Salaries and costs
Worthing employers tend to see entry-level admin salaries from £20,000 to £24,000. Coordinators and senior administrators often earn between £24,000 and £30,000. Office managers can earn between £28,000 and £35,000, depending on the scope of their duties. Temp pay rates for general admin often run at £11 to £14 per hour. Executive PAs or specialist roles can command higher rates. Recruitment fees for permanent placements often range from 12 to 18 percent of the basic salary. Temp agency costs include pay, holiday accrual, employer NI, pension, and margin. A typical all-in charge for a competent temp administrator may range from £15 to £20 per hour, depending on notice, software skills, and the length of the booking.
Qualifications
Most admin hires ask for confident MS Office use, speedy and accurate typing, and clear written English. NVQs or City & Guilds qualifications in Business Administration are suitable for the junior level. AAT or strong Excel may be requested for a finance admin. Schools and healthcare settings often ask for DBS checks. Some executive offices seek shorthand, time management evidence, and diary control across multiple calendars.
Roles and career paths
Recruitment agencies will cover receptionists, data entry clerks, office assistants, personal assistants, team administrators, document controllers, and office managers. Finance admin and HR admin remain steady needs across Worthing. Career paths can move from reception to team admin, then to senior admin, and finally to office manager. Strong project exposure can open doors to PMO support or operations coordinator roles. PAs can progress to EA or chief of staff in growing firms.
Hiring challenges
Local employers often want proven systems knowledge, yet many candidates come from varied software stacks. Clear training plans can widen the net. Part-time hours remain popular with Worthing jobseekers, which can make full-time cover a pinch point. Short-notice front desk cover is a frequent pain. Good agencies keep a bench of temps ready to step in. Salary drift from Brighton and Crawley can pull experienced staff away unless pay and progression are clear.
Regional or geographic variations
Worthing serves a mixed economy tied to the A27 and A24 corridors. The A259 links coastal offices across Shoreham, Lancing, Goring by Sea, and Littlehampton. Worthing Station offers Southern services to Brighton, London Victoria, and Portsmouth. Business clusters include town centre offices around Chapel Road and Liverpool Gardens. Durrington and Broadwater attract commuters who prefer shorter trips than those to Brighton. Travel times and parking can shape candidate acceptance, so mention this early in the brief.
Key sectors and employers in the region
Health, care, professional services, construction support, and retail head offices create steady admin hiring. Local employers range from SMEs on the A24 corridor to national brands with back office hubs near Worthing town centre. Schools and academies need attendance officers, exam officers, and reception support. Clinics and care groups often book ward clerks, rota admins, and patient coordinators. E-commerce and logistics near the coast add dispatch admin and customer service roles.
Temporary, permanent, and contract work
Temp agencies help with maternity cover, seasonal spikes, and project admin. Contract work suits document control, CRM migration, and audit prep. Permanent routes fit reception, PA, and office leadership roles. Employers can blend temp-to-perm when they want to trial-fit. Jobseekers gain access to hidden vacancies and faster interview slots by registering with recruitment consultants who speak with local businesses daily.
Salaries, pay rates, and agency costs
Be clear on salary or pay band, hours, location, and benefits. Share any parking, flexible start times, or hybrid options. For temps, agree on charge rate, minimum hours, notice, and overtime rules upfront. For permanent hiring, many employment firms work on contingency, with payment on start, though retained or executive search may be better suited for senior office managers or EAs who need discrete outreach.
Regulatory and compliance standards
Right-to-work checks are a given. Many schools and care settings want enhanced DBS. GDPR training and the safe handling of personal data are required for any post that touches HR, payroll, or patient details. Health and safety induction for reception and front of house should cover visitor logs and emergency procedures. Clear references and sickness history help front-line reception planning.
Quick facts and frequently asked questions
What do admin recruitment agencies in Worthing cover?
Everything from reception and general office admin to PAs, EAs, document control, and office management across local employers.
How fast can a temp start?
Same-day bookings are common for simple bookings when references are in place. The next day is typical for longer assignments.
Do agencies offer executive search for senior admin roles?
Yes. Executive search may be used for high-trust EAs, office managers, or chiefs of staff who require discretion and targeted outreach.
What fees should we budget for permanent admin hires?
Most recruiters quote a percentage of basic salary, commonly 12 to 18 percent for admin, with terms set out before the search begins.
Can job seekers register and get help with CVs?
Yes. Candidates can register with recruitment consultants, gain CV tips, and get interview guidance to improve callback rates.
Do schools and clinics need DBS for admin roles?
Many do. Agencies can help with checks and advise on placement timelines.