Skip to content
English
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

Quarantine period explanation

Understand how hiring a candidate permanently affects you, as set out in the Conduct Regulations 2003.

Overview

This article explains how the 8–14 week rule applies when a hirer wishes to offer a permanent position to a temporary worker supplied by Step Teachers. It also outlines when a transfer fee is applicable, based on our contract terms and government guidance.

 

When Can a Transfer Fee Be Charged?

A transfer fee is applicable only if all the following conditions are met:
 
  1. Contractual Option to Extend:
    The contract with the hirer includes an option to extend the worker’s assignment.
  2. Option Not Exercised:
    The hirer does not take the option to extend the assignment.
  3. Direct Hire Timing:
    The hirer offers the worker a permanent position either:
    • Less than 8 weeks after the end of the worker’s assignment, or
    • Less than 14 weeks from the start of the assignment (whichever date is later).
 

If a worker has multiple assignments with a hirer and there is a gap of more than 42 days between assignments, the later assignment is considered the "first" for the purpose of this rule.

 

How This Relates to Step Teachers’ Contract Terms

Step Teachers follows government guidance but applies the extended period of hire outlined in our contracts, which differs from the 6 weeks used in government examples. Step Teachers exercise an extended period of 26 weeks.
 
This rule is only considered after a booking has ended. If the assignment is ongoing, the rule does not apply.
 

Calculator

Enter the assignment dates below to find out when the transfer fee period ends.



 

Examples

Example 1 – 14-Week Rule Applies:
  • A worker is supplied for 4 weeks.
  • The hirer wants to offer a permanent job immediately.
  • The contract requires a 26-week extended hire period to avoid a fee.
  • The hirer can:
    • Pay the transfer fee now, or
    • Continue the assignment for 26 weeks, or
    • End the assignment and wait 10 weeks before hiring directly.
Example 2 – 8-Week Rule Applies:
  • A worker is supplied for 14 weeks.
  • The hirer wants to offer a permanent job immediately after.
  • The contract still includes a 26-week extended hire requirement.
  • The hirer can:
    • Pay the transfer fee now, or
    • Continue the assignment for 26 weeks, or
    • End the assignment and wait 8 weeks before hiring directly.
 

Reference and Terms

You can view our full Terms of Business, which outline the relevant periods and contract clauses.