UKWA FOR WEB - United Kingdom Warehousing Association

20 Employment
As the effects of the economic downturn begin to bite, a different approach to finding and retaining key
staff should be considered, says Barrie Dowsett of recruitment solutions specialists The BJD Group
Getting the best
It’s clear that an economic downturn is
occurring. Logistics costs are spiralling
and stock holding costs increasing. To
makes matters worse, many UK logistics
operators are experiencing increased competition
– some from lower cost countries.
Capitalise on capabilities
Traditionally, when faced with a possible
recession, the UK’s short term and often
damaging view has been to reduce costs,
cut headcount and throw strategy out of the
window.
In past recessions and slow downs logistics
and supply chain was in its infancy.
Today, effective logistics and supply chain
practices have become increasingly recognised
as holding the key to survival (and
success) for many organisations. In difficult
times improving efficiencies and effectiveness
within supply chain and logistics can
provide a better, more sustainable solution
compared to short term, knee jerk type
alternatives. To maximise benefits outsourcing
options will be high on board room
agendas thus providing logistics service
providers with a golden opportunity to capitalise
on their capabilities.
People are key
Maintaining or improving your reputation
as a top provider of logistics and supply
chain solutions must be a top priority.
Having the best possible people and technology
are clearly key components. People
buy from people.
As supply chain and logistics evolves
and the effects of recessionary times
begin to bite, a different approach to
finding and retaining managers should
be considered.
The economic slowdown can have detrimental
effects on the ability to source top
people. With Supply Chain and Logistics
people already being in short supply this
can be a significant challenge. An understanding
of this and the reasons for it can
avoid pitfalls while shedding light on some
winning solutions.
What’s changed in resourcing
Uncertainty leads to a decline in the mobility
of labour. Road congestion, soaring costs
of commuting and escalating business travel
costs are further growing negatives.
Additionally the best Supply Chain and
Logistics professionals are likely to have
golden handcuffs and are far less likely to
take career related risks. The slowdown in
the housing market and reducing house
prices will discourage people from relocating.
In such times attitudes to
work/lifestyle balances change. All this adds
up to caution.
June 2008
www.ukwa.org.uk April 2008