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?

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Jobs currently available

CNC Punch Operator
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Competitive
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913677
About the role

Just Recruitment is partnering with a growing engineering business based in Sudbury to recruit a CNC Punch Operator on a full-time permanent basis.

The key purpose of this role is to be responsible for setting and operating the punch machines. Previous experience is necessary, preferably with running Trumpf CNC machines.

Key duties include:

  • Ensuring that quality is the driving force behind all aspects of the role
  • Developing and implementing best working practice for better punching productivity
  • Optimising processes to improve efficiency and quality
  • Confident in delivering to a production schedule

Role requirements include:

  • Experienced background with sheet metal CNC punching
  • Familiarity with various sheet metal materials, including steel, aluminium and stainless steel
  • Ability to read engineering drawings
  • Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams — this will extend to management
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

This is an excellent opportunity for an individual with an operating background to join an exciting and ever-growing manufacturing company, offering further training and development.

Working hours are Monday to Thursday, 6.00am to 4.30pm or 6.00am to 5.00pm.

Free parking is available on-site.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Plastic Vacuum Form Setter
Sector: Production and Stock Control
Salary: Competitive
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913676
About the role

Just Recruitment is partnering with a growing manufacturing company in Sudbury to recruit a full-time, permanent Plastic Vacuum Form Setter/Operator.

The key purpose of this role is to be responsible for setting and operating the plastic vacuum forming machine. You need to have previous experience, preferably running machines with tools up to 1.5 metres long.

Key duties include:

  • Ensuring that quality is the driving force behind all aspects of the role
  • Developing and implementing best working practice for better punching productivity
  • Optimising processes to improve efficiency, quality, and safety
  • Confident in delivering to a production schedule

Role requirements:

  • Experienced background working with vacuum forming machines
  • Familiarity with various plastic materials and thicknesses
  • Ability to read engineering drawings
  • Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams — this will extend to management
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

This is an excellent opportunity for you if you have a setting and operating background to join an exciting and ever-growing manufacturing company, offering further training and development.

Working hours are Monday to Thursday, 6.00am to 4.30pm or 6.30pm to 5.00pm.

Free parking is available on-site.

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
IT Executive
Sector: Information Technology
Salary: £35,000 per annum
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913675
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing, global manufacturing business, based on the outskirts of Sudbury, to recruit an IT Executive to join their team.

The key purpose of this role is to support IT operations within the manufacturing site, working closely with 3rd party IT providers and the global IT team. This role will support the growth of the business as it continues to ramp up production capacity.

Duties include:

  • Identify and proactively address IT service and infrastructure risks
  • Identify and implement innovative solutions to streamline day-to-day processes and keep up-to-date with new technologies
  • Manage vendors and internal customer service to agreed standards
  • Manage the replacement cycle as well as day-to-day maintenance of the IT network and infrastructure on-site, carrying out server management, maintenance and back-ups in line with best practice methodologies
  • Oversee IT projects to ensure that they meet business requirements and are actioned in a timely manner
  • Responsible for the support of all software packages within the business, including installation, training, upgrades, maintenance, licences and day-to-day user support
  • Maintain an asset register for all IT business assets (hardware and software)
  • Manage cybersecurity risks, working with the Global IT team as needed

Role requirements:

  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
  • Methodical approach to problem solving
  • Strong time management and prioritisation
  • Keen to learn and implement innovative solutions in the spirit of continuous improvement

Required qualifications and experience:

  • A Bachelor’s degree in IT or a similar subject
  • A minimum of 2 years’ experience in a similar or frontline IT role in a manufacturing environment
  • Strong hardware management skills (server control, networking)
  • Experience working with/implementation of Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC)

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing business, offering a fabulous working location.

Hours for the role are 08.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday (with 1 hour lunch break) - you are required to be on-site Monday to Friday.

Due to the company’s location, you must have access to your own transport.

 

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
QA Assistant
Sector: Production and Stock Control
Salary: £28,000 per annum
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913504
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing manufacturing business on the outskirts of Sudbury to recruit a Quality Assistant to join their experienced, technically skilled team.

The key purpose of the role is to support the business with all quality-based duties as directed by the Quality Manager and wider management team.

Duties include:

  • Assist with setting up and operating a Quality Assurance laboratory to screen all incoming raw materials and finished products manufactured on-site.
  • Ensuring legislative safety requirements and specific customer practices are adhered to.
  • Continuous management and alignment to industry requirements.
  • Undertaking internal audits relating to GMP and finished product requirements.
  • Maintain traceability, hygiene, quality, and process records with validation of results, identification of trends, root cause analysis where applicable and instigation of corrective actions.
  • Work closely with third-party certification bodies for sustainability, religious and ethical obligations.
  • Carry out sampling and investigations for microbiological, allergen, nutritional or customer requirements.
  • Working with essential service providers such as Pest Control, Hygiene, and work wear providers.
  • Assist with new product/process trials.
  • Communicate effectively with all the departments across all levels.
  • Flexibility to carry out additional duties as deemed necessary by the business.

Qualifications and experience required:

  • Internal auditing experience.
  • Ability to use all IT-based packages.

You will be a team player, self-motivated and possess excellent attention to detail.

Working hours are from Monday to Friday - working a 3 shift rotating pattern, early, late and night shifts.

This role offers a competitive basic salary along with a shift allowance and is an excellent opportunity to grow and develop your career.

 

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