According to the British Plastics Federation, the war on plastic waste is risking a crisis in Britain’s third-largest manufacturing sector. Their survey of 500 UK plastics manufacturers found that even though most companies are well-placed for growth, they are struggling to hire workers, particularly at entry level with half reporting a struggle to attract staff – and 5% giving up recruiting at all.

While the skills-shortage is not exactly news across UK manufacturing sectors, the concern is that the political focus on single-use plastics could ultimately undermine the plastics industry that also serves the automotive, manufacturing and healthcare sectors and in turn supports 166,000 jobs.

It goes without saying, but by aligning yourself with a credible recruitment company specialist and widening your talent pool, by considering employing graduates and contractors for instance, then this is a problem that can be certainly managed if not overcome.

Fraser Nibbs is our Plastics recruitment expert and can advise you on how to overcome your specific recruitment issues