Firms look further afield to recruit new employees

Firms look further afield to recruit new employees

FULL employment is forcing some companies to broaden their catchment area and offer flexible hours as they hunt for new talent.

Northwest London-based Somak Holidays has abandoned local recruitment in the search for people.

Managing director Stuart Britton said it now advertises nationally and makes more use of events such as Travel 2000.

He said: “Our catchment area, Harrow, used to be good. There are a few other travel firms in this area which have recently moved in and we now have to spread the net wider.

“We have started advertising nationally. It all used to be in the local paper and job centre, it was simple. Now it is not.”

Property has become very expensive in the area, making it difficult for employees to find accommodation.

The Africa and India specialist has also written to universities for graduates.

Graduates often do not stay long but they are bright and very willing, he added.

The firm employs 35 and is looking for an extra six or seven staff in marketing and product, as well as in telesales.

Travel 2000 is useful for raising the profile and monitoring other companies’ recruitment activities, as much as for direct recruitment, Britton said.

Travel and leisure services group Air Miles still recruits locally for its two call centres in Warrington and Crawley.

The company said it avoids staff shortages by being family friendly.

Air Miles head of human resources leisure division Gail Ward said: “We employ lots of mums; lots of part-time people, particularly in the call centres.

“We also encourage people to come back after having a baby.”