Staffing challenges “need to be addressed”

Among some of the challenges currently facing the retail industry is the recruitment and retention of staff, something which has become more significant following the pandemic as employees now tend to shift between jobs more often.

One notable sector that is finding this particularly relevant is the bakery sector. With the rise of bakery departments in shop settings, as well as the traditional bakeries in towns and villages across the province, owners and managers are finding it increasingly difficult to reach a full quota of staff.

With priorities shifting and more and more people striving for a better work-life balance, finding staff willing to work the unsociable hours the bakery sector demands is one of the main reasons.

‘HAMPERING PRODUCTION’

“There is definitely a shortage in qualified bakers,” Katrina Collins, co-owner of Lisburn-based The Daily Apron tells NR.

“There is a lack of understanding about the pressured environment of a bakery and how time is money. There is also a reluctance to start early shifts, despite this being a defining aspect of the baking world,” she added.

“Some people may be put off by the early starts as is typical of commercial bakeries,” agreed Jonathan McCullagh, co-owner of McCullagh’s Classic in Omagh.

With an in-store bakery at their site, Jonathan is all-too-aware of the staffing challenges.

“Some of the local bakery suppliers have been experiencing acute staffing shortages, which has hampered their productions,” he said.

“The government could listen to business problems and do a lot more to help certain industries experiencing acute labour shortages, such as issuing more skilled worker visas,” he added.

YOU CAN READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE APRIL ISSUE OF NEIGHBOURHOOD RETAILER – COMING SOON!