Join NursLink in Exploring the pros and cons of agency work vs permanent roles for nurses, HCAs, support workers & MHSWs in the UK. Let’s find out which suits you best!
Agency Work vs Permanent Roles: What’s Right for You?
Choosing between agency work and a permanent role is one of the biggest career decisions for healthcare staff in 2026.
Whether you’re a nurse, healthcare assistant, support worker, or social carer, each path comes with its own set of opportunities, challenges, and rewards.
The key to deciding what suits you is understanding the differences in each type of work, and choosing the path that leads to a sustainable, fulfilling career.
Flexibility and Autonomy: The Agency Advantage
One of the most obvious benefits of agency work is flexibility. Agency nurses, HCAs, and MHSWs often have more control over:
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Shift selection and working hours: you can choose shifts that fit into your schedule.
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Variety of clinical experience: exposure to different wards, specialties, and care settings.
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Work-life balance: ideal for those of you who are balancing family, study, travel or other commitments.
Agency roles also allow you to explore different types of healthcare settings, from mental health units to community nursing, without committing to a single permanent post.
For many, this flexibility gives them control over their career direction and pace, and can help to prevent burnout and feeling “stuck” in a job.
*pro tip: it also helps to eliminate the infamous Sunday Scaries when you can ensure your schedule never has you working Monday!*
Stability and Progression: The Permanent Path
Although agency work definitely has it’s perks, permanent positions remain a cornerstone of the UK healthcare workforce for a reason.
While flexibility and work-life balance is a priority for some, the stability and benefits of a permanent role can outweigh those perks for others…
Working in a permanent healthcare position comes with:
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Guaranteed income and benefits: annual leave, sick pay, and pensions are typically more robust.
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Structured career development: permanent staff can access internal training, promotions, and leadership opportunities.
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Stronger team integration: consistent relationships with colleagues and managers can improve continuity of care.
For nurses, HCAs, and support workers who value stability and a clear career path, permanent roles can provide the security and progression that make planning your future easier!
Financial Considerations: Agency vs Permanent Pay
We can’t ignore one major reason we get up and go to work in the morning (or evening if you’re on nights!), and that’s the amount landing in our bank accounts each month.
At the end of the day, financial incentives and pay rates often tip the scales for healthcare workers that are choosing between agency and permanent work:
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Agency pay rates tend to be higher per shift to compensate for lack of benefits and holiday pay.
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Permanent roles offer consistent monthly pay, benefits, and career progression incentives.
At NursLink, we help healthcare professionals understand their options and plan for sustainable earnings, whether they choose agency work with us, or decide on exploring permanent positions elsewhere.
So, which path is right for you!?
Unfortunately, there is no “one-size-fits-all” answer to that question.
For some, the flexibility of agency work is what keeps them passionate and motivated.
Being able to create their own schedules, earn a higher hourly rate, and experience new people and environments makes each shift exciting – while still enjoying the freedom to work life on their own terms.
Others prefer the stability of permanent roles, finding comfort in knowing exactly when and where they’ll be working each week.
They value the consistency of a familiar team and environment, along with the added perks of permanent employment, such as sick pay, pensions, and supported professional development.
At the end of the day…
Many healthcare workers will find themselves working across both agency and permanent roles at different points in their careers.
The key is understanding what’s right for you at this moment – what fits your life, your goals, and what makes you happy.
So if a permanent role is right for you in 2026, go out and get it! And if you’re thinking about trying agency… well, maybe it’s time to give NursLink a call.
