Finding staff is one of those problems that never seems to go away. At the UKWA’s 2025 Annual Conference a snap poll of members showed that over 80% had had issues filling all of the roles they needed in the last 12 months.
And yet, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) says only 1 in 6 employers has ever used a Jobcentre to try to recruit.
This statistic was used by Allison McGovern MP, Minister for Employment, at a roundtable for UKWA members held in Manchester. Kindly hosted by 3PL provider Kammac at their Trafford Park Warehouse, the event was a chance for members to talk directly to the Minster, and senior officials from the DWP, about the challenges they faced in finding staff.
The Minister is keen to improve the service that her department offers to employers – they are in the business of helping people find jobs, after all. There are services on offer now though, that more businesses could use.
Jobcentre Plus has an Employer Services Line you can call (there’s also an online option) to help you fill your vacancies, and get other support – details here.
One government scheme you may want to consider is the Sector-based Work Academy Programme, or SWAP. SWAPs are 6 week programmes that provide a job seeker with pre-employment training (matched to your business sector and delivered by you or a local training provider), a short work placement with your business, and then a guaranteed job interview or help with your application process.
We heard from a member who had used SWAPs, with some positive results. The programmes are funded by government, but may require your time for training or supervising. If you are interested, you can find out more here.
The event also heard from UKWA member, GXO, about their experiences in employing ex-offenders. While this may seem daunting, people leaving prison can be highly motivated workers – and it’s a chance to help your community. Charities like Tempus Novo, can help you understand how it works.
This event is just one example of how we get the voice of members heard by government, and provide practical information to address your challenges. If you want some support with recruiting strategies, or have a burning issue you want to raise with politicians, get in touch – enquiries@ukwa.org.uk.