Salaries and Costs
Agency nurses working days in Crawley often see pay rates of £20 to £30 per hour, with nights and weekends higher. Healthcare assistants and support workers tend to earn between £12 to £15 per hour, with shift uplifts common. Senior roles like clinical leads or care home managers can range from £40,000 to £55,000, depending on service size and CQC history. Recruitment fees for permanent hires usually fall between 12 per cent and 20 per cent of basic salary, with rebates tied to early leavers. Temp charge rates reflect pay, holiday, pension, and agency costs, so clarify margins, minimum booking hours, and any cancellation terms before you sign. Employers should map budgets to rotas, and job seekers should keep compliance packs ready to avoid delays.
Qualifications
Agencies will ask for the right mix of qualifications and up-to-date training. Registered nurses need an NMC pin and recent CPD. HCAs and support workers benefit from the Care Certificate and up-to-date moving and handling. Allied health roles often require HCPC registration. Care managers and senior staff should be comfortable with CQC inspections and evidence-based audits. Many staffing agencies will direct candidates to refresher courses such as medication administration, infection prevention, and basic life support. Keeping proof of immunisations and DBS results to hand speeds up onboarding.
Regional or geographic variations
Crawley’s position near Gatwick Airport and the M23 shape shift patterns and travel time. Many services draw staff from Three Bridges, Ifield, Tilgate, and the nearby town of Horsham. Daytime community roles can be easier to fill close to bus routes, while late finishes often suit drivers based near Manor Royal or Broadfield. Recruiters will weigh travel time, parking, and rail links when proposing staff, so employers should flag on-site parking or shuttle options in advance.
Local hiring challenges
Demand spikes when winter pressures hit acute services and when private care homes open new units. Last-minute cover for one-to-one support can be tough at short notice. Some services require staff who are MAPA- or PMVA-trained in complex behaviours, which can narrow the pool. Agencies with deeper local benches can rotate regulars to support continuity. Employers who approve timesheets swiftly and offer prompt feedback tend to keep preferred candidates returning.
Key sectors or employers in the region
Crawley’s healthcare scene blends NHS providers, private hospitals, and a large care home network. Community services, domiciliary care, and supported living add steady demand for HCAs and senior carers. Employment firms with healthcare divisions support clinics across primary care, mental health, and theatres. Local businesses in life sciences and occupational health sometimes seek nurses for screening days or vaccination clinics, which adds to the day rate work in peak months.
Regulatory or compliance standards
Right-to-work checks, an enhanced DBS, and recent references sit at the core of every file. Many recruiters will request full immunisation histories for acute placements, including Hep B. For regulated activities, expect fit-and-proper checks aligned with CQC guidance. Payroll choices matter too. PAYE routes handle holiday pay and pension differently from umbrella models, so ask about payslips, AWR, and any admin charges in writing. Good recruitment agencies will keep audit trails tidy and remind workers when training or documents are due to expire.
Common job roles agencies recruit for
Typical requests include RGN ward nurses, RSCN and paediatric cover, theatre scrub and recovery, ODPs, and mental health nurses. Care homes often need seniors, team leaders, and night staff. Community services ask for HCAs with full UK driving licences for runs across the Crawley borough. Practice nurses, phlebotomists, and vaccinators are in demand as clinics scale up. Managers look for deputies, registered managers, and quality leads to ensure services remain steady before inspection windows.
Temporary, permanent, and contract work
Temp agencies handle last-minute shifts, block bookings, and holiday cover. Contract roles suit service openings, winter resilience, or projects like backlog clearance in theatres. Permanent hiring supports long-term retention, with recruiters shortlisting candidates based on culture, shift rotas, and pay bands. Jobseekers can register with an agency and set their availability, while employers can mix a core team with a flexible rota to keep safe staffing levels.
Market and workforce retention
The local job market moves with seasonal travel flows near Gatwick and with new housing across the borough. Retention improves when rotas are predictable, supervision is regular, and pay is clear. Agencies that provide fair notice, prompt payroll, and regular bookings tend to hold their workforce. Employers who offer early shift release times and safe staffing ratios often become preferred sites for candidates.
Quick facts and frequently asked questions
What recruitment fees apply to permanent hires?
Many healthcare recruiters charge 12 per cent to 20 per cent of basic salary, with a sliding rebate period.
Do healthcare recruitment agencies in Crawley supply last-minute cover?
Yes, most staffing agencies run on call for short-notice fill, subject to compliance and availability.
How fast can a new candidate be cleared for shifts?
If DBS, references, and training are up to date, many workers can be cleared within a few days.
What are typical temp pay rates for HCAs in Crawley?
Rates often sit near £12 to £15 per hour, with uplifts for nights and weekends.
Can agencies support CQC preparation for new managers?
Many recruiters know local inspectors’ focus areas and can supply interim leaders to stabilise services.
Are umbrella companies required for agency work?
No, many agencies offer PAYE, though some workers prefer an umbrella for certain expenses.