Prosper Spring

NEWS
BCC recruitment survey underlines scale
of job vacancies across all sectors
A new survey by the British Chambers of
Commerce (BCC) has revealed that firms are
facing the highest level of recruitment
difficulties on record.
The Quarterly Recruitment Outlook (QRO)
for Q4 2022 shows that attempted
recruitment remained virtually unchanged
from the previous quarter, with 61% of firms
looking to find staff (62% in Q3 2022).
Overall, over eight in ten firms (82%)
attempting to recruit reported recruitment
difficulties, up from 76% in Q3.
While the problem is persistent across all
sectors, firms in the hospitality sector are
most likely to face challenges when
recruiting, with 87% reporting difficulties.
This is closely followed by the manufacturing
sector on 85%, and the construction sector;
professional services; and public, education,
and health sector, all on 83%.
The recruitment pressure points vary
across sectors. For firms who struggled to
recruit in the construction sector, 73% faced
difficulties in finding skilled manual/
technical workers. However, for hospitality
businesses that struggled to recruit, 70%
faced difficulties in finding semi/unskilled
workers.
Investment in training remains low; less
than a quarter (24%) of firms reported an
increase in their investment plans over the
last three months. 60% reported no change
to their plans, while 16% of firms reported a
decrease.
Alex Veitch, director of Policy and Public
Affairs at the BCC, told Prosper: “These
findings show that British businesses are
facing the highest level of recruitment
difficulties on record. Instead of seeing any
easing of our extremely tight labour
market, this issue only continues to head in
the wrong direction.
“The Government needs to take a hard
look at a number of issues, including how
the Apprenticeship Levy works. Currently it
is unsuitable for many employers; we want
more flexibility introduced so employers can
support everyone in the workplace to get
the training they need.
“Access to childcare that is simple and
affordable would also remove barriers into
the workplace for many.
“Finally, Government must hear our calls
to reform the Shortage Occupation List to
help businesses fill urgent job vacancies
when they cannot recruit locally. The list
should more accurately reflect vacancies.”
Taylex Group
appointed NEC
official supplier
Halesowen-based events supplier,
Taylex Group, has been appointed
as an official supplier to the NEC.
The company has signed an
agreement with the NEC Group
which will see it expand its range of
production services to support
agencies, organisers, exhibiting
brands and contractors.
Servicing increased client demand
for additional exhibition and event
production solutions, Taylex Group
offers an expanded team based at
the NEC, complementing its
extensive 30,000sqm HQ and
production facility based in
Halesowen.
As a local, family business with a
stellar 15-year history, Taylex Group
excels in design and project
management resulting in the
creation of top-quality event
environments for the likes of Visa,
Kawasaki, Betby, Birmingham 2022
Commonwealth Games, Frieze
London and BST Hyde Park.
More at https://taylex.co.uk
Abigail breaks
new ground at
Thomas Dudley
Thomas Dudley, the 100-year-old family business, has appointed its first female
engineering apprentice after Abigail Brown joined as a toolroom apprentice.
Abigail is currently in her second year at Dudley College where she is studying a Level
3 Tool & Die qualification with plans to progress onto HNC level 4.
When asked why she chose engineering and an apprenticeship, Abigail said, “My
brother is in the industry and inspired me to do something that a lot of females
wouldn’t do. I want to show that women can be engineers and can excel within the
industry. I find being a toolmaker intriguing and there is always something new to
solve each day. I am also not afraid to get stuck in and get my hands dirty. I would
100% recommend engineering and toolmaking to other females”.
14 PROSPER SPRING 2023