The current state of the job market in Suffolk
The Suffolk town of Felixstowe, where A & S Recruitment is based, is home to the largest container port in the UK and one of the principal ports in Europe. Much of the Suffolk employment market therefore revolves around the port and jobs in shipping, transport, warehousing and port logistics. Arable farming and tourism are also major contributors to the local economy.
By turnover, the largest companies with significant operations in Suffolk are:
- 1st: Greene King – brewing
- 2nd: Baxter Healthcare – healthcare equipment
- 3rd: East of England Co-operative Society – retail
- 4th: Robinsons Motor Group – car dealerships
- 5th: Hutchison Westports – port, harbour & dock authority
- 6th: Nidera – marketing and distribution of crops
- 7th: Servest – facilities management
- 8th: Suffolk Life Annuities – financial services
- 9th: Buuk Infrastructure – utility networks
- 10th: Maritime Group – marine logistics
(Based on data from May 2017 compiled by Big Four accountants PwC)
Some recently reported trends from the county’s job market include:
- Companies are finding it harder to attract and retain high calibre staff, as unemployment remains low and relatively few people are looking for a new job. This means that, if you are seeking a new challenge, and you have the skills and experience that employers want, your prospects of securing an exciting, well-paid new role may never have been greater. After remaining steady for five years, salaries are starting to increase once again, and benefits packages are becoming more attractive
- The insurance, shipping, construction, marketing and energy sectors have all contributed to the growth in the Suffolk recruitment market
- Locally-based recruiters say they have also noticed companies increasing their investment in career development opportunities, and are therefore taking on more learning and development and training specialists
- There has also been a noticeable increase in the number of companies undertaking Corporate Social Responsibility work, such as involvement in community and charitable works
A & S Recruitment is a reliable recruitment agency that serves Ipswich, Felixstowe and surrounding areas of Suffolk. We specialise in matching candidates with attractive roles in the transport, warehousing, commercial and shipping sectors. If you are seeking a new challenge, then why not call us today?
