Subcontracting market down

following our expectations from the start of the year. Obviously having three bank holidays in May had some effect, but there were fewer new projects from larger manufacturers and less activity from buyers. “An increase in quoting activity showed that suppliers are trying harder to win new business in a tight market.”

8 qimtek.co.uk

A Midlands manufacturing business is taking an innovative approach to labour shortages by introducing a new shift aimed at attracting part-time workers.

It’s the first time in two decades that Fabweld Steel Products, which manufactures access covers for the water, energy and security sectors, has restructured its shift system.

The company is hoping to increase its headcount with parttime staff working a 6pm-10pm shift for the first time in a move which it hopes will be attractive to those looking for flexibility or second jobs.

There are currently more than 74,000 unfilled factory jobs across the UK, according to manufacturing organisation Make UK. There are also more people looking for second jobs, with recent research from BBC Worklife revealing 47% of people having little to no savings left at the end of each month, with a further 15% saying that paying routine bills was a struggle.

FSP managing director Wayne Carter said the rising cost of living meant increasing people were looking to supplement their income with second jobs and it was hoped the new shift patterns would help attract people looking for flexibility too.

He said: “We are in a cost of living crisis and many people are struggling to make ends meet. This shift would suit someone who is already in work who needs a bit more money coming in, or those who can’t work during the