Shropshire bosses among the most likely to increase workforce
A leading Shropshire employment specialist today said county bosses were among those most likely to increase their workforce in the next 12 months despite soaring jobless figures nationally.
Paul Bennett, of Bennett’s Legal, who also runs Bennett Hawkins recruitment, said a survey by the Chartered Management Institute had revealed that less than a fifth of bosses said they were looking to reduce their workforce giving hope to those hunting for jobs.
The CMI announcement was based on a poll of 462 firms in the UK conducted by the Confederation of British Industries (CBI) which found that just 19 per cent are preparing to make job cuts.
Mr Bennett said they had even seen a more positive picture in Shropshire during recent recruitment processes.
The figures from the CBI study do contrast sharply with recent data published by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, which highlighted a contraction in the job market for the first time in two years but Mr Bennett stressed there was a better outlook locally and bosses should feel confident to continue hiring more staff.
"Small firms with fewer than 250 employees were the most likely to be looking to expand their workforce in the recent research," he said.
"This represents the majority of Shrewsbury-based businesses, but for those who are concerned about increasing their workforce in the current climate despite an urgent need to do so we can help.
"Here at Bennett Hawkins we are advising our clients to take a minimum of a six-month view with regards to their recruitment needs – permanent or project-based.
"To that end we have focused on recruiting some project workers, self-employed contractors and fixed term employees recently for clients who are unsure about increasing their employees.
"We believe Shropshire businesses should feel a sense of confidence and we investment in the jobs sector in the right way we think the outlook will continue to improve."
For those who are looking for office roles Bennett Hawkins Recruitment Services LLP is holding a candidate registration day for office workers at its Shrewsbury office on Thursday, December 8.
To book your place please contact Shane Hawkins or Paul Bennett on 0844 472 7069.
