Job prospects begin slow recovery

Nobody in the personnel recruitment industry is getting too excited just yet, but the hints whispered to FTW suggest that better times may very well be on the way. The staffing services provider, the Kelly Group, was probably the least confident commentator, with a management release saying that – despite the opportunities presented by the World Cup and the cautiously optimistic outlook from many analysts – the employment sector traditionally lags the general economy by at least six months. It therefore felt that its trading conditions would remain depressed for most of the year. Amongst those “cautiously optimistic” observers of the employment situation was Jill Morris, director of Lee Botti & Associates. “We have noticed a definite increase in positions available since the beginning of the year,” she said, “with many clients needing to employ again following increased volumes.” But, she did warn that – although there is a more positive atmosphere in the market – clients remain cautious. “They are leaning towards taking on staff on a contract basis initially,” Morris added, “with a view to making them permanent should these increased volumes be maintained. This is also as a result of retrenchments that took place in 2009, where companies are unable to employ new permanent staff members.” Dr Lynn Ribton-Turner of Ribton-Turner Recruitment, which specialises in freight and logistics recruitment, described 2009 as “a year of darkness”. “But now, in February 2010, the job market is experiencing the break of day,” she told FTW. During January, Ribton- Turner suggested that she was unsure if the job orders would start to open up or whether caution would rule the market. “However,” she added, “the bottom line now is an increasing demand by employers for skills – with competent sales staff still a priority. “And, as the freight volumes increase, our clients are reassessing their need for ‘engine room’ staff – experienced, sound controllers for ocean/air imports and exports.” Ribton-Turner noted that the optimistic, positive clients were also driving forward and requesting talent in various operational, sales, financial and human resources management positions. “There is a definite sense of revival returning in the market,” she said. But she also expressed agreement at others’ comments about temps. “Some companies are hesitating and looking for contract/temporary staff,” Ribton-Turner said, “perhaps restrained by IR/legal processes or alternatively preferring to put a toe in the water rather than leap in. “But we look forward to a healthy 2010 in terms of growth in trade and requirements from our clients for the employment of hardworking, competent and driven staff.” Rozanne Jansen van Vuuren of Durban-based Communicate Personnel is also convinced that this year will be better than last – and that the signs are already there with more placements, particularly in operations and sales. “January was very quiet,” she told FTW. “But things began to pick up into February, and are now going well. “For example, one of our consultants has just made three placements in one week – something that hardly ever happens.”