Most Wanted - Engineers

Thu 4 Oct 2007

Engineers were the most sought after staff category in the UK during September 2007.

This was one of the key findings of the most recent Report on Jobs published by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) and KPMG.

Inder Rai, Senior Consultant for SRG Engineering commented, "This report confirms what we've been experiencing over the last few months. The demand from several sectors has significantly drained the pool of skilled engineers in the UK.”

Inder continues, “The Oil and Gas Industry in particular has had a heavy demand for process engineers and has attracted candidates working in other process sectors such as chemicals and pharmaceuticals, thereby causing a shortage in these industries as well.”

The Oil and Gas surge has also had an impact on contract labour rates. “With the current levels of investment in oil and gas, this industry is able to offer hourly rates in excess of £50 per hour. This is at least 20% higher than the current average rates in the pharmaceutical industry.”

What does this mean for SRG Engineering who primarily focus on the pharmaceutical and chemical sectors? “Most engineers prefer the work content and culture within the fine chemicals and pharmaceutical sectors so we are working hard with our clients to promote these benefits to engineers.”

Matt Lawrence, Manager for SRG Engineering South comments “There is also a shortage for permanent jobseekers in the market place at Senior Engineering levels, particularly within the Medical Device and Pharmaceutical Industries. Due to the boom in this sector skills are in short supply, and those with extensive experience in this marketplace are in many cases turning to the lucrative contract market and away from permanent staff positions.”

“There is also confusion caused by the high-profile redundancy programs by some of the larger companies in this sector, leaving engineers wondering whether the permanent work really is “safer” than contracting. As a direct result permanent vacancies often remain vacant for months, sometimes years.”

What advice does Matt have for Employers? “Talk to us before setting a job spec, salary and benefits for any permanent position. We can advise on what will be attractive in the current market. We’ve recently helped several companies to fill positions that have been open for months through re-writing the job descriptions and amending the benefits and salary package.”