Demand for security workers has soared by 400% in the last three months, according to job vacancy data from worker-tech firm, Orka (Orka Technology Group). The figures come amid growing concerns around staff shortages across the United Kingdom, particularly in the hospitality and nightlife sectors, as they prepare to open back up fully on July 19, 2021.
Orka Works
The job vacancy data was taken from Orka’s temporary work platform, Orka Works, used by 60,000 workers in the security and FM sector, and by some of the world’s biggest employers, including G4S and ISS.
Orka’s data follows recent estimates from the Night Time Industries Association that 60% of security roles for pubs, nightclubs and festivals risk being unfilled when these businesses finally reopen.
Employers opting for temporary workers
The data also indicates that large employers are increasingly opting to hire temporary workers over permanent staff
As well as highlighting potential staff shortages in the security sector, the data also indicates that large employers are increasingly opting to hire temporary workers over permanent staff, allowing for more flexibility, in case of further restrictions or lockdowns.
Tom Pickersgill, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Orka, said “In the last few weeks, we’ve seen a huge rise in the number of roles available on our platform for security workers. This is part of a wider trend of worker demand we’re seeing across the retail, hospitality and nightlife sectors.”
Worker-tech tools and platform
Tom adds, “I don’t believe this demand, or the staff shortages, will disappear any time soon. A combination of Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic has made it very difficult for employers to find and keep hold of their workforce. This is why worker-tech tools and platforms like Orka Works are going to be crucial for employers, helping them to fill these gaps in the coming months.”
Orka Works helps people find fair and flexible work, and for large employers, makes the process of filling roles and managing HR processes much easier and more cost-effective. It is one of three worker-tech solutions offered by Manchester-based firm, Orka. The company also offers a salary advance scheme, Orka Pay and will launch a background checking tool, Orka Check, later this year.