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According to a recent news reports, a shortage of drivers and other skilled workers is still the biggest challenge faced by the logistics sector. How is this still a problem faced by the industry and how can things change?

It’s clear that it’s a competitive market for skilled workers and political and economic uncertainty due to Brexit and Covid-19 has left workers seeking security elsewhere. This, coupled with increased and changing customer demands for a seamless service has left finding skilled workers and drivers challenging to some organisations.

Organisations are tackling this shortage by investing in new technology, streamlining their processes as much as possible. The government are also stepping in to review current legislation as well as increasing capacity for HGV driving tests and training. Flexistaff are leading the way in alleviating staff shortage woes for our clients, providing an extensive network and providing CPC driver training, making sure drivers are well trained and fully equipped for the task.

For those considering a career change, driving provides a number of benefits, including flexible hours, full training and a competitive salary. Why not give Flexistaff a call to find out more?

For more information about our latest driving vacancies or to find out how Flexistaff can support your business, contact us on 0844 556 2916 or [email protected].

If you work in a fast paced, busy warehouse environment, you’ll be used to working with forklifts. But are you clued up when it comes to inspection guidelines as per the Occupational Safety and Health Administration? Here’s what you need to remember.

Why do I need to inspect my forklift? It’s important that forklifts are inspected regularly to ensure everyone is safe when working in the warehouse environment. If operated without inspection, workers and the company are put a risk.

When does the vehicle need to be inspected? At least daily checks are required, or at the end of each working shift if the equipment is being used 24/7. Checks must be conducted by a certified forklift operator.

What does the inspection involve? Start with a visual check, check fluid levels and tyre pressure before taking a look for any leaks or damage. Check the brakes, horn and safety equipment is all in good working order. A daily checklist for staff to fill in will work wonders!

For more information about our latest forklift opportunities, or to find out how Flexistaff can support your business, contact Flexistaff on 0844 556 2916 or [email protected].

There are countless reasons as to why there might be a gap in your employment on your CV, but it’s important you address a gap head on with any potential employer. Here’s how.

Always be honest. Depending on the situation depends on how much information you need to provide, but honesty is always the best policy, if you have to declare a gap in your employment.

Tailor your CV. Was the gap in your employment more than 10 years ago? Typically only your last 10 years of experience are relevant when job searching, so if the gap in your employment was many years ago, it may no longer be relevant to include on your CV.

Positivity is key. Make gaps in your CV a positive thing – If you find yourself out of work for a short period, use the time to take courses or assess your career path. Using the time wisely will be beneficial to you in the long run.

Be ready for questions. If you secure an interview, be prepared to answer questions about a gap in your CV, and find a positive way to address it.

For more information about our latest opportunities, or to find out how Flexistaff can support your business, contact Flexistaff on 0844 556 2916 or [email protected].

It’s an exciting time for the logistics and warehousing sector. Demand for timely delivery is higher than ever, and supply chains are having to become more efficient than ever. And with all this growth in technology, the future of warehousing is looking bright. So what will the warehouse of the future look like?

Put simply, the answer is robots. Not like the robots in the movies, probably, but the advancement of robotics means the future for warehousing could be very different.

With demand on the supply chain so high, companies are investing in new and innovative technology. And AI is playing a big role in that.

Advances in technology mean that robots designed for picking and packing activities are becoming more of a reality. There’s the distinct possibility that robots could support employees by taking on the heavy workload of the warehouse sector, whilst employees concentrate on more complex and less physically demanding work.

Whilst this concept may have workers concerned about their future prospects, they shouldn’t fear – Advancements in technology are designed to support employee work, not replace it!

What do you think the warehouse of the future will look like?

For more information about our latest warehousing vacancies, or to find out how we can support your warehouse, contact Flexistaff on 0844 556 2916 or [email protected].

Delivery and van drivers are in high demand these days. It’s a secure and rewarding career path, but like any job, can pose its own challenges. In what can sometimes be a fast paced and pressured role, how can you make sure you stay safe when driving your van?

Take your time. Allow plenty of time for your journeys, allow for any breakdowns or potential traffic. Being late to an appointment or drop off is only going to make things more pressured, so start early!

Check your vehicle. A quick and easy check of the tyres, water, lights and fuel can save a lot of heartache down the line!

Check your position. You’ll potentially be sat behind the wheel for a long time each day, so make sure your driving position is correct to avoid any long term injuries.

Watch the heavy load! Make sure you lift everything correctly, making sure your back is straight and there are no obstacles when lifting goods.

Rest if you need to. You should never drive whilst tired; do everything you can to ensure a fitful sleep before you drive and stay off the road if you feel too tired to get behind the wheel.

For more information about our latest driving vacancies, or to find out how Flexistaff can support your organisation, contact Flexistaff on 0844 556 2916 or [email protected].

Do you drive long distance for a living? There are lots of benefits to driving work, including the excellent salary, flexible hours and freedom. But spending several hours alone every day at work can take its toll, and drivers should be aware of loneliness and how to tackle it. Here’s how.

Share your stories. There are thousands of long distance drivers across the UK, and chances are you’ll know many of them in your workplace – Speak out about how you’re feeling and share the burden. Make sure your employer is aware if you’re feeling low.

Stay in contact when you can. Call your family and friends in your break time, and use social media to share pictures and keep in contact with everyone. Hearing a friendly voice can do the world of good!

Look after yourself. Eat well, take breaks when you need to, and make sure you look after yourself when you’re driving for long periods of time. Failure to do so can not only leave you feeling low but can be dangerous when you’re driving for a long time.

For more information about our latest driving opportunities, or to find out how Flexistaff can support your business, contact us on 0844 556 2916 or [email protected].

The purpose of a CV is to detail your skills and experiences to a potential new employer, however, giving more information about your character and interests can also better your chances of securing an interview if done correctly. So how can you effectively add a little extra to your CV?

Are you sporty? Being part of a sports team shows you work well with other people and have real commitment and dedication.

Is music and theatre your thing? Perhaps you’re a bit of a thespian in your spare time – if so, this kind of interest demonstrates your confidence and creativity, which are both great qualities to a new employer.

Are you a volunteer? Volunteering and fundraising in your spare time for a good cause shows your passion and commitment to both yourself and others.

Are you speaking my language? The dedication you’ve taken to learning a new language will stand out to employers.

It’s clear your extra – curricular activities can make all the difference to your job search – so stand out from the crowd and show off your extra skillsets!

For more information about our current vacancies, contact Flexistaff on 08445562916 or [email protected].

When picking and packing in any warehouse environment it’s important to try and get it right as much as possible. Yes, mistakes can happen, but there are a few ways you can make sure you are your team are as effective as possible, therefore saving you time and energy in the future. Here’s how.

Are you getting a lot of returns? Chances are if that’s the case, mistakes are being made. It’s worth checking your data to see the scale of the issue, if any.

What does everyone else think? It’s worth hearing the opinions of other picker and packers on processes, to see if they have any ideas of how things can be improved.

When did you last review your process? It’s healthy to review how things are done in the warehouse often, to see if there’s another way of improving your efficiency.

Don’t underestimate your small items! Smaller items are more easily lost, forgotten or dropped when picking and packing – Perhaps everyone would benefit from extra training on handing small items?

Take breaks! Regular breaks will ensure you are more effective when picking and packing.

For more information about our latest warehouse opportunities, contact Flexistaff on 0844 556 2916 or [email protected].

Forklifts are an essential part of any warehouse, but mistakes are easily made and can cause a lot of disruption. Here’s our list of the most common forklift mistakes – and how you can avoid making them!

Over Capacity? If you overload your forklift, or if your load is insecure, the vehicle can become unstable which can lead to damage and/or injury. Check your forklift capacity before you start loading – every time!

Is your power low? Running out of power halfway through a job can cause a serious hazard – you should regularly check the power of your forklift, to make sure you can complete your task efficiently.

Communication is key. Forklift drivers must pay attention to their surroundings, including speed limits, and listen to key instructions from colleagues – if not, forklifts can pose a serious risk.

Misuse can be dangerous. Proper workwear must be worn at all times, and vehicles should only be used for their intended purpose. It might be tempting to try and use the power of a forklift for other odd jobs, but it’s not worth the risk.

For more information about our latest forklift opportunities, or to find out How Flexistaff can support your business, contact us on 0844 556 2916 or [email protected].

In today’s ever-changing market, temporary jobs are at times more readily available. Whilst traditionally a permanent role might seem more attractive, there are plenty of benefits to taking on a temp job.

You’re in the driving seat. Temporary work means you have total freedom in your career and the ultimate in flexibility.

Let’s get networking! Temporary assignments give you the chance to meet professionals in your sector, which could lead to exciting career opportunities you might have otherwise missed.

Kick start your career. Temporary jobs are a great way to show what you’re made of when it comes to a new employer and can lead to something more long term.

Grow your knowledge. Working in different environments will give you ample opportunities to further your own knowledge and skills, which will bring more prospects to you as your career grows.

You’re still secure. You still have the same rights as a permanent employee and you’re also entitled to the same benefits.

For more information about our latest temporary vacancies, or to find out how Flexistaff can support your business, contact us on 0844 556 2916 or [email protected].