Tag Archives: supertemps

News

Recruiters celebrating 45 years at heart of business and industry in North Wales

A RECRUITMENT agency is celebrating 45 years at the heart of business and industry in North Wales.

Supertemps plans to mark the incredible milestone with a series of events and activities supporting clients, candidates and companies across the region.

The firm, which employs a team of 11 from its offices in Bangor and Colwyn Bay, will start with a free legal webinar in partnership with Manchester employment law specialists, JMW Solicitors LLP.

Managing Director Sarah Ellwood joins guest speakers Simon Bloch and Paul Chamberlain on Tuesday March 11 for the online session and a Q&A covering a range of topics including the Employment Rights Bill, changes to laws around sexual harassment, holiday pay updates and a case law roundup.

“The employment law landscape is always evolving so it’s important business owners and HR directors in particular are informed and up to date with developments,” said Sarah, whose mum Dorothy founded Supertemps from her Llanddulas home in 1980.

“These online sessions are always popular and given there are significant legislative updates on the horizon, it is essential organisations are compliant.”

She added: “It’s great to have Simon and Paul with us once again as they are two of the most knowledgeable and experienced voices in the employment law arena, and I’m sure the webinar will be well received by those who join us – early booking is advised as allocated spaces will fill quickly and there is demand already.”

A busy 45th year will feature appearances at employment events and forums across the area, including Gwaith Gwynedd Jobs Fairs in Pwllheli and Bangor this March, and a Part-Time Jobs Fair at Bangor University Careers and Employability Service on April 2.

There will also be sponsorship and support for another well-known local organisation celebrating a big birthday in 2025 – St Asaph-based St Kentigern Hospice, which will host its Big Quiz of the Year at The White House in Rhuallt on March 27.

“Giving back to our community has always been important to us, we are proud to get behind local appeals and campaigns and support where we can,” said Sarah

On the current jobs landscape, she added: “We have seen growth in certain sectors in the last 12 months and have both permanent and temporary openings in the public and private sectors.

“For anyone looking for a new challenge, a fresh opportunity, a different career or their first job, there will be something for you.”

Reflecting on the landmark and the agency’s strong reputation in the recruitment arena, Sarah said: “Supertemps has seen many changes over the last four and a half decades – I joined in 1998 – and in that time we have experienced it all, there have been highs and lows, but the company has gone from strength to strength.

“The onset of technology, the digital age and unprecedented happenings such as the Covid-19 pandemic have changed the way we work, but through it all we have been here, working hard across a wide range of industries.”

She added: “Ultimately, we are people dealing with people, our core strength and ethos since day one, and our aim is to keep North Wales working.

“Thank you to all those people who have given us so much support, we hope to see you at our legal webinar and other events during this milestone anniversary.”

The webinar takes place from 10am to 11.45am on Tuesday March 11. Employers can book their free place here: Employment Law Update 2025 Tickets, Tue 11 Mar 2025 at 10:00 | Eventbrite.

Visit www.supertemps.co.uk and follow @supertempsltd for the latest news and information from Supertemps.

YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyDDc48hfPJTMq_4pyI3ZAQ.

News

Recruiter warns workers of unscrupulous ‘umbrella companies’ and tax avoidance schemes

A LONG-STANDING recruitment firm warned clients and workers to be vigilant of agencies using unscrupulous ‘umbrella companies’ to payroll temporary staff.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) issued a caution as a growing number of non-compliant organisations are promoting tax avoidance schemes which can leave victims facing financial penalties and reputational damage.

Colwyn Bay and Bangor-based Supertemps – approaching its 45th year in business – urged people to be wary and look out for signs it could be happening to them.

Such schemes are targeted at contractors and temporary employees who may not know the risks, with red flags including economic incentives significantly higher than industry standards, inconsistent payslips, payments to third parties and offshore addresses.

Sarah Ellwood, Managing Director of Supertemps, said: “All our workers are PAYE and payrolled internally, so our processes are water-tight, but we have heard horror stories from other companies, and this issue is very topical.

“These umbrella companies can do a lot of damage, not only to the reputation of a recruitment agency but also that of end employers, and there can be financial penalties and tax implications for both.

“Agencies should be cautious and do their due diligence because the long-term impact can be very detrimental to them and their clients.

“Not all of these companies are dubious but sadly many of them are, and a lot of workers don’t even know they’re being paid via an umbrella company so it’s important to be transparent.”

Under new powers introduced in 2022, HMRC can publish information when they suspect ‘enablers’ are involved in promoting a tax avoidance scheme or having a role in making a scheme available to use.

The UK Government recently consulted on options to tackle non-compliance in the market, including penalties for agencies failing to carry out mandatory due diligence.

“There are a lot of steps business owners, procurement and HR departments and employees can take to protect themselves and make sure staff are being paid correctly,” said Sarah.

“Checking the HMRC list of named tax avoidance schemes, promoters, enablers and suppliers, and reporting anything untoward is crucial, as is taking a close look at your supply chain and ensuring any agencies you use are operating legally and ethically. If this is not the case, it could have repercussions on the agency, the end employer and worker.”

She added: “Ultimately, as recruitment agencies we have a duty of care to our clients and our workers and must operate within the law and with the highest ethics to protect both.

“If you are being offered workers at hourly rates that seem significantly cheaper then you need to question why.

“If you are not handling payroll in-house, look at the practices and background of the businesses that are on your behalf, take precautionary steps and do not leave your organisation open to potential legal and financial exposure.

“Doing so will ensure you operate within HMRC guidelines and, importantly, retain your reputation while adhering to ethical business standards.”

For more information, visit Working through an umbrella company – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Visit www.supertemps.co.uk and follow @supertempsltd for the latest news and information from Supertemps.

YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyDDc48hfPJTMq_4pyI3ZAQ.

News

Boom in clients and candidates as recruiter approaches 45 years in business

MORE than four decades at the forefront of recruitment in North Wales have armed the talented team at Supertemps with the skills and experience to manage any jobs situation.

Having seen a rise in candidates and clients post pandemic, those attributes have never been more vital, according to the company’s Bangor-based Business Manager, Vicki Armstrong-Smith.

Founded in 1980, the award-winning agency – which has a headquarters in Colwyn Bay – experienced a rise in demand across numerous sectors including manufacturing, hospitality, and bilingual administration.

North west Wales has been especially busy for staff at the Parc Menai site, but as well as matching clients with the perfect candidate, much of their time is spent guiding hirers through the process and steering them towards long-term, sustainable solutions in the face of unprecedent obstacles.

That is where the 44-year reputation of the firm comes into its own.

“There has definitely been a rise in customers since the pandemic,” said Vicki.

“Our Bangor office is surrounded by industry and Supertemps is the go-to recruiter for many of the local factories because we have a Gangmasters Licence, which is a legal requirement for anyone supplying staff into the areas of food processing and packaging, agriculture, and horticulture, of which there are many in this part of the world.

“Across the board we have seen an increase in the number of enquiries, but also some challenges that were not as common before Covid-19, notably remote and hybrid working, high turnover of staff, people seeking alternative careers and a dearth of new talent applying to work in the sectors that were hardest hit.”

Vicki revealed they have witnessed growth in the past couple of years on the ‘permanent side’ of the business, and green shoots in a wide variety of roles – particularly Welsh speaking.

She added: “As well as temps the permanent side has taken off again, there are plenty of vacancies out there.

“But some of the biggest issues in filling positions have been a lack of information in job descriptions, unclear job adverts, and employers taking too long to respond to applicants who then move on and continue their search elsewhere – good employers are missing out as a result.

“That’s where the personal touch a recruitment agency can offer is pivotal, rather than trying to do it online without guidance, because it can be a minefield, especially since the pandemic with more remote working, and given geopolitical challenges.

“At Supertemps, we understand and can adapt quickly to the market to better engage both job seekers and hiring clients, which saves both time and money in the long run.”

Managing Director Sarah Ellwood said Supertemps has moved with the times and reflected on a change in the way people work, their attitude to conditions and working hours, and more emphasis on the environment and health and wellbeing.

“I think our sector on the whole has embraced these changes, and we ourselves tried to lead by example,” she said.

“We designed a new health and mindfulness strategy for our team, which includes wellbeing days and a shorter working week culminating in ‘Funday Fridays’, as well as other benefits and incentives.

“One team member is off to Bali on Sabbatical later in the year – we are constantly looking at what is important to people and weighing that up against business needs.”

Sarah added: “The world of work has changed, and so has the world of recruitment, but one thing that hasn’t is that it’s about people – it always has been and always will be.

“As we and our loyal clients – and those joining us all the time – are discovering, by working together in partnership we can continue supporting the local economy and helping employers find the most suitable person to fill the role, whatever that may be.

“We have great talent in North Wales and keeping it in this region is paramount. If anyone has any concerns or questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us, because after almost 45 years in business we have the tools to help.”

Visit www.supertemps.co.uk and follow @supertempsltd for the latest news and information from Supertemps.

YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyDDc48hfPJTMq_4pyI3ZAQ.

News

Recruiters unveil rebrand and growth plans as MD celebrates landmark anniversary

AN ACCLAIMED recruitment company unveiled a fresh new look and plans for growth as its MD celebrated a landmark anniversary.

Award-winning Supertemps, based in Colwyn Bay and Bangor, is emerging from the pandemic in a positive position.

Managing Director Sarah Ellwood marked 25 years with the business by welcoming bilingual resourcer Tamara Owen to the team.

Tamara’s arrival takes staff numbers to 12 and comes after another successful online employment law seminar in partnership with Manchester-based JMW Solicitors, which attracted 120 registrants.

And news that the company’s S2 Recruitment brand will be re-incorporated into the wider Supertemps group to focus on IT and Technical roles, alongside other divisions – Office and Professional, Industrial and Manual, and Retail and Hospitality – further demonstrates their strong start to the year.

With a new website launched in past days, the firm – which in March celebrated 43 years in the sector – is navigating the challenging recruitment landscape, with vacancies in a wide range of professions across North Wales and beyond.

“It has been an unprecedented time for our industry across the board,” said Sarah.

“As well as working with our partners to fill vacancies we have been proactive in supporting people whose jobs are at risk – including hundreds of employees at the 2 Sisters Food Group in Llangefni – and attending career events to help employers meet demand for candidates in many sectors.”

She added: “From a personal perspective, to celebrate 25 years at Supertemps is a huge honour, we have achieved so much in that time and I am thankful to our team for their hard work, friendship and vision, notably since the onset of Covid-19 and now the cost-of-living crisis and other challenges facing the market.

“We have done so together and I’m very proud of that.”

The rebrand has been welcomed by clients and candidates, and Sarah believes it will breathe new life into the organisation.

“We have been around for a long time so it’s good to start a new chapter, to begin the next steps on our journey after a period of reflection,” she said.

“The marketplace is exceptionally busy, arguably busier, and more volatile than it’s ever been, but we have the team to help candidates find the right career, and employers the best fit for them.

“By adapting and anticipating changes in recruitment and other industries we have remained at the forefront of business in this region and hope to do so for many more years to come.”

For more information, visit www.supertemps.co.uk and follow @supertempsltd for the latest news and information from Supertemps.

YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyDDc48hfPJTMq_4pyI3ZAQ.

News

Recruiters step up job events to try and meet growing demand for candidates

RECRUITERS have ramped up the number of job events to plug gaps in demand for workers in hard-hit industries.

Bangor and Colwyn Bay-based Supertemps has organised and attended more employment exhibitions and workshops than ever before in a bid to help clients fill key roles in sectors including hospitality, IT, manufacturing, construction, social care, and landscaping and gardening.

The company – marking 42 years in business – received a positive response at the popular Digital Skills and Careers Expo held at M-SParc, Anglesey recently, and the inaugural Conwy Job Expo in Colwyn Bay.

Managing Director Sarah Ellwood revealed an increase in the number of bilingual members of their team also played a part in securing contracts across North Wales over past months.

“The market has been candidate-driven for some time now, but we’ve never experienced anything like this before,” said Sarah, who recently completed Cwrs Cymraeg Gwaith at Nant Gwrtheyrn on the Llyn Peninsula in a bid to sharpen her Welsh language skills.

“We held our own jobs fair in Caernarfon, have been at several other employment events and there are more in the pipeline as private and public sector organisations continue to work hard to match those looking for work with the many vacancies up for grabs in this area alone.

“As different sectors recover from the pandemic there are new opportunities, and employers are very aware they must adapt their offering to be more flexible, perhaps pay more than they would have previously and become a lot quicker in replying to avoid missing out.

“The landscape is turbulent but there are plenty of roles up for grabs so it’s pivotal we collaborate to build confidence and meet this demand as quickly as possible.”

Supertemps – and its S2 Recruitment arm – strengthened partnerships with leading employers over past weeks including Blind Veterans UK, Ambition North Wales and North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, all of which have positions available.

With Jayne Mckay Taylor, from Rhos-on-Sea, joining their ranks as a Senior Recruitment Consultant, focused on delivering high-volume contracts in myriad arenas, notably manufacturing and the public sector, the award-winning company is well-placed to continue growing throughout 2022.

“Recruitment is one of the biggest challenges out there for businesses right now, and that looks set to be the case in the months ahead,” added Sarah.

“We would encourage anyone needing support and guidance to get in touch, and to look out for upcoming job expos and events which showcase the many opportunities out there for people looking to re-educate, those considering a new career or for clients hoping to meet their ideal candidate.”

For more information, visit www.supertemps.co.uk and follow @supertempsltd for the latest news and information from Supertemps.

YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyDDc48hfPJTMq_4pyI3ZAQ

News

New recruit brings wealth of experience to leading jobs agency

A PROMINENT recruitment agency welcomed a new starter who brings decades of industrial experience to the award-winning company.  

Jayne Mckay Taylor, from Rhos-on-Sea, has joined the team at award-winning Bangor and Colwyn Bay-based Supertemps.

A Senior Recruitment Consultant and fluent Welsh speaker, Jayne is well-known across North Wales and the North West for her strong connections with the public sector and in delivering high-volume contracts for some of the region’s top organisations.

Originally from Anglesey, Jayne has spent 15 years in recruitment having previously worked in manufacturing, sales, and administration, and is excited to bring her skills and expertise to the role.

“My strengths have been in supporting larger employers that require a large pool of candidates quite quickly, notably local authorities,” she said.

“I’m delighted to be able to bring my experience to Supertemps – one of the most respected and long-standing recruitment firms in the country – and have already been made to feel very welcome by everyone here.

“The last couple of years has been very challenging so to be able to join a company which is looking to the future and puts the client and candidate at the forefront of their plans is something I’m proud to be a part of.”

Jayne, who lives in the coastal town with husband Nigel and their two Shichon dogs, Betty and Lola, added: “The pandemic led to much of our work being online but from speaking to clients the personal touch and face-to-face relationship is still pivotal and will be going forward.

“I love helping people, there is nothing more rewarding, so as we emerge from this difficult time I hope we can do that more and more.

“This is an industry of trust, and people want to deal with a recruitment firm that is close by, with a solid reputation and able to meet the demands of what is a candidate-driven process, so that’s why more and more of them are looking to Supertemps – I am thrilled to now be a part of the team.”

Supertemps – founded more than 40 years ago – has been inundated with clients seeking employees in multiple industries over past months, including IT, hospitality, retail, and manufacturing.

Managing Director Sarah Ellwood welcomed Jayne to the business and says her knowledge and skills will add great value to their service offering.

“Jayne has witnessed first-hand how demanding the pandemic has been on our industry and is well placed to help organisations in the private and public sector as they look to rebuild and grow again,” said Sarah.

“Recruitment is one of the biggest issues facing employers right now, in many different arenas, so her experience with large volume clients will be crucial in helping to fill a wide range of positions.

“She is a fantastic addition to our brilliant team, and we wish her the best of luck and every success in this new role.”

Visit www.supertemps.co.uk and follow @supertempsltd for the latest news and information from Supertemps. Alternatively, view their YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyDDc48hfPJTMq_4pyI3ZAQ

News

Jobs growth, expansion and TV appearance for Welsh recruiter on new year high

North Wales recruiters started the year on a high with new partnerships and expansion plans.

The team at Colwyn Bay and Bangor-based Supertemps have been inundated with clients seeking employees in multiple industries over the winter months.

Managing Director Sarah Ellwood says demand is increasing for staff in sectors including IT, hospitality, retail, and manufacturing, but warned bosses to move fast for fear of losing out on their ideal applicant.

“The market has been candidate-driven for quite some time but since the onset of the pandemic it has reached new levels,” said Sarah.

“Often businesses will have to make the decision immediately because if they wait even a few hours another offer will have been made and the applicant snapped up.

“We are urging managers and their HR departments to move quickly or miss out.”

With burgeoning private and public sector contracts in place – North Wales Fire and Rescue Service among them – and plans to take on new staff of their own, Sarah is thrilled to see the long-standing firm make its way back from the challenges of the Covid-19 crisis.

Llinos Gutierrez-Jones, Head of Human Resources for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We have a number of support staff vacancies being advertised currently, and Supertemps are playing a key role in helping us recruit the right people for these rewarding roles.”

Sarah added: “It has been a tough time, for Supertemps and so many of the companies we work with in this region and beyond, but the green shoots are appearing.

“As before we have a lot in store for the year, including our annual employment law event with Manchester-based JMW Solicitors, so we hope to see lots of people join us for that.

“The pandemic has raised many HR and recruitment issues that were unprecedented, so they will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.

“Thanks as always to our amazing clients, collaborators and partners for your support – we wish you all the best of luck for 2022.”

The free employment seminar and Q&A will be held virtually on Tuesday March 8 from 10am. To register, visit https://employmentlawupdate2022.eventbrite.co.uk.

For a full list of job vacancies and for further information, visit www.supertemps.co.uk 

News

Welsh recruiter builds back from pandemic with new staff and surge in demand

A RECRUITER is building back from the pandemic and welcoming new staff to its award-winning team.

Shannon Jones and Nicole Owen have joined Bangor and Colwyn Bay-based Supertemps as resourcers.

The move comes after Candice Chartrand was unveiled as the driving force behind the group’s managerial and executive arm, S2 Recruitment.

Shannon, from Old Colwyn, and Anglesey-raised Nicole are both Welsh speakers and previously worked in finance, housing, and administration.

They are excited to join the organisation at a critical time for the industry.

“Our job is to identify candidates, build relationships and work alongside our colleagues to match the right person with the right vacancy,” said Shannon, 23, a former pupil at Ysgol y Creuddyn, Penrhyn Bay.

“There is so much demand out there in many different sectors – especially IT, engineering, haulage and hospitality – so it has been a very busy start to life at Supertemps for us but a great opportunity to help people at such an important time.”

Nicole, 25, who attended Ysgol Syr Thomas Jones, Amlwch, added: “The landscape is very much candidate-driven, notably in certain areas where there is a shortfall of skilled workers as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and other factors.

“Both Shannon and I love the interaction with people – which is largely online at present – and trying to offer as much guidance and support as we can.

“The whole team has made us feel really welcome and we are excited to see how our careers develop in the years ahead.”

Supertemps Business Manager Vicki Armstrong-Smith said the business has “refocused” after a challenging period in lockdown and is beginning to hold more face-to-face meetings and consultations after doing so virtually for the last 20 months.

“This is the busiest period I’ve ever experienced in my decade with the company, and every day brings new challenges,” said Vicki.

“And that’s not just on the temporary side; permanent vacancies have risen significantly, and confidence is growing, with the private sector in particular looking at their offering because of the competition for skilled staff, whether that be salaries, working conditions and more.”

She added: “Shannon and Nicole have hit the ground running and are a fantastic addition to the team. They are a breath of fresh air and reflect everything that’s positive about Supertemps – helping people when they need it most and supporting our partners in a wide range of industries across North Wales and beyond.”

For more information, visit www.supertemps.co.uk and follow @supertempsltd on social media.

News

Recruiters pivot in the pandemic and unveil new faces ahead of jobs day takeover

AN AWARD-WINNING recruitment firm pivoted in the pandemic to meet demand for high-flying candidates.

S2 Recruitment – part of the Colwyn Bay and Bangor-based Supertemps Group – is focused on filling positions in managerial and executive roles, with a particular vacancy rise in areas such as HR, business analytics, IT, and finance.

Candice Chartrand is spearheading the department and says there has been a surge in applications and interest in past months.

Originally from Canada, the 33 year-old moved to the UK aged 21 and completed a degree in Business before working in visual merchandising and telesales and joining Supertemps two years ago.

After a challenging period for the industry, she says there has been an uplift in past months.

“S2 Recruitment was launched primarily to target the IT, executive and engineering sectors, and has been very successful in doing so over the last five years,” said Candice.

“However, since the beginning of the summer – as Coronavirus restrictions began to ease – we have seen more and more interest on the executive side, with a growing number of high-level senior positions coming in, notably in the business and finance arena.

“On a personal note, I am thrilled to have moved across from Supertemps to concentrate more on this side of the business as it’s an area we are looking to expand in the new year.

“Hopefully after such a difficult time for so many professions we continue to see things improve and candidates across the region eager to fill these exciting roles, roles which indicate recruitment confidence is on the rise.”

As well as taking on the S2 role earlier this year, Candice successfully achieved a Level 3 Certificate in Recruitment Practice via the REC (Recruitment and Employment Confederation) while in lockdown.

Supertemps Managing Director Sarah Ellwood praised her determination and diligence throughout the pandemic and said: “The lion’s share of Candice’s time with us has been spent working from home due to Covid-19, so she’s done incredibly well to gain this accreditation and make strides with the organisation.

“From Anglesey to Wrexham we are seeing an increase in jobs and it’s looking a lot more positive on the candidate side, so we are hopeful that continues.

“Job figures have been at record numbers, but companies have been struggling to recruit; anyone who has taken their time to make decisions has missed out, so we encourage people to get in touch if they need any support of advice.”

Most recent figures from the Office for National Statistics revealed unemployment fell to 4.6% in the three months to July, while the employment rate rose to 75.2%.

And data from HM Revenue & Customs showed the jobs boom continued in August, with payroll employment up by 241,000 on the month to match pre-pandemic levels. The number of unfilled positions hit 1.034m in the three months to August, the first time it has surpassed the 1m mark since the ONS started monitoring job advertisements 20 years ago.

For more information, visit www.s2recruitment.co.uk and follow them on social media @s2recruitment.

Visit www.supertemps.co.uk for more news and information from Supertemps.

Supertemps and S2 Recruitment will be hosting a takeover and recruitment day at M-SParc’s 31 Conway Road office in Colwyn Bay from 10am-6.30pm on Tuesday October 12. Information here: Recruitment Open Day – S2 Recruitment. There will be seminars on How to Write the Perfect CV and Traits of Successful Jobseekers, and advice and guidance for candidates and clients.

 

News

Surge in demand for digital and IT workers in North Wales as pupil interest wanes

DEMAND for IT and digital skills in North Wales has never been higher.

A study by the Learning and Work Institute found that across the UK, one in four companies has a significant gap when it comes to basic computer skills.

That, coupled with a 40% fall in school pupils taking ICT at GCSE level since 2015, has led to a dramatic decline in talent.

Colwyn Bay and Bangor-based S2 Recruitment has witnessed this trend and revealed a growing number of permanent IT and digital posts in North Wales are being filled by candidates from outside the region.

Business Manager Sian Shepherd confirmed that while this was the case there has also been an exodus of talent across the border.

“We have the skills right here in North Wales but for some reason a lot of people have travelled to England and further afield for work, rather than applying for quality digital roles right here on their doorstep,” said Sian.

“This has become a significant issue – especially due to the Coronavirus pandemic and more people than ever moving online – with S2 Recruitment helping to appoint people from as far away as London, Kent, Norfolk and even Scotland to take up positions in Gwynedd and Anglesey.

“That said, we are also aware there are skilled and experienced people from North Wales working nationally and internationally for global companies, so there is a crossover.”

Research also revealed there is a massive need for more candidates with AI (Artificial Intelligence), robotics and cloud computing experience, and a disparity in the number of young women applying for roles.

“More than 80% of the positions we have appointed to in the last six months have been filled by male candidates; the number of female applicants in this sector is low,” said Sian.

“This is where education is going to be key; we really need to see academia and the private sector work together to attract more youngsters into industries where there will be a better chance of a career for them, and to address the demographic challenges.

“It is a candidate-driven market right now, especially for those who are highly skilled, so it’s imperative this is capitalised on.”

She added: “One way could be to introduce 12-month placements on further and higher education courses in the fields of IT and computer science, so students are ‘job ready’ on graduating.

“We hear from clients turning away customers because they do not have the staff to tackle the digital elements of the work, especially in light of Covid-19 and an inability to recruit due to skills shortages.

“Some have tried hiring from abroad and others are simply failing to hire anyone and seeing it impact on revenue. Solutions have to be found, and soon, because the problem is only going to get worse if things continue.”

Points reinforced by Dr Neil Bentley-Gockmann, CEO of Worldskills UK.

He said: “With digital technology now embedded in so many parts of life, from virtual GP appointments and online retail to industry 4.0 and the rise of fintech, it has never been such an important time to look at the digital skills our economy needs.

“The findings show there is a mismatch between supply and demand; the majority of our employer poll believe that their reliance on digital skills will increase in the future, yet analysis of digital skills provision in education shows that the numbers training in digital skills is on a downward trend.

“And there is a significant gender gap, with young women reporting that they are both less confident and less interested in digital careers compared to young men.”

Dr Bentley-Gockmann added: “WorldSkills UK is committed to acting on the outcomes of this research to improve the opportunities for more young people, and help ensure more employers can be confident about accessing the high-quality digital skills they need to help power our economic recovery.”

For more on S2 Recruitment, visit www.s2recruitment.co.uk or follow @s2recruitment on social media. Alternatively, call 0333 323 4371.