Labour Shortages and Staff Retention

August 2024

What is the Problem?

It is all about planning and future-proofing so your business can thrive. Here are some tips on how to retain staff.

Cross training– Giving a person in another position the opportunity to gain skills and shadow/work with people in other roles. This will up skill and motivate people to stay within your organisation but allows them to step up when a coworker needs time off.

Workers Flexibility– This might be more tricky in some industries but there is always a way to be more flexible. Businesses that require a rota could implement a shift swap option to make staff shifts more versatile. If it is office-based, giving the option of flexible working hours or hybrid working can make the job more appealing. You don’t have to commit indefinitely, how about a trial month?

Give Younger People Opportunities- All the students have broken up, this is a prime opportunity to give them a chance at your organisation. Why don’t you line up work experience for students over the summer with the hopes of introducing one or two into an apprenticeship?

Brand New Career Hub

A new Devon County Council Skills and Employment Hub has opened in Barnstaple Library. The management team informed us that after COVID many young people in the area did not manage to get qualifications due to mental health reasons. Unfortunately, circumstances have left a younger demographic struggling to find work due to the limited experience and qualifications on their CV.

Looking for Businesses that:

• Allow young people to experience the workplace with no extra commitment.

• Are willing to take on apprentices with fewer qualifications and more practical skill sets.

• Give opportunities for young adults, by facilitating free internship roles to find them a permanent role.

• Will receive extra support from both the young people and businesses for an easy transition.

Sometimes all it takes is to be given a chance to turn a young person’s life around, and in return, you get a grateful, hardworking, and committed worker in your organisation.

Rural Prosperity Grant Funding

If your organisation operates in an area with a population <10,000 your business could be eligible for the rural prosperity grant. You can apply for either £2000-£10,000 or £10,001-£35,000. The difference between the funding pots is the match funding required, either 10% or 20% respectively.  

We have helped clients through this process and were awarded an extensive sum for solar panels and improved efficiency refrigeration units.  This grant is only open until 30/11/2024, we would like to get as many clients as possible through the process before the funding is closed.  

Call to Action

• Have a review with leaders of your organisation and find the areas that you could implement more sustainable practices to save your organisation money.

• Get in touch with the Skills and Employment Hub about how they can find you a good candidate for your business.

  
  

• Follow us on LinkedIn to keep up to date on our movements.

Save the Date

361 Energy Fair: 29th September

NDVS & CAG Skills Share: 14th September

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