Hiring in Cumbria: One of UK's 'most competitive markets'

Cumbria is in the midst of a tug of war for talent - with employers across the region competing within one of the most competitive technical labour markets in the UK.

A new report published by Realise HR reveals that employment levels in Cumbria remain significantly higher than the national average with 80.1% workforce participation compared to 75.5% in the UK.

With workforce challenges looming, Cumbrian companies will need to examine their hiring policies in order to obtain the talent required to operate at full capacity.

The report points out that too many organisations in the region are becoming increasingly reliant on overtime and contractor support, whilst a significant portion of experienced workers are approaching retirement, with 40-50% of senior employees at risk of leaving their careers behind.

Major employers in the area such as the NHS and BAE Systems also create persistent retention pressures for technical and digital talent.

The report argues that market conditions won't ease significantly anytime soon. with the skills shortage seen as "structural rather than short-term": Making strategic planning essential to gain competitive advantages in a tight market.

Author of the report, Ellie Marshall, says that those pivoting towards a proactive form of recruitment will see the best success. This includes structured onboarding programmes with mentoring; technical apprenticeship pathways for companies to "grow" their own talent; and improved retention strategies that focus on the first 12-18 months of employment (which marks the highest attrition risk period).

Local training partnerships with colleges and employment support programmes can also create new employees and support long-term staffing.

Marshall states: "Manufacturing and engineering organisations across Cumbria operate within a highly competitive and evolving talent landscape.

"As workforce availability tightens and leadership capability demands continue to grow, access to accurate market intelligence and long-term workforce planning has become increasingly critical to maintaining operational performance and business continuity.

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"Understanding where leadership and specialist talent sits within the market, how competitor organisations are strengthening their workforce capability, and how talent movement is evolving enables organisations to make more informed strategic workforce decisions.

"Organisations that take a proactive approach to succession planning, leadership development and workforce sustainability are consistently better positioned to protect productivity, support growth and deliver long-term operational resilience."

The full report is available via Realise HR.

Source Link: https://www.in-cumbria.com/news/25866106.hiring-cumbria-one-uks-most-competitive-markets/?ref=ebln&nid=1644&block=article_block_a&u=1f00403b58d102473fb4ae3d763dfc0a&date=230226