In today's competitive job market, attracting and retaining top talent is a significant challenge.
Around 82% of companies told the British Chambers of Commerce they experienced difficulty recruiting in Q4 2022 - an increase from 76% in Q3. With approximately 1.12million job vacancies in the UK, and the ongoing labour shortage, this trend looks set to continue for the foreseeable future.
Transportation, and access to workplaces outside of large towns and cities, was raised as one issue facing recruitment professionals at In House Recruitment Live last month.
The Transport Barrier
Lack of public transport, 24/7 shift patterns, and remote rural locations are just a few of the factors that make it difficult for individuals without personal vehicles to access work.
Senior Recruitment Manager Katie Fox, speaking at IHR Live in Manchester, succinctly highlighted the impact of transportation on employment opportunities.
She said: "For a lot of our candidates, their barrier to working for us is actually not the money, it’s not that they don’t want to work for us - it's that they don't have transport."
The rising cost of living and financial pressures make it harder for individuals to afford a car. In the UK, research by Nimble Fins shows people spend more than £3,000 every year to keep their car on the road. And nearly 80% of people consider owning a car unaffordable. For workers on lower incomes or in temporary jobs, the lack of a car and the cost of alternative transport can stop them from applying for or accepting roles.
Offering flexible and affordable transport, such as a shuttle bus service, can alleviate these difficulties - boosting recruitment and retention rates.
The Power of Shuttle Buses
Setting up a shuttle bus service can break the transportation barrier. The benefits are:
- Increased Recruitment: By offering a shuttle bus service, you open up job opportunities to a wider pool of candidates - including those without their own cars. Our transport links enabled recruitment agency BePersonnel to run more than 450 trips being run directly to their client's worksite.
- Enhanced Retention: 38% of UK workers said they would quit if their commute was too long and 29% pointed to costs as a reason to leave, according to a TotalJobs survey. Reliable transportation plays a crucial role in employee satisfaction and reduces the likelihood of turnover. A shuttle bus service gets staff where they need to be on time as well as boosting wellbeing and reducing commuting costs.
- Cost-Effectiveness: When budgets are under pressure, a shuttle bus service can provide a cost-effective solution compared to alternative recruitment strategies. Our existing relationships with transport operators across the UK can unlock preferential rates and reduce commuting costs for your employees. Improved recruitment and retention rates can also lead to long-term savings.
Transportation, or the lack of it, can be a significant barrier to recruiting and retaining staff. By offering a shuttle bus, you can attract a larger pool of candidates and increase employee retention. Taking proactive steps to address issues with transport also shows your commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive work environment.
To hear more about our shuttle services, or to receive case studies from businesses we’ve helped, contact us using the form below:
