Research undertaken by office recruitment specialists, Tate, has identified that London is rapidly losing out to the rest of the UK when it comes to sourcing quality secretaries, PAís and receptionists, as there is now a significant quality staff shortage in the capital.
Independent analysis and research of trends in office and secretarial work, commisioned by Tate, has identified a so-called ëSecretarial Drainí away from London, and a number of reasons as to why this deficit has occurred. This includes dramatic rises in house prices and the cost of living, a more self sufficient workforce and increased competition from the regions.
Since 1996, 145,000 secretaries have been shed from the overall UK workforce due to an increase in technological developments, non-replacement of retirees and staff re-organisation, the changing and merging of roles and substantial adjustments to the way previous bosses worked.
However, London has been hit hardest with a massive 27% drop over the past ten years, the equivalent of more than 33,000 quality and highly qualified secretaries disappearing from the capitalís workforce. The figures make alarming reading for top executives in the city, who have traditionally demanded ëthe bestí.
This noticeable shift has been caused by a limited increase in pay for office trained staff, compared with highly inflated house prices in and around London. By comparison it seems that Londonís loss is the South Eastís gain, with the region experiencing a loss of secretarial staff that is only half the national average, and many of the premier candidates migrating there.
Managing director at Tate, Julia Robertson, comments: ìOur research found that the ratio of house prices to secretarial salaries has increased by a massive 118 per cent in 10 years. This suggests we are at crisis point in London, as more and more high quality secretaries choose to work outside London in a bid to reduce cost of living.
ìItís clear that secretaries have done their sums and voted with their feet. The only way to attract and retain is to stop thinking cheap and start thinking quality.î
The report also suggested ways in which Londonís employers might be able to buck the trend and continue to attract the best candidates. These included:
Provide a housing allowance for office talent in high priced areas
For staff needing to commute long distances, pay for a season ticket
Operate staggered working times where possible as travel is much cheaper after 9.30am across the UK
Where possible and practical, encourage some flexible and home working practices
Since 1985, Tate has grown through innovation, service excellence and passion. Tateís distinctively different approach consistently allows us to place the most able candidates into organisations which deserve their talents. It is a philosophy that touches each one of Tateís recruitment services, all underwritten by the companyís industry-unique 100 per cent satisfaction guarantee.
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London's losing out as secretarial drain reaches 'crisis point'!
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