Economic downturn and year-end slow-down hit recruitment market

In a national survey, Lee Botti, MD of Lee Botti & Associates, found that there was a noticeable decrease in the number of positions coming into recruitment agencies. “There is still a definite shortage of skills, but clients are tightening their belts,” she told FTW. The survey also concluded that this same situation was leading to a distinct increase in counter-offers – as companies tried to retain skilled staff. “We also recorded that senior operations managers were now often being asked to do sales as well,” Botti added, “as they try to save employing sales people – who are both scarce and expensive.” Trainee positions are also on the decline at the moment. “It is time- and effortconsuming to train up unskilled staff – and companies are loathe to have to wait,” said Botti. While the world is in economic turmoil, this easing in the job market in the freight and shipping industries is common to this time of the year, she said. “Things normally slow down in the October to January period as this is leading up to year-end bonus time. “But, come January, employers find staff on the look-out for new jobs – and companies are also planning out their year, and jobs flow in.” So the current slack-off, Botti added, is a combination of both international and domestic economics and the end-of-year hesitation.