to keep candidate assessment consistent.
Request the scorecard →Reading Hiring Trends Briefing
A periodic briefing built from published ONS and NOMIS data, with methodology and sources so local businesses and journalists can cite it directly.
Read the hiring trends briefing →