Lee Gamble, managing director of Berry Recruitment
The national shortage of workers is being exacerbated as companies over-produce due to ‘no-deal’ Brexit fears.
Berry Recruitment Group (BRG) says stockpiling in the last 12 months has led to more available work, especially in temporary positions.
While this is good news for those seeking employment it has added to the scarcity of able candidates, potentially impacting upon the economy.
Manufacturers particularly upped production as the prospect of a ‘no-deal’ Brexit increased and raised questions over their ability to source materials through their existing supply chains.
BRG, which works from almost 40 locations across England and Wales including Cardiff, said the situation is the same in all regions.
Lee Gamble, managing director of Berry Recruitment – one of the group’s three brands, which is headquartered in St Albans, Herts – said: “There has been a shortage of candidates – particularly temporary workers – for a number of years.
“This was caused by multiple reasons including a growing economy, but it has become worse in the last 12 months as companies prepare for a no-deal Brexit.
“They are over-producing so they have a reserve of stock should they find the post-Brexit landscape lined with hurdles and pit-falls.
“We are seeing an unprecedented demand and there are more opportunities than there are workers.
“It also means increased competition between recruitment companies for these workers and is a reason why we are successful.
“The temporary workers we employ are interviewed face-to-face and we consider that matching them to the right role is as important as matching permanent candidates to a role.
“Many temporary workers have been with us for decades because we get to know them, keep them in work, advise them properly in what skills they need and pay more than most.
“We are also working very closely with our UK-based EU workers to reassure them and make sure they are aware of their continued working rights via the EU Settlement Scheme.
“This is part of how we are attracting more workers than the competition.
“Also, agencies using automated systems that lead to much less personal contact with candidates are losing out, and we are benefiting.
“However, you can’t create candidates out of thin air and the longer the uncertainty continues the more problematic the situation will become.
“We’d love to be helping more workers – but there aren’t enough.”
Ends
Notes to journalists:
Berry Recruitment Group is a specialist recruitment group operating in the private and public sectors from close to 40 locations across the UK.
Employing more than 200 people, Berry achieved close to £69m turnover in 2018.
There are seven specialist Berry divisions covering office and professional, technical and IT, rail, construction, driving, industrial and catering and hospitality.
With its head office in St Albans, Hertfordshire, Berry was formed by recruitment industry experts including Tony Berry, former head of Blue Arrow and Manpower, and Ian Langley, former chairman and director of infrastructure recruitment specialist, Airswift Holdings.
Berry’s core group values include innovation, integrity and professionalism.
Tel: 01727 898650. Email: spencer.berry@berryrecruitment.co.uk
For more information contact Ed Baker, Account Director at Deep South Media on 01202 534487 or 07788392965
