Search fills pole position

Search Consultancy, the UK based total recruitment solutions agency, is behind the recent influx of workers, many of whom have been brought to Scotland to be employed in the manufacturing and hospitality industries as companies gear up for the festive season.

Julie Inglis, Searchís Divisional Manager for Industrial (Scotland) said, ìUnemployment is relatively low in many rural areas, so it is often necessary to look elsewhere to recruit the volume of workers our clients need to get them through the busiest time of the year.

ìWith a population of around 40million, Poland suffers from high unemployment so we are able to offer some of these people good jobs, with competitive salaries. These are jobs which canít be filled locally so temporary immigrant workers also help us meet the needs of our clients, allowing rural businesses to maintain essential recruitment flexibility throughout the year.î

Search takes a very personal interest in each of the workers, and in partnership with its facilities management company, PPS, ensures that each worker is housed in suitable accommodation near where they are working.

Julie added, ìThe arrival of the Polish workers has had a significant positive impact on Scottish rural tourism, which has seen a substantial late-season boost for temporary accommodation bookings at a time of year which is traditionally quiet.î

Search also wants to ensure that the Polish workers have an enjoyable time in Scotland, and are made to feel part of the local community. Each employee is given a welcome pack on arrival and they have been introduced to the well-established Polish Club in Glasgow. Qualified interpreters are also on hand, although many of the workers already speak more than one language.

A Scotland v Poland football match was organised for September, and in some areas, the local community has taken the initiative by arranging for a committee to welcome the visitors at a reception.

Julie Inglis said, ìWe are delighted with the success of this project so far. The Polish workers are all highly motivated and hardworking and our clients are already seeing an increase in productivity.

Julie Ingles of Search Consultancy added, Ö..

ìThe three months before Christmas is peak season for many manufacturing and hospitality sector employers, but in some cases, there is simply not enough of an available workforce in their local areas to satisfy seasonal demand. The Polish solution is proving to be a winner for all concerned.î

For Search, bringing the Polish workers to Scotland has been more than a recruitment exercise. Julie explained, ìWe are taking our responsibility of bringing these people to Scotland very seriously. Each individualís case is reviewed on a fortnightly basis to ensure that they are content in their accommodation, and they are enjoying their experience in Scotland.

ìOur clients are also delighted with the standard and productivity of their new temporary workers. The alternative would have been to bus people in from other Scottish cities which is expensive, time-consuming and, frankly, unappealing to most Scots. We have already been approached by a number of other clients, with a view to us providing similar solutions for them.

ìFar from taking jobs away from Scots therefore, this initiative is helping safeguard rural businesses by making sure they get the flexible labour resources they need to prosper through the peaks and troughs of business demand.î