Temp-to-Perm Fees: What Nursery Managers Need to Know

Finding great nursery staff is tough, and when a temp fits your team perfectly, it is only natural to want to secure them permanently. The "temp-to-perm" route is a brilliant way to trial staff before making a commitment.

However, we regularly encounter a common misconception among nursery managers regarding how agency introduction fees work—particularly when a temporary worker finishes their assignment.

To keep things transparent and help you avoid unexpected costs, here is a straightforward guide to how the transition works, and how you can actually avoid the fees entirely.

The Common Myth: "But they applied directly!"

Some managers assume that because the candidate initiated the new application independently, or because they "resigned" from the agency, no fee is due.

The reality: If an agency supplied the worker to your setting, an introduction has contractually occurred. The candidate's subsequent resignation or direct application does not erase that initial introduction. Hiring them directly without following the agreed transition process will trigger an introduction fee.

Nexter’s Clear Guidelines

We believe in upfront, transparent partnerships. To keep your hiring budget predictable, here is exactly how our terms operate:

Agreed Introduction Fees: If you choose to take a Nexter temp onto your permanent payroll, the standard agreed introduction fee is 10% of their annual salary (+VAT).
The Zero-Fee Route (12 Weeks' Notice): You can completely avoid temp-to-perm introduction fees. If you wish to take a temp on permanently, simply give us 12 weeks' notice via the timesheet. They will continue as a temp during this notice period, after which they can transition to your team with £0 introduction fees. You simply let us know when to start the 12 week counter and use them on timesheet for the contracted hours for 12 weeks.
The "Non-Agreed" Fee: Hiring our staff directly to your permanent or bank team outside of the above agreements (without the 12 weeks' notice or the agreed 10% fee arrangement) results in a flat £4,000 + VAT non-agreed fee.

Keeping Operations Smooth

While we are on the subject of efficiency, a quick reminder of the operational basics that keep our partnership running smoothly:

Payment Terms: We pay our temporary staff weekly to ensure high retention and reliability. We kindly ask that clients settle invoices within our 14-day terms.
Shift Minimums & Cancellations: Our minimum booking is 4 hours per shift (shorter shifts are available for ongoing, pre-booked contracts). Same-day cancellations do incur a 4-hour cancellation fee to ensure our staff are fairly compensated for reserved time.
Rate Reviews: Hourly charge rates increase annually in April.

Transparency First

Our goal is to support your the smooth running of your setting, whether you need a temp for a afternoon or a permanent team leader for the next five years. Understanding these terms ensures there are no surprises on either side.

The full, comprehensive breakdown of how we work can always be reviewed at www.nexter.co.uk/terms.

Need to book a shift or discuss a permanent transition? Our desks are open from 7:00 AM weekdays. Call or WhatsApp our teams directly:

London: 020 3337 6363
Yorkshire: 0113 3280 668

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June 2026 - Nick Breeze