Staff Retention – It’s not just about the money!

We all know that a good salary and benefits package are very helpful tools for staff attraction and retention. However, happiness and dedication in the workplace don’t always hinge on what clears into the bank account each month. With a talent shortage in the STEM sector, retaining key people is vital. Here are some top tips that aren’t just about money or benefits for you to think about with your staff retention:

  1. Find the right people in the first place – hiring the right people that are motivated and passionate about your organisations vision is vital. When you are recruiting, make sure you spend time probing what makes your potential recruit tick. A shared vision and value will give your people a sense of purpose and they will want to be part of what you are trying to achieve.
  2. Be empathic – As a modern employer, we are all aware that life is hectic and that there are work and external demands that put pressure on our people. Understanding this and giving that flexibility to get away for parents evening or to handle family emergencies makes a huge difference in your team’s lives and show them that you value them and their wellbeing.
  3. Adapt your leadership style – Diversity in the workplace has been shown to lead to innovation and productivity. So we often need to attract and retain different sorts of people and personalities. These different personalities will respond differently to different management and leadership styles. Remember that to get the best out of your people and to make them feel secure in their role, you may well need to adapt your leadership style for different people.
  4. Engage your team – Disengaged employees lack motivation and have been shown to not only be less productive but also on occasion be positively disruptive. If you have high achievers that fall into this category not only is this a lost opportunity but it can also quickly lead to them looking elsewhere or being poached b a competitor. To improve this engagement, make sure that you involve your people, you listen to them and their suggestions and that you are clear about your vision and company strategy.

I hope that these ideas are helpful to you.

If you would like to talk to us about your recruitment or retention strategy, please get in touch with us here at CK Group.

Author: Jonathan Hart-Smith

Posted in Industry News, News

Catch up on the IR35 Seminar in our video

We recently hosted an IR35 Information Event with two excellent speakers designed to help contractors and employers learn more about the extended IR35 legislation.

By popular demand, we filmed the event so that delegates could watch it back and those people who missed the event could watch it as well.

The event was very well attended and it was fantastic to have so many questions and interaction with between the delegates and speakers.

Our specialist speakers are experts in the tax and legal space, Lewina Farrell, the Head of Legal Services at REC (The Recruitment and Employment Confederation) and Chris Humphreys, Head of Tax at BHP, one of the largest accountancy firms in the UK.

Payroll alternatives post IR35

Do you engage contractors?
If you engage contractors through personal service companies (ltd co) and have undertaken your assessment as to whether or not they are inside or outside IR35 and found that they are “in”, you may well be looking for an alternative legally compliant way to engage these workers. This is where CK can help. We offer a scalable payroll solution for contractors from a single person through to teams into the hundreds. We have a track record of compliance and a high level of customer service. We can engage these workers on your behalf and offer them a PAYE contract and a simplified single monthly invoice for the service. Speak to CK about how we can transfer your workers and save you money in the process.

Are you a contractor that will be impacted by IR35?
If you are a contractor seeking a platform to be able to deliver your flexible services to your client, CK Group are able to offer you a payroll solution with weekly or monthly payroll, expenses processing, access to a private health scheme and pension facilities. Unlike umbrella companies, CK Group will not charge you for this service.

If you would like more information please contact us

Posted in Industry News, IR35, News

Changes to IR35 legislation and its impact on employers

In October 2018 the government confirmed that it will be extending the off-payroll rules to the private sector.

As of 6 April 2020, clients in the private sector will be responsible for assessing the IR35 Status of their contractors. For those deemed to be working inside IR35, the client will need to ensure they deduct all tax and National Insurance contributions due. The draft legislation was published on the 11th of July 2019.

Read more about who the IR35 legislation affects

Posted in General, Home Page, Homepage, Industry News, News

The benefits of working and living in The Republic of Ireland

The Republic of Ireland is often overlooked as a potential location to seek employment, especially for those seeking employment within the UK. However, this EU country offers a number of excellent work opportunities and an active lifestyle, in addition to being located just a short ferry or plane ride from the UK. Here are just 10 of the many reasons to relocate Ireland and boost your career.

  1. Demonstrating your ability and willingness to work outside of your own country is encouraging for future employers. Travelling is often a necessary component of modern work and employers often seek staff that are able to demonstrate employment in a variety of locations.
  2.  Ireland is a democratic country situated within the EU. It is often associated with high cost of living; however, with the global economic downturn this cost of living has decreased somewhat.
  3.  Public healthcare in Ireland is funded by general taxes and can therefore be obtained without additional charges. For those who wish to avoid any waiting times private healthcare is also available.
  4.  The education system in Ireland is highly regarded worldwide and there are plenty of options for furthering your education or professional development at all levels.
  5.  Ireland is a friendly place, where speaking to a stranger is not a rare and unwanted occurrence. Irish people are polite, helpful and open to conversation. It has previously been suggested to be the friendliest country in the world by Lonely Planet.
  6.  Ireland is often misrepresented as an unsafe country in the media, whilst in actual fact it is one of the safest countries to live and work in, having been ranked as 12th in the 2016 Global Peace Index.
  7.  Ireland is a highly multicultural country with foreign nationals contributing to the countries economy and varied culture. In 2014 the percentage of non-Irish citizens living and working in Ireland was approximately 10%.
  8.  Ireland has a unique and traditional culture to be discovered and enjoyed. It wouldn’t be a trip to Ireland without listening to Irish folk music in a traditional pub while drinking a Guinness!
  9. Landscapes, landscapes, landscapes. Ireland is renowned for its stunning scenery with many breath-taking attractions to visit. These include the The Giants Causeway, Castles (visit Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone!), The Ring of Kerry, etc. You can hike, surf, climb, walk, cycle or just relax and take in all the stunning views this country has to offer.
  10.  Travelling to Europe is easy. Ireland has an excellent transport system including a number of airports that offer cheap and easy travel to a range of locations within Europe. Travel connections to Ireland from the UK are also readily available.

If you are interested in working in Ireland click here to search our current vacancies

Posted in Industry News, Job News, Mobile News, News

How to start a career in chemistry – New Scientist

As part of our careers advice series with New Scientist Jobs, Victoria Walker who is a specialist in recruitment in the chemical industry has given us her top tips of how to get started in a career in chemistry and to where this could potentially take you. Take a look here:

First you might ask, why would I want a career in chemistry?

The answer is because it provides so many diverse opportunities! Having a career within chemistry is not just limited to working in a lab (although there are many exciting lab-based jobs!). For example you could move into a field service role which would provide travel opportunities; you could get involved with plant based operations including scale up and process chemistry; and you could eventually use your career and knowledge in chemistry to educate, inspire and motivate a new generation.

So if you have a desire to work with polymers, coatings, fragrances, colours and more – follow these tips…

GCSEs or equivalent level qualifications

Most employers look for at least A-C grade (9-4 in new GCSE grading system) in Science and Maths as a minimum. Good maths skills are very important in landing your career in chemistry as it is necessary both to use these skills on a daily basis (such as measuring out chemicals and calculating proportionate yields) as well as having a sound understanding of maths on which to base the chemistry knowledge.

Further study

As people are now required to stay in full-time education until the age of 18 in the UK, options include 6th form or college, or alternatively starting an apprenticeship or trainee-ship.

If you opt to stay within traditional education, a chemistry A Level is the obvious choice. Supporting subjects include maths or physics. Should you wish to start an apprenticeship, try to find an opportunity with a chemical manufacturing company, or one with a company that may provide you with transferable skills.

Depending on the level of knowledge you are looking for and whether you intend to specialise, you may wish to embark on a University career in chemistry, and then perhaps a Masters or PhD. Please note these qualifications are not essential to obtain a career in chemistry; some employers do prefer a chemistry degree however a Masters and/ or PhD education is only for certain niche areas.

Work experience

Aside from having a knowledge and understanding of chemistry, work experience is going to be one of the main drivers in securing your career in your chosen field. We would highly recommend that you take any opportunity to immerse yourself in the industry, whether it’s only shadowing someone for a few days, voluntary lab experience, or paid temporary work/ a year in industry during university. While employers value a good chemistry education, more and more they are turning to experience as being the main tick in the box. Having gained voluntary experience also indicates that you are taking your career in chemistry seriously.

Chemistry

Flexibility

Ultimately, after you have achieved the above, be flexible. There are so many opportunities out there. You may have your heart set on becoming a New Product Development Chemist within water-based adhesives for the packaging industry, however please refer to our previous point – experience is everything. Appreciating that you may need to gain experience in a few other areas before being able to pursue your dream job will firstly take the pressure off, but secondly may mean that you find many other areas within chemistry that you weren’t aware of before.

If you would like more careers advice get in touch with Victoria Walker or take a look at our candidate zone.

Author: Victoria Walker

Posted in Industry News, News, Research and knowledge

What is a Technical Expert?

We are currently recruiting for a range of Technical Expert positions. These roles are with a leading testing laboratory who are UKAS accredited at their site in Greater Manchester.

So what does a Technical Expert do?

Firstly, a Technical Expert is a leader in their field of analysis. These people will have built up a strong skill set in their chosen field throughout their career in industry, and will most likely have an established academic background to support their industry knowledge. Most Technical Experts will be at least degree qualified and may have studied to Masters and/ or PhD level.

Secondly, a Technical Expert will hold a senior position within a company and may be responsible for assisting with training and/ or leading junior staff members. They are accountable for providing specialist expertise in the development and validation of test methods as well as designing work programmes. This could be in collaboration with the Business Development team or direct with customers, to ensure their requirements are met. Technical Experts will then translate the newly designed workloads into the lab and will assist with problem solving.

What does success look like?

The main aim of the Technical Expert will be to provide full analytical testing support for the products and/ or compounds in accordance with any required regulations (for example, cGMP, cGLP and cGCP) and may also have strict timelines and deadlines in which to successfully meet client milestones. As well as performing a variety of complex sample preparations, the Technical Expert will also perform said analysis procedures to quantitatively measure the products/ compounds in a variety of formulations. This could be for stability testing and other studies for analytical testing support. The ability to plan, schedule and carry out work for successful project completion is also required.

Skills & Experience

Typically, a successful Technical Expert will hold a number of skills and experiences relevant to their specialised analytical techniques and will be proficient in developing methods and validating the same. The positions that we are currently recruiting for have the following requirements:

  • Proven experience of devising work programmes and analytical strategies (as opposed to just implementing them)
  • Strong method development and validation experience
  • Comprehensive experience of working in a GxP regulatory laboratory
  • Degree qualified or equivalent in a relevant scientific discipline
  • Considerable and demonstrable proven experience in the practical and theoretical aspects of specialised analytical technique
  • Proven experience in the supervision and coordination of analytical projects performed by junior staff in a regulatory environment
  • Good practical laboratory and problem solving skills
  • Strong communication skills, written & oral and strong attention to detail

Find out more about technical jobs with our job profiles

Search Technical Expert jobs

Posted in Industry News, Job News, Mobile News, News

Are you considering a career in drug discovery and development?

CK recently launched a spotlight on the drug discovery and development sector to provide support and advice to people looking to build a career in the industry. The drug discovery and development industry offer a unique career opportunity in that you will be contributing towards medical care across the world.

As part of our spotlight we have conducted extensive research with professionals in this area, employers and qualified recruitment consultants to gather a greater understanding into how young professionals can move into the industry.

Our research, in conjunction with data from the Bridging the skills gap in the biopharmaceutical industry report issued by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry, indicated that there are severe skills shortages and areas where qualified people are in high demand so there has never been a better time to consider a career in this area.

A full breakdown of our results has been compiled into an infographic which aims to provide top tips on how you can best build a career in drug discovery and development.

Posted in Industry News, Mobile News, News