It has been a busy few weeks for us at CMT as we field and answers the call to many requests from businesses large and small into the recruitment for butchery staff. There continues to be a need for workers in the thriving independent retail butcher sector, combined with the need to fill vacancies previously filled by migrant workers in the large meat processing plants.
It has never been a better time to enter the meat trade as demand for employees is outstripping supply, making the position of the employee a relatively strong one in regard to remuneration for the jobs on offer.
Employers are also benefiting from generous Government financial assistance in regard to hiring Apprentices. The current payment for under 18’s is £4k – for 19’s and overs, it is £3k. The grant is paid to anyone who started with the business from April 1st 2021 and is valid up to September 30th 2021. To qualify employees must be employed and in an apprenticeship, the payments are paid directly from Government and issued in two instalments the first after around 4 months, the second payment nearing their completion, around 16 months. To qualify for the full amount the apprentice must complete the program.
The current flush of school leavers has bought new possible candidates into the job market. The meat industry in general needs to up its game in regards to the recruitment process. There are many competitive trades vying for these new job seekers. So, what makes our industry so much better than others? I am biased and could scribe for the next three pages why they should choose the meat trade. We must sell our profession better than has been done over recent years – the Butchery Apprenticeship program helps here enormously.
For a no-obligation discussion on how we at CMT can help you in your recruitment process – then please do contact us. I am available on 07973 702418 or if you would prefer to e-mail me at mike@crosbytraining.co.uk
Written by Mike Whittemore
