 | Almost half of manufacturing and engineering firms in the Midlands plan to hire more staff this year, despite concerns over Brexit, rising employment costs and the threat of a talent shortage. That’s according to Consilium Recruit’s 2017 Manufacturing Salary Survey, which questioned the hiring plans of employers across the Midlands, finding 42% of manufacturing and engineering firms expect their headcount to rise this year. |
The automotive sector was also confident, with 46% expecting the number of employees to increase.
The remaining 54% predict their headcount to remain the same or decrease slightly, according to the Ledbury Reporter.
Automotive, aerospace and FMCG companies are confident that they’ll bring on more staff this year, in roles such as product and process engineering, design and quality functions.
However, this year’s figures show a hint of pessimism in the manufacturing sector, compared to 2016’s results.
Respondents say that slow international demand for UK manufactured goods and bearing the additional costs of the Apprentice Levy and National Living Wage could reverse manufacturing growth. Manufacturers are also demanding more clarity on UK visa policy post-Brexit.
Consilium Recruit Business Development Manager, Paul Gunnell, comments: "The main concern that continues to preoccupy industry is the shortage of engineering talent.
"With severe skills shortages across manufacturing and engineering at an all-time high the government needs to clarify visa policy so that growing firms can not only attract much-needed global talent to the UK workplace, but also assure those already domiciled here that they are welcome to stay."
Source: Recruitment Grapevine
The remaining 54% predict their headcount to remain the same or decrease slightly, according to the Ledbury Reporter.
Automotive, aerospace and FMCG companies are confident that they’ll bring on more staff this year, in roles such as product and process engineering, design and quality functions.
However, this year’s figures show a hint of pessimism in the manufacturing sector, compared to 2016’s results.
Respondents say that slow international demand for UK manufactured goods and bearing the additional costs of the Apprentice Levy and National Living Wage could reverse manufacturing growth. Manufacturers are also demanding more clarity on UK visa policy post-Brexit.
Consilium Recruit Business Development Manager, Paul Gunnell, comments: "The main concern that continues to preoccupy industry is the shortage of engineering talent.
"With severe skills shortages across manufacturing and engineering at an all-time high the government needs to clarify visa policy so that growing firms can not only attract much-needed global talent to the UK workplace, but also assure those already domiciled here that they are welcome to stay."
Source: Recruitment Grapevine
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