Travel recruitment firms are calling on businesses to offer more “competitive and flexible” job packages to attract new staff.
The plea comes as UK unemployment reaches its lowest level for more than 40 years, squeezing the number of job seekers in the market. The industry has long complained of difficulties in attracting experienced talent.
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Travel Trade Recruitment sales director Claire Muge urged companies to review their job offers or consider staff who are not the perfect fit. She said: “Companies need competitive, flexible packages to get experienced candidates, or take on those who don’t tick all the boxes and need some training.”
C&M Recruitment director Barbara Kolosinska said: “For candidates, it’s not just about pay, it’s work-life balance and flexibility – ‘wellbeing’ is huge at the moment.”
Domex Recruitment founder Jose Cofone said benefits candidates found attractive included educationals, or smaller perks such as a day off on their birthday. Companies could also use staff as mentors to new starters, he said, adding: “There is a shortage of good people and companies have to think outside the box.”
Oliver Broad, joint managing director of RB Collection, said the agency now allowed more time to recruit and considered a broader range of candidates. It took on 21-year-old Rebecca Swain as a consultant in May. “Rebecca didn’t have as much experience as we’d normally want but she had backpacked round the world and worked abroad as an au pair. She brought a fresh approach and passion for travel,” Broad said.
Sunvil managing director Chris Wright said the challenging recruitment market meant the operator was constantly on the lookout for staff. “If the perfect person came along I would rather be over-staffed than lose someone,” he said.
