As many as 500 roles are left unfilled across the Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Leicestershire, South Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire regions for Essential Recruitment’s client companies. 

Issues with staff availability indicate a serious shortage of festive products including Christmas puddings, vegetables and gift sets.

Supply chain issues in the UK caused by a combination of staff absences from covid cases, the furlough scheme, Brexit and other factors have already impacted large chains such as Wetherspoons, Greggs and McDonalds as well as a spate of empty supermarket shelves.

Many employers have increased their rates of pay in an effort to attract new candidates into the Logistics and Warehousing industries, with many paying £10+ for entry level picking and packing roles, however candidates are increasingly opting for part time, flexible or work from home roles.

The companies struggling to meet production targets in the run up to the festive season are concerned that they won’t be able to meet demand for their products, resulting in empty supermarket shelves and disappointed customer’s being left without their essential Christmas items.

We’ve been liaising closely with the Jobcentre to resource staff, however a contact told us that a high number of ‘jobseekers’ are failing to attend their appointments, citing “they are happy stopping at home”.

You are desperately urged to work in the Logistics industry if you are unemployed to ensure production can continue in Autumn/Winter.

Roles are available for those 18+, male or female, and many require absolutely no experience. Candidates seeking work in South Yorkshire and the Midlands should contact Essential Recruitment on info@essentialrecruitment.co.uk or browse our vacancies here