UK manufacturing companies are increasingly looking to expand their workforce and retain recruited talent using creative benefits packages, according to survey findings by professional recruitment agency Michael Page.
The report focuses on small and medium-sized manufacturers, with 54% of respondents saying they are looking to expand their workforce in 2012 and 23% aiming to retain key staff through creative benefits packages.
As a means to keep hold of its important staff members, future promotion opportunities and benefits such as ‘pick and mix’ options, where employees choose from a range of available benefits, were cited as key to the retention strategies of many businesses.
Whilst the report highlighted positive implications for UK manufacturing growth, the recruitment firm behind the report also cautioned manufacturers. Colin Monk, UK managing director of engineering and manufacturing at Michael Page, stated, “We know the employment will happen for a number of reasons, it is based on long term vision but there are also short term requirements to be met.”
So far in 2012, the manufacturing industry has reported positive growth, through Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) ratings, and improved recruitment activity.