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RAILSTAFF SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021
ELECTRIFICATION & LABOUR SUPPLY
ESL, THE ELECTRIFICATION AND CIVIL ENGINEERING SPECIALIST, HAS BRANCHED OUT TO OFFER SOLUTIONS IN THE LABOUR SUPPLY MARKET, FORGING A LINK BETWEEN ELECTRIFICATION AND LABOUR SUPPLY.
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SL Resourcing is the firm’s dedicated labour resource division, providing specialist rail electrification, civil engineering and safety critical operatives to client’s projects, as well as its own.
Founded in 2015 with the aim of developing an innovative business that could deliver a complete electrification service, ESL offers a design and delivery capability able to deliver on a wide range of projects. The firm has partnered with large clients to support them with the electrification elements of their multidisciplinary projects, and also delivered stand-alone packages of electrification works. The success of ESL’s new venture is reflected by its recent award of a place on the £150 million Network Rail Frontline Labour Framework, to supply specialist rail electrification operatives throughout the
UK. The programme will run over the next five years with a possible extension until 2029, and ESL will support Network Rail to deliver its programme of rail electrification projects throughout CP6 and CP7. The success of its Network Rail bid was based on its commitment to build the best and most reliable pool of rail electrification resources in the UK.
DOING THINGS DIFFERENTLY As a specialist in electrification engineering and delivery, ESL understands the challenges faced by Network Rail and its supply chain in regard to the limited supply of labour available across the UK. As opposed to the traditional labour agency model, ESL will provide a structure based on its existing model of self-delivery that adapts with the changing demands of Network Rail and reacts to resourcing issues when they arise.
“ESL approaches labour supply slightly differently,” said the firm’s Head of Commercial, Matthew Hardy. “Our strategy towards recruitment is based on three principles. First, we use our knowledge of the UK electrification industry to identify and attract the best resources in the market. Second, we target individuals currently outside of the industry but with obvious transferable skillsets. Finally, we look to sectors of society that are currently underrepresented in the industry and try to find people with the right mindset and motivation to forge a career in the rail sector.” And although labour supply is a relatively new venture for ESL, bringing the management of staff resources inhouse has been a game changer for the company, allowing it to better match its site requirements with the necessary competencies, and ensure each project is delivered by staff with the appropriate level of experience. This has helped the company to ensure safe and efficient delivery whilst maintaining industry leading quality and workmanship.
TOP QUALITY PEOPLE ESL’s aim is to provide the best people for the job at hand and it has assembled a pool of experienced staff, incentivising them with attractive packages and a commitment to health, safety and well-being. “We went into this with the aim of building a core team of top-quality people,” said Matthew, “And we know that to attract and retain staff we need to provide a good environment for workers. We’re dedicated to providing job security and excellent working conditions for our staff.” RAILSTAFF.CO.UK | @RAIL_STAFF | FACEBOOK.COM/RAILSTAFF
