The Barclays Employers’ Survey 2015, which questioned over 660 UK businesses, has revealed that 48% of North West companies are planning to take on new staff.
When looking at the types of roles local businesses are looking to fill, middle and junior management employees continue to be the most in demand across businesses of all sizes, with 93% of hiring businesses planning to hire at this level.Gemma Sofield is head of Four HR, part of the Four Recruitment group specialising in HR recruitment she commented: “We’ve certainly noticed this trend in our business. The number of registered candidates on our database has increased by 100% however the roles we are recruiting for are of a more senior nature i.e. learning and development managers and HR business partners.
“There are some fantastic opportunities for candidates in some great businesses across Lancashire and not just in the main centres, which is really encouraging, no longer are senior candidates having to travel longer distances to get the right role.”The survey also found that a quarter (26%) of local businesses reported skills shortages, with over half (51%) saying the majority was lacking in their main business activity. Gemma added: “The skills shortage can be an issue, however, we have found that there are some great candidates throughout Lancashire, who have stayed put during the recession and are now looking for the right role in the right company. Its just a question of ensuring you offer them the right package and get them to really buy in to your employer brand.”