Midlands sees highest UK demand for skilled labour

THE demand from manufacturers for skilled labour is stronger in the Midlands than any other region, recruiters have said.

James Martin, branch manager for gap personnel in Birmingham, said: “Demand from manufacturers and other industrial clients for additional labour has been stronger here than in any other gap region.”
 
The recruitment firm said it had had to take on an additional 30 staff since it opened last year in order to cope with demand.

Gap, which said the situation gave rise to confidence for the region’s economic growth, specialises in industrial recruitment. It now has eight branches across the Midlands which in addition to Birmingham, include: Stoke, Telford, Daventry, Northampton and Rugeley.

Clients served from gap’s Birmingham office include Walkers Chocolates, CHEP and City Link.

The gap group is based in North Wales and now employs around 200 people nationwide. Aside from the Midlands, gap’s other key regions include Yorkshire, the North West and the South West.

Gary Dewhurst, managing director, said: “At a time when many of our rivals in the recruitment industry are stalling or even downsizing, we are pursuing an ambitious growth strategy and taking people on.

“We don’t believe in standing still and are always looking for ways to grow the business. gap now has a total of 30 branches across five key UK regions, with plans for further expansion.”

“At a time of ongoing economic uncertainty, it is pleasing to know we have created 147 jobs nationally in just over 18 months.”

gap places and payrolls up to 5,000 temporary workers per week, covering more than 1.5m shifts per year.