Overview

Slivers-of Time Limited was a pioneering workforce technology company that developed digital platforms to connect organizations with people looking for short, irregular bursts of work. Originally focused on matching temporary volunteers and casual staff with local authorities and NHS trusts, the system aimed to provide infrastructure for non-standard, hourly labor. The organization eventually splintered and concluded its operations in its original form.

Founder story

Founded in the mid-2000s in the UK, Slivers-of Time was created to leverage the digital potential of the 'non-standard' labor market. It received backing from several UK government agencies, including the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the NHS, before eventually splitting into different organizations as it navigated the complexities of welfare integration and commercial acquisition.

What it does

• Provided a digital matching platform connecting employers needing temporary, hourly staff with individuals seeking irregular work opportunities
• Developed infrastructure designed to support non-standard employment for people with fluctuating availability or personal commitments
• Enabled local government and public sector organizations to manage temporary volunteer and casual labor needs efficiently
• Offered a structured approach for flexible labor, focusing on protection and progression for workers outside traditional full-time employment models.

Who it's for

• Local Authorities
• NHS Trusts
• Private sector employers
• Casual laborers and volunteers

Why it works

• The platform addressed the specific needs of individuals who could not commit to full-time roles due to life commitments but sought productive hourly work
• It provided a formal, protected alternative to exploitative gig work apps and unmonitored 'cash-in-hand' labor markets
• Its integration with public sector systems helped agencies manage fragmented staffing requirements in a highly organized, transparent manner
• By focusing on 'slivers' of time, it unlocked a hidden labor pool of adults who were effectively sidelined by traditional workforce scheduling tools.

Growth strategies

• Partnering with government agencies and local authorities to establish the platform as a public infrastructure utility.
• Transitioning into welfare- integrated software systems to support wider employment initiatives.
• Open- sourcing technology to allow for non-profit implementation in diverse regions like the US.
• Targeting organizations with high- volume, low-skill, or temporary staffing demands like healthcare and retail.

Alternatives

• Deputy
• Indeed Flex
• Shiftboard
• Workstream

Comparison overview

• Slivers-of Time focused on public-sector infrastructure for casual hourly labor, whereas modern alternatives like Deputy or Indeed Flex are commercial platforms optimized for broader enterprise workforce scheduling and gig-economy staffing.