Bosses struggle to fill £55-an-hour PA roles as many workers refuse to return to office
STRESSED bosses are struggling to fill £55-an-hour PA roles as so few workers are willing to return to the office.
Would-be employees are turning their noses up at positions that are not entirely work from home.
One recent survey found that almost half of jobseekers — 45 per cent — will only apply for roles that allow flexible or remote working.
One firm said three in four potential recruits were not interested in taking up a role unless WFH was guaranteed.
Experts say they are in a strong position as there are a record 1.3million vacancies across the economy, but the tide may slowly be turning.
Recruitment boss Chris Gray, of ManpowerGroup UK, said: “Over the last 12 months we’ve seen employers offer unprecedented benefits, from hefty signing bonuses to fully remote working, to attract candidates.
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“As demand for new workers cools, candidates are less able to secure these benefits but many existing employees don’t want to give them up.”
Recruitment consultants Indeed said searches for jobs involving some remote work had gone from 0.3 per cent in January 2020 before Covid to 2.8 per cent last month.
One London-based boss said: “I understand the culture has changed post-Covid but the result is businesses are suffering big time. We need someone in the office five days a week.
“At the moment, the directors are left making the tea and coffee and doing the printing.”
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The British Chambers of Commerce said flexible working practices can help employers recruit and retain staff.