23rd April 2024
Civil Engineering Labour Solutions – by
“We can’t find reliable, skilled people to work on our projects”.
When asked – that is the number one problem construction companies face in 2023.
Whilst the news headlines might have people believing the construction industry is on the precipice of economic collapse, our experience – gained from speaking to people in the industry every day – is quite different.
Of course there are the usual challenges of budgets being squeezed and material prices rising. But, without a shadow of a doubt, the single biggest challenge to any construction company delivering a project on time, is people. Or more accurately, the lack of them!
As supplying people is what we do, we thought we’d share the key things you can do to tackle your staffing problem in 2023.
Know your people
At Skilled Labour Services we only supply skilled groundworkers. It’s a defined niche within construction and, over the years, we’ve shown time and again why we are the best option for skilled labour supply in the South.
Reputations are hard-won and easily lost.
The reason you can access skilled operatives from a finely tuned database of more than 3,000 skilled operatives whose work we have vetted and can vouch for is that we aren’t a “typical agency”.
Supplying your project with the staff you need is about more than just filling orders. Our operatives know they will be paid on time – every time, receive a detailed payslip and are never out of work (unless they choose to be).
For us, doing things properly is a given – yet all too often, we hear that other agencies don’t, which is why our operatives show us and our clients’ loyalty.
Supporting our clients and our people
If you already work with us, you’ll be familiar with contract managers Dave and Ricky, both highly experienced groundworkers. Thanks to their “time served’ in the industry, they understand what you need whilst speaking the same language as our workforce.
But why does that matter?
Effective communication is essential to ensuring you receive the very best service as a SLS client. When you talk to us about your project and what skills you need on site, we understand because we’ve been there – unlike when you choose an agency whose team have most likely never set foot on a construction site!
Quality standards and timescales don’t get lost in translation at SLS and, if there are problems that need to be addressed – we know how to do that quickly and effectively. This means we build better relationships with clients and operatives alike – keeping great workers on our books ready to supply clients who treat our teams with respect.
Varied work and development opportunities
Unlike being directly employed by a contractor, our teams get a variety of work and the choice of projects they work on. This means that, when you approach us to supply operatives for a project, you can be confident that you’ll get a reliable team that will turn up where and when you need them.
A good mix of work is important for keeping people’s skills sharp and allowing them to develop new ones. In early 2023 SLS expanded to supply skilled groundworkers to the rail industry, allowing operatives to upskill and take on work in a new field.
What’s in it for the workforce?
The systems and processes in place that make SLS the leading labour suppliers for our clients are one thing. It’s also important to talk about what we offer to the people we employ.
Whether you’re thinking about joining us as a temporary worker, or are a client seeking to ensure your supply chain acts ethically and fairly towards our workforce, here are key things to know:
- Regular payroll and payslips provide financial security
- We pay competitive market rates
- An experienced office team provide finance and administrative support
- Our training records are detailed and well maintained
- SLS has a broad mix of clients ensuring diverse work opportunities
- Long and short term placements are available
- Fleet of eight new, well-maintained vehicles
Find out more about our labour supply services
If you’d like to find out more about working with one the region’s leading suppliers of skilled site operatives for your next construction project, get in touch with the team today.
