Are storm clouds gathering over UK plc?

Just Recruitment Group Ltd director Peter Foy examines the latest employment figures from the ONS.

On Tuesday, 19 February 2019, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) published its regular report on the UK labour market, giving information about the latest employment figures.

At a time when most commentators are warning of impending economic meltdown, the ONS report appears to contain encouraging news.

In the last quarter of 2018, 75.8pc of people aged between 16 and 64 were employed. That is the highest figure since the first Labour Market Report was published in 1971. Male employment, meanwhile, stands at 80.3pc: the highest it has been since the first quarter of 1991. And female employment is at its highest ever figure, 71.4pc.

Other figures that contribute to an economic feel-good factor include:

  • 96pc of the 444,000 new jobs created in the economy over the last 12 months are full-time roles
  • 53pc of these roles were filled by women
  • Average weekly earnings, allowing for inflation, are higher than at any time since 2010
  • The number of people on zero-hours contracts is down by 6.3pc – a drop of 57,000
  • The number of temporary employees has remained constant at 5.6pc of the workforce, but the number taking a temporary role because they can’t find a permanent job has fallen

So, good news all round for the UK economy, despite the political uncertainty we’re currently facing.

Or is it?

One of the interesting data sets in the ONS report is the unemployment figures since 1971, reproduced below:

The graph shows that the early 1980s saw a marked growth in unemployment as the government wrestled with the unions. In the late 1980s and early 1990s Margaret Thatcher’s government was torn apart by squabbles over Europe, leading to huge political and economic instability. Then came Black Wednesday, on John Major’s watch in 1992, and the country’s ignominious exit from the Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM). The result was another sharp increase in unemployment in the years leading up to 1993, followed by a gradual easing over subsequent years.

The tide turned again following the Global Financial Crisis of 2008. Unemployment rose steeply, before finally dipping in the run up to the 2015 general election.

My point is straightforward: political uncertainty leads to an increase in unemployment. Yet since 2012, although we have had two general elections, the destabilising Brexit referendum, a minority government and both the main political parties in an apparent state of disarray, unemployment has steadily reduced.

In the commentary I have read about the ONS employment numbers, I haven’t found a single explanation as to why or how the economy is managing not to buckle.

All of which makes me think: perhaps the bad news is just around the corner. Before a major Tsunami, the sea recedes, exposing new stretches of beach. Is UK plc enjoying a false calm when we should be heading for the hills and preparing for a tidal wave? Only time will tell.

Published: 20 March 2019

© Copyright Just Recruitment 2019

If you enjoyed reading this, you may also like – How to find your passion

You may also like to read – Why smart workers aren’t busy doing nothing

Jobs currently available

New job
Production Operative
Sector: Warehouse
Salary: £12.21 per hour
Location: Braintree
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary
Job ref: JT-BRA-PO-0725
About the role

Just Temps is working with a respected manufacturing business based near Braintree to help them look for a reliable and motivated individual to join their specialist production team.

This is a temp-to-perm opportunity role!

Hours: Day shift, Monday to Friday, 38 hours per week.

Why this role?

This is a hands-on role and a great opportunity to be part of a highly skilled and collaborative team that works in a modern, clean, and controlled environment. You’ll be working with precision-manufactured products, contributing to a business that’s been going strong for decades, and if all goes well, this could become a long-term position.

What’s in it for you?

  • Eligible for a generous annual bonus (typically around 10%). Discretionary and not guaranteed
  • Full training provided
  • Clean and safe working conditions
  • Daytime working hours – keep your evenings free

What will you be doing?

You’ll be based in a specialised area. Typical tasks will include:

  • Polishing and finishing high-quality components
  • Preparing moulds and applying coatings
  • Carefully mixing and pouring resins using vacuum systems
  • Assembling parts and preparing them for final inspection
  • Maintaining a clean and tidy workspace, wearing full PPE

Who we’re looking for:
We need someone who is:

  • Practical, hands-on, and detail-oriented
  • Comfortable working with materials like resins and glues
  • Flexible and willing to learn new tasks within the department
  • Committed to health & safety and quality standards
  • Own transport is essential due to the location

Previous manufacturing or cleanroom experience is a bonus, but not essential – just bring a strong work ethic and willingness to learn.

Free parking is available on-site.

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Procurement Specialist
Sector: Purchasing and Merchandising
Salary: Competitive
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913712
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing manufacturing business, based on the outskirts of Sudbury, to recruit a Procurement Specialist to join their growing team.

The key purpose of this role is to be responsible for the procurement of raw materials, packaging, and indirect goods to support production requirements and business operations. This role ensures cost-effective purchasing while maintaining high standards of quality and supplier performance. In addition to purchasing responsibilities, the role owns the material planning function, ensuring optimal stock levels, accurate forecasting, and uninterrupted material supply to meet production schedules.

Key duties include:

  • Source, negotiate and purchase raw materials, packaging and consumables to meet business needs.
  • Maintain strong relationships with existing suppliers and develop new supplier partnerships.
  • Conduct regular supplier reviews on performance, pricing, lead times and compliance with company standards.
  • Issue and manage purchase orders (POs) to ensure timely deliveries and cost control.
  • Support cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality or compliance.
  • Take full ownership of the material planning process across all SKUs.
  • Develop, manage and maintain the material requirements plan (MRP) based on weekly production schedules and forecasts.
  • Maintain accurate inventory levels of raw materials and packaging to avoid shortages or excess stock.
  • Collaborate closely with production, warehousing and quality teams to ensure alignment on stock availability and usage.
  • Monitor inventory trends and flag risks related to potential shortages or delays.
  • Create and maintain rolling forecasts for materials based on sales, production plans and market trends.
  • Lead the weekly forecasting process, collaborating with production planning and commercial teams.
  • Analyse historical data to improve forecast accuracy and responsiveness to demand changes.
  • Maintain accurate records in the ERP system.

This is an excellent opportunity to grow and develop with the team and business.

This role offers a positive work environment with free parking available on-site.

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

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.

 

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
New job
Warehouse Operative (with FLT licence)
Sector: Warehouse
Salary: £12.49 - £13.07 per hour
Location: Snetterton
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary
Job ref: JT-SNE-WO-0725
About the role

Just Temps is supporting a company in Snetterton, looking for a reliable and flexible Warehouse Operative with FLT licence to join their team.

This is a temp-to-perm opportunity role!

Hours:

  • Contracted: 8.00am to 4.30pm
  • Typical: 8.00am to 5.00pm (Monday to Thursday)
  • Early finish at 2.30pm on Fridays

This is a blended role — while FLT licences are essential, this is not a full-time FLT position. You’ll also be expected to handball stock, work on warehouse management systems, and assist across various departments.

Pay rate depends on your FLT licence:

  • PPT Operator — £12.49
  • Counterbalance / HLOP — £12.77
  • Bendi / VNA Driver — £13.07

What we’re looking for:

  • Valid FLT licence (Counterbalance, PPT, Bendi, VNA, or HLOP)
  • Willing to lift, shift, and get stuck in
  • Basic computer skills and attention to detail
  • A strong work ethic and positive attitude
  • Keen to secure a long-term, permanent opportunity

About the role:
You'll be supporting various warehouse operations. This includes:

  • Operating FLT as required
  • Manual handling and handballing
  • Data entry and stock checks
  • General warehouse duties

Free parking is available on-site.

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
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
New job
Trainee Engineer
Sector: Engineering & Technical
Location: Ipswich
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary to Permanent
Job ref: JT-IPS-TE-0725
About the role

Just Temps is seeking a Trainee Engineer for a well-established company based on the outskirts of Ipswich, Suffolk.

This is a dynamic role that combines technical expertise with customer service. You will have a passion for working with machinery and solving problems on the spot.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Service and maintenance: Supply, fit, service, and maintain compressors, pipework, receivers, dryers, and more!
  • Troubleshooting and repair: Diagnose faults, carry out temporary repairs when necessary, and ensure machines are running efficiently and effectively on-site.
  • Customer-focused: Engage with customers directly to discuss the best options for each job, offering expert advice and solutions. Once trained, you will become the face of the company, so a friendly and professional approach is essential.
  • Safety and PPE: Wear provided overalls and PPE (personal protective equipment) while working on various sites, some of which may be dusty or dirty.
  • Team collaboration: Work as part of a small but skilled team, sharing knowledge and ensuring jobs are completed to the highest standard.

What this role offers:

  • Full training provided: No experience? No problem! You will be trained to become an expert in servicing, including pipework, receivers and more.
  • Competitive salary: Dependent on experience.
  • 24/7 breakdown callouts: Once trained, you’ll rotate on callouts to assist customers in their time of need.
  • Company vehicle: After training, you will be provided with your own van for work travel. Until then, you'll travel with colleagues.
  • Work schedule: Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm (with flexibility depending on job requirements). No bank holidays or nights away!
  • Generous holiday: Enjoy 25 days of annual leave once permanent.
  • Company mobile: After completing your training, you'll be provided with a company mobile phone.
  • Uniform and PPE: All provided once training is complete.

Essential requirements include:

  • A full UK driving licence is required for the role, as you will need to travel to various sites.
  • The ability to work at heights is essential for some tasks.
  • Manual handling with the ability to lift and handle heavy items.
  • Thorough knowledge of machinery, with the ability to troubleshoot, repair, and maintain compressors.
  • Excellent communication skills - completing job sheets, communicating with customers, and signing off tasks on-site.

What’s the role like?

This is a practical, hands-on role where every day is different. From performing repairs on-site to assisting customers in getting their machines back up and running, no two days will be the same. If you enjoy solving problems, working with machinery, and meeting customers, this role is perfect for you.

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Customer Service Executive
Sector: Customer Service
Salary: Competitive
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913711
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a great company in Sudbury that offers a stable team and a positive working environment. They are seeking a Customer Services Executive to join their long-standing team.

As the Customer Service Executive, you will deal directly with customers by phone or email, providing stock updates, pricing and delivery information.

You will provide excellent customer service and promote this throughout the organisation.

The goal is to keep the department running in an efficient and profitable manner, to increase customer satisfaction, loyalty and retention and to meet their expectations.

To be considered for this role, you must have excellent Excel skills, including VLOOKUP's and Pivot Tables.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Improving customer service experience, creating engaged customers and facilitating organic growth
  • Taking ownership of customers' issues and following problems through to resolution
  • Setting a clear mission and deploying strategies focused towards that mission
  • Developing service procedures, policies and standards
  • Keeping accurate records and documenting customer service actions and discussions
  • Analysing statistics and compiling accurate reports
  • Reviewing order input, both for accuracy and to understand the customer's business and requirements
  • Managing office holidays and ensuring cover is in place

Key role requirements include:

  • Proven working experience as a Customer Service Executive or Key Account Handler
  • Experience in providing customer service support
  • Excellent knowledge of management methods and techniques
  • Ability to think strategically and to lead
  • Strong client-facing and communication skills
  • Advanced troubleshooting and multi-tasking skills
  • Customer service orientation
  • Strong Excel skills are required

Working hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing business with the potential for development and career progression within the role.

 

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