The Summer Surge Is Coming… And It’s Not Just the Weather For many businesses, it means a sharp increase in demand – and pressure on workforces to keep up. From staycations and sporting events to DIY projects and food trends, multiple sectors are set to experience significant peaks over the coming months. The challenge? Meeting…
A Big Thank You to Everyone Who Donated to our Burton YMCA Foodbank Collection During May, we invited local businesses and our Essential staff members to collect essential food and toiletry items for the Burton YMCA, that can be bundled into emergency food parcels. Overall, we collected 9 bags of food donations, and made a…
It’s that time of the year again… The sun’s out, calendars are filling up… and the out of office replies are about to start rolling in. But the question is – how much of your workforce will be heading for a summer break? In 2026 we’re a Staycation Nation Despite rising fuel prices, holidays aren’t…
Congratulations to our winner Erika! Erika has come out on top with an incredible 104 votes!! A huge well done Erika, you should be really proud of yourself! Keep up the fab work. Candidate Name: ErikaBranch: Worksop Nomination Statement: “A huge congratulations to Erika, our Vernacare Hero of the Month nominee . Erika has been…
Industrial recruitment isn’t just about filling shifts — it’s about keeping production moving, meeting deadlines and protecting your reputation. When a line stops or a shift is short, the impact is immediate. That’s why businesses across the Midlands and South Yorkshire rely on Essential Recruitment for fast, reliable and work‑ready industrial staff. From urgent same‑day…
Local expertise is one of the biggest advantages an employer gains when partnering with Essential Recruitment. With branches across the Midlands and South Yorkshire – including Burton-on-Trent, Barnsley, Doncaster, Chesterfield, Worksop and J27 Nottingham – we’re embedded in the communities we serve. This gives us a level of insight, speed and accuracy that national agencies…
At Essential Recruitment, we’re proud to be supporting the incredible work of the Burton YMCA Food Bank – and we’re inviting local businesses and community members to join us in making a real difference. The Food Bank provides vital support to individuals and families across Burton who are facing hardship. With 2,225 emergency food parcels…
We often see jobs that pay the national living/minimum wage advertising an hourly rate, but have you ever wondered what your annual salary would be? Here’s a breakdown of what you’d be earning… The below salaries are based on the National Living Wage for 21+ years, with the standard full time working hours…
“It’s Coming Home” But will your employees stay at home? Google searches for “reasons to call in sick at work” rose by 54% during the England vs Belgium World Cup match in 2018 34.2 million Brits admit to skipping work or responsibilities to watch sporting events. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon and…
AI is making it’s stance within the recruitment industry, with more and more recruiters and employers choosing to stream their hiring process through the technology. In this blog, we’ll unpack the ethical questions surrounding AI and challenge the role it plays in today’s business landscape. Here’s what we’ll be diving into: What happens to the…
Congratulations to our winner Leighton! Leighton smashed the competition with an incredible 108 votes – well done, and keep up the brilliant work 🙂 Name: Leighton Branch: Chesterfield Nomination Statement: “We have nominated Leighton for Hero of the Month as he is extremely hardworking and very reliable. He’s been brilliant!” Huge well done to our…
The cost to employ someone has got more expensive. Recent increases in the living and minimum wage, plus changes to statutory sick pay and other compliance costs are putting extra financial pressure on employers. Traditional approaches of a fixed permanent workforce may strain your cash flow and limit your flexibility – especially if you have…
Two of our team laced up their trainers to go the distance for Anti-Slavery International This year, we were lucky to receive two more charity places on the London Landmarks Half Marathon. On the 12th April, our Operations Director Lauren and Barnsley Branch Manager Summer completed the 13 mile run in our capital city, raising…
Congratulations to our winner Collins! Well done Collins – keep up the brilliant work! Name: Collins Branch: Burton Nomination Statement: “I would like to recognise Collins for his outstanding work ethic in production. His performance this week has been exemplary. He consistently supports his team, not only by excelling in his own role, but also…
Congratulations to our winner… Huge congratulations to our Heroes of the Month – Kristian and James!! They received a huge 97 votes across Facebook & LinkedIn – well done guys!!!! You should be super proud! Name: Kristian and James Branch: Junction 27 Nomination Statement: “Both Kristian and James have been nominated as they are extremely…
From April 2026, major changes to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) under the Employment Rights Act will fundamentally alter how sickness absence impacts employers. While the intention is to create fairer access to sick pay, could absence become more frequent? And more expensive? What is changing? Day-one entitlement: SSP will be payable from the first day…
Major Legal Changes on the Horizon! The Employment Rights Bill has become law, formally agreed to make the Bill into an Act of Parliament. The employment law changes in this Act will take place over a 2 year period, with most changes happening in 2026 and 2027*, including:Â *Some of these changes are still going…
Congratulations to our winner McGill! Massive well done McGill, keep up the great work – you should be really proud of yourself! Name: McGillBranch: Doncaster Nomination Statement:“We have nominated McGill for his excellent attendance and always going above and beyond. He gives his all to the job and has never let us down!” Huge well…
Congratulations to our winner Rachel! Rachel beat the competition with an amazing 190 votes! Huge well done Rachel, keep up the brilliant work 🙂 Name: Rachel Riley Branch: Worksop  Nomination Statement: “Rachel has only been with us for such a short amount of time but in that time shes got on cracking with our…
Unemployment in Nottingham is rising – but what does that really mean for local employers? UK unemployment has risen to 5% – but what does that really look like locally? National figures only tell part of the story. When we look closer at our key recruiting areas, the picture changes – with higher unemployment rates…
Can you afford NOT to use an agency? A lot of companies will prefer not to use a third party to help with their recruitment needs due to the perceived costs, and of course! We all want to save time and money! However, handling the recruitment process internally may not always save you money. Let’s…
Congratulations to our November Hero of the Month winner Steve! Huge well done to Steve – our November Hero of the Month!! Steve has beat the competition with 75 votes (across Facebook & LinkedIn), and with such an amazing nomination statement we can see why! Well done Steve, you should be really proud of yourself…
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, announced in her Autumn Budget that the National Living Wage from April 1st 2025 will increase to ÂŁ12.71 per hour. The new rate will see a 4.1% increase on the living wage, rising 50p per hour from ÂŁ12.21 per hour. The Government has advised that this is to ensure the…
Millions are searching, but can you find the right one? According to StandOut CV, 9.8 million employed people are actively looking for work every day in the UK. With that many jobseekers, you’d think employers would have their pick, so why is it constantly a challenge to find the right candidate? What’s really going on…
Are you thinking of hiring Warehouse Staff in the Goole area in the near or distant future? We’ve delved into the labour market to bring you the stats that you need to know before you’ve even started writing your job advert. Â For example: Did you know the average salary for a Warehouse Operative in…
At Essential Recruitment we’re committed to supporting the communities we work in – which is why we’re delighted to once again sponsor the Burton Albion Community Trust Holiday Football Camp! These holiday camps are an incredible opportunity for local children to stay active during school breaks. Perfect for players of all abilities, the camps combine…
Congratulations to our October Hero of the Month winner Callum! Well deserved, Callum! After reading such a glowing nomination statement, we couldn’t agree more! Name: Callum Branch: Barnsley  Nomination Statement: “We would like to nominate Callum as our HOTM, since joining he has never been hesitant to get stuck in, tackling every job no…
New recent figures from the Office for National Statistics show that tens of thousands of working age people in Doncaster are ‘economically inactive’. Doncaster Free Press have reported that, from year to June, 46,649 working-age people in Doncaster were economically inactive. At 24.8%, Doncaster’s economically inactive are higher than the average across Yorkshire and The…
Our annual awards night was held on the 11th October and brought all the glitz and glamour we have come to expect from recent years! We hosted our event at the Casa Hotel in Chesterfield, with entertainment provided by The Fun Experts – including Dance Mats, a selfie mirror and a Mario Kart station! As…
MODERN SLAVERY STILL EXISTS IN 2025 What have we been up to? During Anti-Slavery Week (13th–19th October 2025), we’ve been onsite with some of our GLAA clients, including Griffith Foods, IVC Brunel Healthcare and PPS, delivering delicious goodies alongside important information about the signs of modern slavery. For context, the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA)…
2025 In April this year our Operations Managers Rob and Lauren took on the challenge of the London Landmarks Half Marathon for Anti Slavery International: Raising over ÂŁ1700! 2025/2026 Our Compliance Officer Frankie and Training & Development Director Lisa have signed up for a fitness challenge fundraiser, to reach 80km, throughout October in order to…
In 2024, over 19,125 potential victims of modern slavery in the UK were referred to the authorities. 31% of all of these were children Most common forms of slavery in the UK: Sources: Anti-Slavery International /Â UK Government Read about recent cases of modern slavery in the UK:
Congratulations to our September Hero of the Month winner Mac! Huge congratulations Mac! Keep up the brilliant work – we hope you enjoy your prize 🙂 Name: Mac Branch: Burton Nomination Statement: “Mac has been working for us for a few months and has fit in straight away. He always goes above and beyond in…
Congratulations to our August Hero of the Month winner Brandon! Well done Brandon – very well deserved! Name: Brandon Branch: Ilkeston Nomination Statement: “I would like to nominate Brandon for Hero of the Month. Since joining us on 23/06/2025, Brandon has proved his worth within the alumina department. He came with some experience but not…
We recently welcomed Molly to the Chesterfield / Mansfield team – and the marketing team were eager to grab her for a chat! Here’s what they found out after a quick grilling 5 minute interview… What made you apply for the role at Essential Recruitment? “I applied to Essential because I was ready to build a career,…
Congratulations to our July Hero of the Month winner Katie! Katie has been crowned our July Hero of the Month after an incredible first week, impressing with her quick learning, dedication and glowing feedback from the team! Name: Katie Branch: Burton Nomination Statement: Client: “Katie is very efficient, quick learner and very into the job,…
Congratulations to our June Hero of the Month winner Caden! This recognition is extra special, as it marks Caden’s very first full-time job – and what an impression he’s made already! He’s smashed the competition this month – well done Caden! Name: CadenBranch: Mansfield Nomination Statement: “Caden has been nominated for Hero of the Month…
Spice Up Your Career in Somercotes! We’re thrilled to be cooking up opportunities with our long-term partner, Griffith Foods – a flavourful force in the world of sauces and seasonings, supplying some of the UK’s biggest names in retail and fast food. Based in Somercotes, Derbyshire, this site is easily reachable if you’re driving from…
Considering a role at Holland & Barrett? With this many great incentives, we’re not surprised! This well known British brand was formed in Hertfordshire in 1870, but now boast over 1,500 stores in 16 countries across Europe and Asia. We’re recruiting for their main distribution centre in Burton on Trent, which the company call ‘the…
Back in December 2021 we became a 100% Employee Owned business. Now, as we celebrate our third EO day, it feels like a good time to reflect on what we’ve learned, what’s changed, and what’s still to come Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulv A…
Matching skilled professionals to your permanent vacancies! Grace, Dana, and Charlie are a dedicated team of recruiters with a combined 27 years of experience, committed to helping businesses connect with skilled talent for their next permanent hire. The team’s service includes: A bespoke approach to your suit your individual requirements Understanding your requirements on a…
If you’re in HR, there’s a strong chance you will know this phrase already… but for everyone else – especially those looking to venture deeper into the culture side of things – here’s a breakdown of what EVP is, how you can build a great package for your company, and importantly, what NOT to do!…
Labour Market Stats from May 2025: We investigated in to the Nottinghamshire labour market for common industrial and commercial roles.  Warehouse Operatives Average Pay: ÂŁ12.67People seeking roles: 29, 095 (+1,392 vs April)Jobs posted: 174 (+3 vs April) Summary: The only role in this list to have received an influx of new candidates, however there…
Congratulations to our May Hero of the Month winner Michelle! Well done Michelle – you’ve absolutely smashed it with 141 votes!! Name: Michelle Branch: Worksop  Nomination Statement: “Michelle has had really good feedback from all departments within the business, and she has helped managers with projects and improvements as well as picking up jobs…
Icon Polymer, based in Retford, is a leading manufacturer offering long-term career prospects and growth opportunities within their team. The company produce highly engineered products utilising polymers which are used in sealing, containment, propulsion and protection systems worldwide.  There are opportunities for all, whether you’re just emerging into the industry or you have spent your entire career…
Congratulations to our April Hero of the Month winner Ricky! A massive congrats Ricky – wtith such a great nomination statement we can see why so many people got behind you! Well done 🙂 Name: RickyBranch: Mansfield Nomination Statement: “Ricky has been a brilliant asset since joining Alloga via Essential Recruitment. He fitted in with…
After a busy start to the year, employers in Doncaster are now settling into Q2 with a clearer picture of the local labour market and a fresh set of challenges to navigate. With key legislation taking effect, and local employment trends continuing to shift, it’s more important than ever for businesses to stay informed and…
As we move into April, employers continue to face a range of challenges that could impact their recruitment and workforce management strategies. From navigating new legislation to adjusting to ongoing economic changes, businesses must stay vigilant. This month, we’ll be highlighting key areas employers should focus on, including the latest changes to pay structures and…
From April 1st 2025, the National Living Wage and Minimum Wage are rising, but what does this mean for you? Here are the new rates, including a calculator you can use to check your new annual salary: What’s the difference? The National Living Wage is the lowest amount workers aged 21 and over can by…
Congratulations to our March Hero of the Month winner Oliver! A massive congratulations to Oliver who has smashed the competition with 282 votes!! Well done Oliver! Name: Oliver Branch: Worksop Nomination statement: “Oliver has been such a good worker for us since he started with us in January. No job is too big or too…
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