Crossword Genius

Mould made by casual worker behind schedule (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

template

'mould' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'by casual worker behind schedule' is the wordplay.
'by' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'casual worker' becomes 'temp' (short-term or temporary worker).
'behind schedule' becomes 'late' (running late).
'temp'+'late' is 'TEMPLATE'.

'made' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for template that I've seen before include "Pattern or mould" , "Model, example to follow" , "Something used as a pattern" , "Pattern shape" , "Shaped pattern" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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