Management at a Leicestershire food wholesaler say they have had to go back onto the shop floor because of a pressing labour shortage.
Ocean King, an independent, Loughborough-based supplier of fresh and frozen food to the restaurant trade, is among a number of firms struggling to attract and retain talent.
In recent months recruiters have said the number of available workers has dried up because of restrictions on free movement imposed under the 海角视频 Government’s Brexit plans.
Many EU workers also returned home during the pandemic and didn’t come back. There is also more competition for workers as the economy gets back to normal.
Ocean King is owned and run by Steven Thai and his family, and has been trading in the town for 25 years.
Having successfully navigated the Covid-19 crisis, Mr Thai said they were on target to double turnover since the start pandemic despite the recruitment issues.
He believes local firms are losing talent to larger corporations – exacerbating an existing labour shortage which has worsened in recent years.
He said the crisis got so bad over Christmas that senior executives, including Mr Thai and his brothers, had to roll up their sleeves and drive forklifts late into Christmas Eve to fulfil orders on time.
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He said: “Like so many local employers, we’re struggling right now to find the right people for our roles.
“As a family business with solid values, we have a fantastic working culture and are committed to creating great opportunities for all employees.
“And, unlike some larger organisations, that offer zero-hour contracts and irregular work, we guarantee security, longevity and a nurturing environment.
“However even with all this on offer, and plenty of opportunities available, there simply aren’t enough candidates to fill the roles.
“We believe smaller businesses can lose out to bigger brands in a high turnover competitive market.
“We stand out from the large warehousing names by being true to our family values and supporting talent, at every level.
“Getting the right local people supporting growing business will only help to shore up local prosperity.”
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He said Ocean King was currently hiring to meet its rapid business growth, supporting the firm as it plans it expansion into new premises, triple the size of its current HQ.
He said: “We’re particularly looking for roles in our warehouse and for drivers.
“We’re also looking for team leaders in logistics and sales to support our executive team and would love to employ and welcome local people into the Ocean King family.”
Ocean King was founded in Newcastle Under Lyme in 1997 from humble beginnings.
With a 7.5-tonne truck, hard work and an entrepreneurial spirit, it began to deliver specialist ingredients to the takeaway restaurant market.
Mr Thai said: “Everyone that walks through the doors at Ocean King is part of the family – we commit to training and development for the long term - and we’re keen to work with other employers to share best practice and collaborate, with the goal of stemming the candidate shortage for the long-term.”
The business recently teamed up with customers to help raise more than £1,350 for Cancer Research 海角视频.
Knowing how difficult it has been for charities to raise funds during the Covid-19 pandemic, Ocean King encouraged clients to donate to a cause close to their hearts, promising to match the funds raised.
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