Just Recruitment navigating it's way through the crisis

Just Recruitment navigating it's way through the crisis

After making some hard decisions and invoking a business continuity plan (devised several years ago) Just Recruitment is still very much open for business! Peter Foy explains how 

When the Coronavirus crisis hit the UK, Just Recruitment’s business fell off the proverbial cliff. In less than a week, over half of our revenue disappeared. Companies put recruitment on hold, clients that use temporary workers were suddenly planning for lockdown. Amidst the nationwide sense of concern, even panic, about the threat to health, there was also an underlying threat to the economy. The Prime Minister and the Chancellor both made bold promises about the help that will be available to companies like ours.

    Several years ago, Just Recruitment put together a business continuity plan that we have now invoked.  

Three weeks in and, where are we? Well, there are still many questions about how the financial assistance promised by the government will be delivered. Whether that be from HMRC or the banks, there remain questions as to how the process will work. At the time of writing, we have just been told that the lockdown will continue for at least another three weeks. There is still considerable uncertainty.

However, there is also a silver lining to this dark cloud. Several years ago, Just Recruitment put together a business continuity plan that we have now invoked. Of course, that plan did not include the use of furlough or social distancing. But it did anticipate a reduced workforce working from, either home or strategically chosen branches. The investment in technology that we made, which included our Private Cloud and Internet-based telephony, allowed the redeployment of people in minutes. A huge thank you to our technology partner, Lucid Systems, who have proved their worth over the past few weeks.

A significant part of the continuity plan was to maintain client contact. All our clients were facing the same issues we had. Obvious differences reflecting the different sectors, but we were up against very similar challenges. Several of them were closed, effectively on government instruction, but many of them are either in the food supply chain or the medical instrument supply chain. These companies faced all the problems of the virus while having to continue working. I am incredibly proud of how my colleagues stepped up to the plate to help these key companies. We have had regular conference calls where we have, very openly, shared plans and problems and work together to find solutions.

The nation quite rightly takes to the streets every Thursday evening to applaud our care workers. We should also remember and recognise, those individuals further down the supply chain. The men and women who are manning production lines, working in distribution centres and driving delivery trucks. Also, the people behind them, the folk in HR, logistics, finance and, of course, recruitment. It is said that in a battle, for every soldier on the front line there are 10 soldiers behind him; supporting him. The same is true of the Coronavirus frontlines; for them to do their vital work the entire supply chain has to keep working.

Of course, our business has taken a hit during the crisis. Our revenues are down, our profits disappeared, and half of our colleagues are on furlough. Only a fool would think that there is going to be a quick turnaround. But there will be a turnaround. The virus will be beaten and although the normality we return to will be a new normality, we will, to coin a phrase, meet again.

Speaking only for Just Recruitment, I am confident that the team I am part of will be stronger, more driven and more mature. The shared experience of this crisis has taught us we can depend on each other. It has given us all the opportunity to be pushed to the limit. Only a fool would wish to live through an event like the one we are experiencing, but the experience, once survived, will be transformational.

We are still in a dark place, but we are headed toward the light and, government restrictions notwithstanding, Just Recruitment is moving back to Business As Usual.

Published: 17 April 2020

© 2020 Just Recruitment Group Ltd

If you liked this article you may like to read: What has Coronavirus meant to Just Recruitment?

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Jobs currently available

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Project Assistant
Sector: Marketing, Advertising and PR
Salary: Competitive
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913617
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a market leading organisation, looking to recruit a client focused Project Coordinator, to join their vibrant team.

Reporting to the Project Director, you will support multiple projects from initial brief to completion, ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget. Your role will involve costing, briefing, and successfully coordinating projects across various business teams.

Key duties and requirements:

  • Client focused, with the ability to meet client expectations efficiently and cost effectively.
  • Co-managing alongside the Account Manager to build strong client relationships.
  • Developing an understanding of the assigned client’s brand and market.
  • Checking that all emails and calls are dealt with appropriately.
  • Attending regular meetings to discuss upcoming projects.
  • Taking accountability of projects which aligns with the scope defined by the client.
  • Briefing and managing projects through the business departments, encouraging teams to do their best, to work under deadlines.
  • Proofreading and checking against technical plans to ensure all work is accurate.
  • Accurately providing feedback and support to team members.
  • Demonstrating a broad awareness of the wider picture and accurately reporting to the Project Director on launches and upcoming projects, sharing proposed project budgets and timelines.

You will be working with a variety of clients, so you will need to be organised with the ability to multi-task and communicate effectively. Your attention to detail will also be second to none.

About you:

  • Analytical and task driven, valuing creation.
  • Proactive nature and calm under pressure. Adaptable and resilient whilst maintaining a positive focus.
  • Able to work simultaneously on numerous projects.
  • Confident, with the ability to work self-sufficiently.
  • Contributes to creating a collaborative working environment and building successful relationships across the teams.
  • Treats others with respect, building trust and honoring commitments.
  • Excellent communication skills, both interpersonal and written. Actively listen to others and are confident with asking questions to clarify understanding.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing and exciting business.

This role is office based — offering free-parking and excellent company benefits.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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New job
Maintenance Engineer
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Competitive
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913596
About the role

Just Recruitment seeks a Maintenance Engineer with a mechanical bias for a well-established and long-standing company in Sudbury. This is an opportunity to join a dedicated, long-serving team.

This is a day-shift role!

The key purpose of this role is to provide a knowledgeable, safe, cost effective, efficient multi-skilled maintenance service, to the Sudbury site that adheres to all engineering and electrical standards and procedures for compliance with statutory and business requirements.

Key duties include:

  • Maintaining all buildings, equipment, and services in a safe and cost-effective manner through effective maintenance programmes, ensuring traceable and auditable records are maintained.
  • Ensuring the changes to machinery and infrastructure are adequately managed via the appropriate site procedures.
  • Ensuring that all engineering/maintenance work carried out on site complies with relevant regulations and that all inspection and testing regimes are completed as required.
  • Identifying, ordering or supporting the business in ordering parts or services required to satisfy the day-to-day maintenance and engineering requirements of the business and to catalogue and control stocks of necessary spares.
  • Undertaking and supporting the co-ordination and implementation of any capital projects or site improvements works required, including installation and commissioning of new equipment.
  • Working with the Production Manager to ensure that a flexible schedule is in place to provide appropriate cover for maintenance and engineering works out of standard working hours, including call outs where required.
  • Working with Site Management, Production and Technical teams in looking at improving plant efficiency and minimising processing times, ensuring data is recorded to enable analysis to take place.
  • Completing and maintaining all records in a timely manner, ensuring they are available and auditable as required.
  • Being proactive in maintaining and developing knowledge and skills to meet the needs of this position, to enhance personal performance and meet career objectives.
  • Undertaking training as directed by the business to develop experience and capability.
  • Working with, supporting and educating Process Operatives to undertake basic maintenance tasks on machinery. Being responsible for producing formal manuals to support completion of these tasks.

Key requirements for this role, skills and qualifications:

  • NVQ Level 2 / BTEC in Engineering or equivalent.
  • 3 years’ experience in mechanical engineering.
  • 3 years’ experience of working in manufacturing environments.
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  • Broad knowledge of pneumatic, air logic, pressure and hydraulic systems.
  • Willingness to gain skills in electrical fault-finding and PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers).
  • Ability to read, interpret and understand technical documents and drawings.
  • Good understanding of Safe Systems of Work, proficient with Permit to Work, risk assessment and method statements Sound analysis and decision-making skills.
  • An open-minded, flexible attitude to meet the requirements of the business.
  • Able to communicate effectively.
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  • Self-Management e.g., time management and personal development.

The working hours for this role are from Monday 8.00am to 4.30pm, Tuesday to Thursday 7.45am to 4.30pm and Friday 7.45am to 2.30pm.

Holidays 26 days plus bank holiday.

This role offers free parking on-site and other company benefits.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Salary: £11.44 - £13.70 per hour
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913620
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with an organisation based in the Sudbury area — actively seeking a General Farm Worker / Spray Operator to join their team.

You will assist with various tasks related to crop production, including spraying and applying herbicides to a high standard while ensuring all chemicals are used safely and correctly. Your duties will also include the timely and accurate transportation of fruit, other products, and machinery between locations. Additionally, you will be responsible for mowing, shredding, and performing other general tasks within your capability.

You will need to effectively communicate with other team members and ensure they comply with all relevant legislation, company policy and procedures.

Qualifications or desired skills:

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Additional information:

  • This is a permanent role. The workload and tasks will vary depending on the time of season.
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  • On-site accommodation is available if required.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
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Sector: Information Technology
Salary: £24,000 - £32,000 per annum
Location: Ipswich, Suffolk
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913616
About the role

Just Recruitment seeks a 1st / 2nd Line Systems Engineer for a dynamic business based on the outskirts of Ipswich.

Due to the company’s location and the role requirements, you will need access to your own vehicle.

The company provides business managed IT and consultancy to clients across East Anglia and London with IT, voice, connectivity, mobile and security solutions, and services.

You will be a solid team player with outstanding technical skills, dedicated to delivering customer service excellence with a genuine drive to move forward in your career.

The position is varied, and you will be working with clients operating in many different sectors of business and industry ranging from care to law firms.

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You must be able to demonstrate your ability to take ownership of issues and see them through to a successful resolution in the most efficient, effective, communicative, and timely manner for the client.

You will have skills in the following areas:

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Benefits:

  • Company events
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  • On-site parking
  • Private Health care
  • Private Dental care
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Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more