Personnel agents optimistic for 2014

Employment opportunities in the freight industry were flat last year, according to recruitment specialists, but there is some optimism flowering in light of a possible global economic upturn. This is a global trend, according to one of the UK’s major freight industry recruitment organisations, Faststream. In its latest report made available to FTW the company said that its executive search division had been taking more calls than ever before from company chairmen keen to ensure that their firms were best positioned to take advantage of the upswing and that their management teams were fit for purpose. In addition, Faststream said it was evident that Africa was a growing market, with a lot of activity. The same is true in the SA market. According to Kim Botti, director of specialist freight industry recruitment company, Lee Botti & Associates, 2013 was a tough year for many clients. “But saying that,” she told FTW, “the beginning of a new year brings new opportunities and movement within the industry.” Jill Scott of Jill Scott & Associates is also of an optimistic nature. “I can see an upturn,” she said, while admitting that a lot of people were still pessimistic and waiting for proof of an economic recovery. “We do live in a country where everything - politics, society and the economy – are volatile,” Scott added. “But you have to maintain a positive attitude, go forward and be prepared for the upturn.” Both our commentators agreed with the Faststream statement that the attitude of employers was that they would pay – but only for the right people with specialised skills. “The downswing has had a positive effect,” said Scott. “It has got rid of a trend of thought amongst employees that they had a job for life, and only needed to do the bare minimum to guarantee their salaries. “But everybody now has to put in a distinct effort to do their best, and be part of a positive-thinking team.” Faststream noted that when companies in the likes of SA do hire for commercial shipping staff, they hire the best fit for the job. FTW’s local sources agreed. There continues to be a shortage of skills and companies will make provision for candidates with the right experience, according to Botti. “However,” she added, “the process has become more selective and slower, to ensure that the right person is appointed." INSERT & CAPTION The beginning of a new year brings new opportunities and movement within the industry. – Kim Botti