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?

If you enjoyed this article, you may like: Can’t find the right word to describe how you feel? Reach for The Happiness Dictionary

 

Jobs currently available

New job
TIG Welder
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: £13.00 - £14.00 per hour
Location: Haverhill
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary to Permanent
Job ref: JT-HAV-TW-1124
About the role

Just Temps has an opportunity for experienced TIG Welders to join a company based in Haverhill, Suffolk.

This is a temp-to-perm opportunity role!

Salary: Starting at £13.00 + per hour (depending on experience).

Key responsibilities:

  • Perform precise TIG welding on a range of metals and materials.
  • Follow technical drawings and specifications accurately.
  • Inspect welds to ensure they meet quality and safety standards.
  • Maintain and operate welding equipment safely.
  • Collaborate with team members to meet production goals.

Role requirements:

  • Previous TIG welding experience is essential.
  • Ability to read and understand engineering blueprints.
  • Strong attention to detail and focus on quality workmanship.
  • Good communication skills and a team-oriented mindset.
  • Reliable with a strong work ethic.

What’s on offer:

  • Starting pay at £13.00+ per hour, with room for increase based on skills and experience.
  • A temp-to-perm opportunity with the potential for a long-term role.
  • A supportive and friendly working environment.

If you have experience in TIG welding and are looking for a new challenge in Haverhill, we want to hear from you!

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
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
New job
TIG Welder
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: £13.50 - £14.00 per hour
Location: Halstead, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary to Permanent
Job ref: JT-HAL-TW-1124
About the role

Just Temps has an opportunity for experienced TIG Welders to join a company based in Halstead, Essex.

This is a temp-to-perm opportunity role!

Salary: Starting at £13.50 + per hour (depending on experience).

Key responsibilities include:

  • Perform high-quality TIG welding on various materials.
  • Read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings.
  • Ensure welds meet specifications and industry standards.
  • Inspect and maintain welding equipment for safety and efficiency.
  • Work effectively within a team to meet project deadlines.

Role requirements:

  • Proven experience in TIG welding (minimum 2 years preferred).
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
  • Reliable, punctual, and a team player.
  • Own PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is an advantage.

This role offers:

  • Competitive hourly rate starting at £13.50 + with the potential to increase based on experience.
  • Opportunity to move from a temporary position to a permanent role.
  • A supportive work environment with room for professional growth.

If you are a reliable TIG Welder looking for a stable opportunity with potential for a permanent role, we’d love to hear from you!

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
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
New job
Goods In Operative
Sector: Warehouse
Salary: £26,000 per annum
Location: Chelmsford
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913546
About the role

Just Recruitment has an excellent opportunity for a Goods In Operative to join a fast-growing company based in Chelmsford, Essex.

The company offers ongoing progression and training opportunities.

Duties will include:

  • Booking and accurately recording all incoming stock
  • Processing customer returns requests
  • Ensuring stock is all placed back in the correct location
  • Making sure all areas of goods are always kept organised and are compliant with health and safety rules
  • Basic testing of returned goods to identify any faults or defects
  • Assist with any warehouse tasks required – picking and packing orders, undertaking stock checks etc.
  • Updating Warehouse Management System (NetSuite)
  • Using a handheld scanner

Skills required:

  • Previous experience within a logistics distribution and supply chain company is preferred
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Basic understanding of computer systems
  • Able to lift stock of varying size and weight
  • Work effectively within a team environment
  • Forklift licence is preferred but not essential as training will be provided for the right candidate (bendi, counterbalance or reach)

Benefits:

  • Performance-based bonuses
  • 23 days annual leave
  • Training and development opportunities
  • Career progression opportunities
  • Friendly and supportive work environment

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. 
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Administrator
Sector: Public Service and Administration
Salary: £26,000.00 - £26,769.60 per annum
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JRG913600
About the role

Just Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a transport and logistics business based on the outskirts of Colchester - looking to add an Administrator to its existing team, due to internal promotion.

The key element of the role is to assist the customer journey throughout the organisation, ensuring that it is as smooth as possible, dealing with any issues as they arise and preparing all required documentation. You will be providing all admin support competently and confidently.

Key duties include:

  • Carry out the data entry of information onto the relevant system, identifying and resolving any discrepancies and preparing all documentation relating to the movement/transportation of goods accurately and efficiently to deliver high customer service levels.
  • Communicate effectively and promptly to all relevant external and internal clients to maintain the key flow of information.
  • Answer and direct queries promptly and in a professional manner providing accurate information to ensure excellent customer service is being delivered.
  • Complete general administrative duties efficiently and effectively to deliver a world-class service.
  • Maintain relevant system by accurately inputting the required data, in addition to checking and reconciling data where appropriate and identifying and resolving any discrepancies to ensure 100% accuracy.
  • Update, produce and communicate all business KPI’s to monitor service delivery levels.
  • Work as part of a team and participate in cross-training initiatives to provide effective cover in a colleague’s absence.
  • Operate a high standard of general housekeeping and work in a safe manner complying with all health and safety regulations to maintain a clean, safe and tidy working environment.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a business offering a competitive package, further training and development and free parking is available on-site.

Due to the nature of the business - working hours are Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm - some flexibility if offered.

 

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