Pathfinder’s busy start to 2015 suggests that reliable personnel are going to be in major demand as our client ports look forward to an increase in business.
Activity at ports like Southampton, Portsmouth and Sheerness is already showing a significant rise compared to the corresponding period last year and that means plenty of opportunity for those seeking the flexibility of temporary or part-time work.
The additional requirement reflects both growth in business for our parent Independent Port Handling group and a rise in cargo volumes through ports in the South of England.
Already this year, we’ve seen some 950 roles required over a single week period in Southampton and 350 in the same period in Sheerness, and we’re actively recruiting for our South Coast and Sheerness-based operations as we look to add to the force of nearly 500 personnel already on our books. Indeed, demand is set to grow further as we plan ahead to the cruise ship season, which will start this Spring in ports like Southampton and Portsmouth.
The roles will be varied, from baggage handling to general stevedoring, and we’re also looking to expand our database of drivers, from cars to specialist cargo machinery operatives.
UK unemployment figures are reducing at an impressive rate and, according to Recruitment and Employment Confederation Chief Executive Kevin Green, one of the key factors is the attraction of flexible working. On any given day during the past year, it is estimated that 1.15 million people were working on a temporary or contract assignment secured via a recruitment agency.
At Pathfinder, we’re keen to play our part in offering employment and investing in the personnel that we recruit by providing them with the opportunity to enhance their skills. Over the next few months, we’ll be working hard to add to our labour database as we continue to build the business and expand our scope of activity.
We’re excited about the direction Pathfinder is heading and we’re convinced that 2015 is set to offer plenty of opportunity for our existing and potential workforce. If you want to find out more, come and talk to us.
