‘Labour broking ban would be detrimental to the industry’

A part of the recruitment agency market is currently under threat, with pressure on the SA government to ban labour broking in this country – a move that could affect the temporary employment market handled by the agencies, according to Sabina Botti, marketing manager for Lee Botti & Associates. “The tight market has resulted in more candidates being forced to look for employment and consequently more choice being available to clients,” she told FTW. “This has resulted in a decrease in asking salaries, with applicants having to be more flexible and realistic in terms of their remuneration expectations. Many are willing to take a steep drop in income to secure the job, with salary reviews after the probation period is successfully completed.” And, with the recession taking a serious toll on job vacancies, more applicants than ever before are accepting temporary and contractual positions, Botti added. “Our association is currently involved in intense discussions with government regarding labour broking,” she said, “and the possible ban of the temporary employment services industry. “This would be detrimental to the industry as well as the economy. It would limit newcomers joining the workforce as well as the recently retrenched returning to the job market, learning new skills and lowering the levels of unemployment in this country.” It would also hit another, extremely popular service offered by the temp market. Said Botti: “By passing this legislation client companies who currently bring in outsourced staff when peak periods hit will no longer be allowed to do this.” The SA job market has changed from the enthusiastic employment pattern of recent years. The skills shortage of the past is no longer, according to Botti, and employers now have a choice of top talent. “Competition between candidates applying for the same job is higher,” she said, “and people are being forced to sell themselves and the value they can bring to the organisation, now more than ever before.” Botti’s advice to unfortunate retrenchment victims is to be “as realistic and flexible as possible” when considering future career opportunities. “Applicants also need to be extremely proactive in applying for jobs,” she said. “Those sitting on the fence, unsure of their position during this difficult time, need to learn as much as possible, upskill, volunteer to work in various departments and make themselves indispensable.”