Aldi has announced it is looking to hire 119 people in its warehouse in West Lothian over the next 12 months.
In a welcome boost to the local economy, the UK’s fifth-largest supermarket is also looking to fill transport and maintenance roles at its West Lothian Regional Distribution Centre.
This includes both full-time and part-time positions, with salaries of up to £15 per hour.
The recruitment push forms part of Aldi’s nationwide expansion drive, with the supermarket expected to create 2,000 permanent roles across the UK this year.
Kelly Stokes, Recruitment Director at Aldi UK, said: “As we continue to grow and make Aldi accessible to even more shoppers, we need more amazing colleagues at our distribution sites across the country to make that possible.
“As well as market-leading pay and benefits, being an Aldi colleague means a great working environment and real opportunities to progress within the business. We look forward to welcoming even more great people to our West Lothian distribution team to become a part of our success.”
Those interested in applying for a career with Aldi can visit:
Motorpoint, the UK’s largest independent retailer of cars and vans will open the doors to its new Edinburgh store in September 2022.
Motorpoint Edinburgh, located in Baileyfield Road, Portabello is now recruiting 30 new team members across Sales, Service, Administration and Vehicle Preparation.
Motorpoint already has a well-established store in Glasgow with a record of selling a nearly new vehicle to every postcode in Scotland.
Employing more than 900 people across the UK, Motorpoint recently achieved number one position on the Best Companies to Work for in the Automotive Sector 2022 list.
The 33,000 sq. ft Edinburgh store will stock around 400 Clean Air Compliant vehicles on site with 1000’s more available via Motorpoint’s online store.
The Motorpoint Price Promise means that Motorpoint guarantees to provide its customers with cars and vans at Unbeatable Prices.
Up to 30 new jobs are being created in Edinburgh by Motorpoint, the UK’s largest independent car retailer of nearly new cars and vans.
Located at Motorpoint’s stylish new store at 25 Baileyfield Road, the new roles will include positions in Sales, Service, Administration and Vehicle Preparation.
Richard Start, Regional Retail Director at Motorpoint Edinburgh said: “We are excited about the opening of our new store in Edinburgh. We are busy transforming the site with an extensive multimillion pound investment to get ready for our September 2022 opening day. We are now keen to recruit team members to join us at our new Edinburgh store.
“We are looking for up to 30 new colleagues to join our team and there’s a range of roles to apply for. We offer a great remuneration and benefits package and are looking for motivated people who want to be a part of Motorpoint’s ongoing nationwide success story.
“We already have a strong Motorpoint presence in Scotland with a well-established store in Glasgow and our Preparation Centre in Motherwell. We’ve sold a car to every postcode in Scotland and are proud of our award-winning track record for delivering first class customer service.
Hannah Litt, Motorpoint’s Head of Recruitment and Inclusion said: “We are extremely proud of our company culture and our record as an equal opportunities’ employer.
“We have a strong focus on providing an exceptional working environment. Our staff enjoy a fantastic range of benefits and there is wealth of opportunity for career development and progression within Motorpoint.
“We have a strong ethos of being part of the wider community in the areas where our stores are located; we have an active fundraising programme that supports local and national charities and events.”
Head over to Motorpoint’s careers page at careers.motorpoint.co.uk or find out more on our LinkedIn company page or Twitter page.
The team at the Amazon delivery station in Bathgate is celebrating Armed Forces Day (25th June) by shining a light on some of the veterans and reservists working across Amazon’s UK operations network.
One of the veterans currently working at Amazon in Bathgate is Daniel Da Silva, who joined the company in 2020.
The Amazon Military Programme offers members of the military community the opportunity to pursue a wide range of exciting new career paths at Amazon.
This year Amazon will recruit (or has recruited) over 300 veterans, reservists and military spouses across the business in over 35 different jobs ranging from health & safety specialists, engineers, sales managers and team leaders to senior managers. These new employees join over 2,500 already employed at Amazon since it commenced its military programme in 2011.
Amazon has been awarded the Employer of the Year Award at the Ex-Forces in Business Awards for two years in succession for its outstanding efforts in supporting ex-services personnel and military spouses. The Ex-Forces in Business Awards is the world’s largest celebration of military veterans in second careers.
The awards are dedicated to providing a much-needed platform for uncovering and showcasing the business achievements of ex-military, recognising the value veterans add to businesses as well as the employers that support the transition of servicemen and women.
Amazon’s military onboarding plan dedicated mentoring platform and thriving employee resource group ‘Warriors at Amazon’ continue to ensure our ex-forces have the best possible start to their second careers in Industry.
Amazon is also a proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. The Covenant, originally introduced in 2011, has a focus on helping the Armed Forces community to access the same support from government and commercial services as the public.
Amazon first signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2013 and renewed its commitment in 2021, vowing to uphold its key principles and to demonstrate its commitment to serving personnel, reservists, veterans and families.
Daniel Da Silva joined Amazon two years ago and is currently working as a Health and Safety Coordinator based at the Bathgate delivery station.
Before joining Amazon, Daniel decided at age 17 to join the marines in Portugal. Due to an injury after 12 months of training, Daniel was told he couldn’t finish the last three weeks of his course. After recovering from his injury, Daniel started the same training once again and after 12 months, he received his well-deserved blue beret.
“At some point in life we all fall, but it is down to us to stand up and use that bad moment as a fuel for something greater,” he said.
As lockdown struck, Daniel found it very hard to stay at home. His brother was working at Amazon, so he decided to apply for a temporary part-time job but decided to stay on with Amazon after lockdown restrictions lifted.
“I started to enjoy the diversity of roles here and opportunities and when it came to the time to go back to my previous job, I decided to stay at Amazon,” Daniel said.
“For six years of my life, I had done a lot of leadership training and learned a lot during that period. I can now use those experiences to put what I learned into practice at Amazon. It’s something that comes naturally to me now.
“Amazon is a great company to work for and a brilliant place to develop skills. You can go up the levels if you have the passion and commitment to do so.” Daniel added. “Comparing the opportunities that we have at Amazon to the military, it’s a much safer environment and you can spend more time with family, which are two big bonuses for me.”
Clare Cornbleet, Senior Delivery Station Manager at Amazon in Bathgate said: “The Amazon Military Programme has been a fantastic success and Daniel is one of the many brilliant veterans and reservists working in Amazon buildings here in Bathgate and around the UK.
“The skills learned in the military are highly transferable to a role at Amazon and we’re pleased to continue offering employment, training and development opportunities to former servicemen and women through our programme.”
Gillian Russell, Principle Programme Manager, Global Military Affairs and retired Royal Navy Officer at Amazon, added: “The military community brings huge value to the workforce and we have a dedicated team focused on bringing that talent into Amazon.
“We offer opportunities across the whole business and we train, develop and support veterans, military spouses and Reserves to flourish and thrive here. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to lean new skills and build their career at Amazon.”
Launched in 2021 the Amazon Corporate Military Internship Program is one such opportunity. It offers a direct path into corporate roles in e-commerce for those transitioning from the Armed Forces.
Those on the programme are supported throughout their transition to the corporate world, including a military mentor who already works at Amazon, tailored support from line management and an on boarding buddy.
To find out more about beginning a career with Amazon, visit Amazon Jobs
Amazon provides competitive pay, comprehensive benefits and a modern, safe and engaging work environment for its employees. The roles pay a minimum of £10.00 or £11.10 per hour depending on location, and Amazon employees can also take advantage of Amazon’s pioneering Career Choice programme, which pre-pays 95% of tuition for courses in high-demand fields, up to £8,000 over four years, regardless of whether the skills are relevant to a career at Amazon.
Amazon also provides opportunities to improve existing skills or learn new ones through internal career progression opportunities such as cross-training, transferring to a different department and promotion into a managerial role.
Amazon has invested over £32 billion in the UK since 2010 to provide convenience, selection and value to UK consumers, while supporting tens of thousands of businesses and creative professionals including small businesses selling on Amazon’s online stores, Amazon Web Services developers and Kindle Direct Publishing authors.
Hiring activity slows notably amid steep decline in staff availability
Slowest increase in permanent placements since February 2021
Temp billings growth falls to four-month low
Permanent candidate availability contracts at record rate
May data signalled a further increase in recruitment activity across Scotland, according to the latest Royal Bank of Scotland Report on Jobs survey.
However, the rate of expansion slowed noticeably on the month, with permanent placements and temp billings rising at the weakest rates in 15 and four months, respectively.
This coincided with a further rapid decline in candidate availability, with permanent staff supply falling at an unprecedented pace in May, while vacancies continued to rise strongly. As a result, wage pressures remained intense.
Permanent placement growth slips to 15-month low in May
The number of permanent staff appointments across Scotland rose for the seventeenth successive month in May. Anecdotal evidence indicated that increased client activity and improved market conditions resulted in higher permanent placements. Though sharp and comfortably above the series average, the rate of growth eased for the second month running to the weakest since February 2021.
Moreover, the latest upturn in permanent staff appointments across Scotland was slower than that seen at the UK level for the first time in five months.
Scottish recruiters noted a marked rise in temp billings during May, thereby extending the current sequence of growth to 21 months. Recruiters often attributed the latest increase to strengthening client demand and the resumption of projects previously on hold due to the pandemic. However, the respective seasonally adjusted index declined from a seven-month high in April, to signal the slowest upturn in four months. The expansion was also softer than the UK average.
Record contraction in permanent staff availability
As has been the case since February 2021, permanent staff availability decreased across Scotland during May. Furthermore, the rate of reduction was the fastest on record and rapid. Panellists blamed skill shortages and a competitive labour market for the latest downturn.
Permanent candidate numbers declined at a quicker rate in Scotland than that seen across the UK as a whole.
Latest data signalled a sustained fall in temp candidate availability across Scotland in May. Moreover, the pace of contraction quickened for the second month running to the fastest since August 2021. Recruiters stated that robust demand for staff, workforce shrinkage (particularly a drop in European workers), and skills shortages had all reduced temp staff availability.
The rate of decline across Scotland outpaced the UK-wide average, which in contrast eased slightly during May.
Starting salary inflation eases to seven-month low
Starting salaries for permanent joiners in Scotland rose for the eighteenth consecutive month in May. The pace of wage inflation eased to the slowest since October 2021 but remained steep and historically elevated. Recruiters often mentioned that a tight labour market and increased competition for staff had driven up starting pay.
Average hourly pay rates for short-term staff across Scotland rose during May. The latest upturn extended the current run of temp wage inflation that has been observed since December 2020. According to panellists, some staff had negotiated higher pay due to the increased cost of living. Though the rate of inflation accelerated slightly since April, it was nonetheless the second softest in ten months.
Softest rise in permanent vacancies for three months
Scottish recruiters noted a further rise in permanent vacancies during May. The pace of growth softened to a three-month low but remained robust overall and was quicker than the UK-wide average.
Across the monitored sectors, IT & Computing saw the fastest rise in permanent vacancies, followed by Accounts & Financials. However, the rate of increase for both eased from the preceding survey period.
May data signalled a strong uplift in temp vacancies across Scotland. While outpacing the UK-wide trend, the rate of vacancy growth eased from April’s recent high but remained marked. The upturn also extended the current sequence of rising demand to 20 months.
IT & Computing noted the sharpest rise in vacancies, with Blue Collar posting in second place.
Sebastian Burnside, Chief Economist at Royal Bank of Scotland, commented: “Scotland’s job market saw a further marked increase in recruitment activity during the latest survey period. However, hiring momentum eased for both permanent and temporary staff to the slowest in 15 and four months, respectively, as the supply of staff deteriorated rapidly.
“Moreover, permanent candidate availability fell at the quickest rate on record in May. Additionally, rising living costs and the growing imbalance between the supply and demand of labour exerted strong and sustained upward pressure on wages.
“While the loss of hiring momentum was inevitable following the sharp rebounds in activity seen after the easing of pandemic-related restrictions, it is hoped that any slowdown will be limited as overall demand for staff remains robust.”
New analysis by the TUC reveals that plans by Boris Johnson’s government to cut 91,000 civil service jobs will be deeper than deepest point of George Osborne’s programme of cuts in the last decade.
The analysis looks at civil service staffing levels relative to the UK population. And it finds that if the proposed cuts go ahead the number of civil servants relative to UK people will fall below the lowest point while David Cameron was Prime Minster and Osborne Chancellor.
Year
Civil servants per 10,000 people
2010 (actual)
76
2016
59
2021
70
2025 (projected)
56
`
The reduction from 76 civil servants per 10,000 people in 2010 to 59 in 2016 was a 22% cut to civil service staff.
The reduction now being planned from 70 civil servants per 10,000 to 56 will be a 20% cut, but starting from a lower level, and therefore reaching a lower point.
The cuts under George Osborne set a record for the smallest civil service since the Second World War. If these cuts go ahead, they will break that record.
What do civil service staff do?
The UK has just over 475,000 full-time equivalent civil servants. They work in government departments and many government agencies. This includes:
56,000 staff in the Ministry of Defence, whose work has been intensified by Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine and the need to protect the UK from new security threats such as cyber sabotage.
64,000 staff in HMRC who administered the furlough scheme and who protect honest taxpayers and public services by preventing and detecting tax fraud.
96,000 staff in justice services, including courts, prisons, legal aid, fraud detection organised crime prevention, and victim support who protect the nation, bring criminals to justice and support victims.
84,000 work and pensions staff who make sure that low-income households, disabled people and pensioners get the essential support they need to be fed, housed, warm and safe.
33,000 home office staff who process passport claims, give safe haven to refugees from wars such as the conflict in Ukraine, and make sure businesses and services like the NHS have visas for the skilled workers they need.
Agencies that employ smaller numbers of civil servants, but that do vital work protecting the safety and interests of the public, including the Health and Safety Executive, Ofgem, Ofwat, Food Standards Agency and the Coastguard Agency.
Where will the cuts be made?
The government has not yet said where the cuts will be made, but ministers have been instructed to start identifying staff cuts of up to 40% in some departments immediately.
The TUC says that there are no easy places to make cuts without consequences that will harm UK families and businesses, and that some services may have to be stopped altogether.
There could be less resilience if a future pandemic takes place and less security against attacks on our allies or cyber-attacks on the UK by hostile countries like Russia.
There could be less safety for UK families from fraud and crime, unsafe public places and workplaces, and dangerous ingredients or hygiene standards in food production and services.
And there could be backlogs and delays to essential support like disability benefits and universal credit, or the issuing of vital documents like passports, driving licences and work visas.
TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:“They said we would build back better. But the Conservative government has changed its tune. Now it’s cut back harder – with cuts that go even deeper than George Osborne’s.
“It’s like Russian roulette. We don’t know which central government services will take the hit. But if these damaging plans don’t change, we know there will be harm to families and businesses that depend on services.
“Osborne’s cuts made the nation less resilient when we were hit by the pandemic, because he scrapped staff responsible for emergency planning and public health. The price was too high. We cannot make the same mistake again.”
Mike Clancy, General Secretary of Prospect, said:“Areas of the civil service and its agencies are already struggling with increased duties following Brexit and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“We have seen imports going unchecked because of a lack of capacity and an increasing mismatch between the size of the armed forces and the vital civilian support staff who help them to operate effectively.
“Cuts of this magnitude will have a huge impact on institutional knowledge, the balance of experience within the workforce, overall capability in vital areas and ultimately will leave the country less secure. The government must think again.
“It is also unclear whether existing funded vacancies will be filled, further reducing capacity.”
FDA Assistant General Secretary Steven Littlewood:“We are still dealing with the consequences of the cuts leading up to 2016 in areas like the justice system, where there remains a historically large backlog of cases.
“It’s clear from the TUC’s research that in terms of providing services to the population, the government proposals actual go beyond where we were in 2016 and will lead to the lowest number of civil servants per head since World War Two.
“Given the new responsibilities the government has post-Brexit for areas like borders, customs and agriculture it is impossible to see how it can provide the services it currently is with the proposed job losses. The government needs to be honest about what services it would cut if it reduces numbers.”
PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said:“Making cuts will only make things worse, make waiting lists longer for those seeking passports and driving licences, make telephone queues longer for those with tax enquiries.
“We shall fight for every job in the civil service. Not just on behalf of our members, but on behalf of every member of the public who relies on the services they provide.”
Come along to our free virtual open evening on the 15th June from 6:30-8 to learn about the roles we have on offer. Whether you’re qualified or unqualified, we’d love to meet you!
The Pilton Equalities Project is a voluntary organisation based in North Edinburgh since 1989, providing a range of services to older and other vulnerable adults.
We are looking for a part-time driver who holds a D1 category license and who is over 25 years old (for insurance purposes).
Must be physically fit as there will be moving and handling involved.
Hours to be agreed, but flexible working is a requirement as holiday cover will be required.
The main duties include transporting groups to venues in and around Edinburgh, picking up surplus food donations, maintenance checks, bus washing etc.
Experience of working with the elderly and disabled is essential. Knowledge of driving minibuses and operating wheelchair restraints is desirable but full training can be given.
PEP are seeking to employ a skilled Mental Health Worker to be responsible for the daily running and further development of PEP’s Mental Health Service.
The purpose will be to support older and other vulnerable adults, whose wellbeing has been negatively affected by the pandemic.
This will include, but not be limited to, older and other vulnerable people who have experienced bereavement, social isolation or mental health issues.
To enhance the quality of life for older and other vulnerable adults in North Edinburgh by continuing to develop services that enable active community participation, which encourage independence and which measurably reduce isolation.
Over 347,000 unemployed people on benefits have found work in just four months through the government’s Way to Work campaign – an ambitious national push to get half a million more people into jobs by the end of June.
new figures show 347,000 people have moved into work since January – thanks to a government-backed drive to fill vacancies
with one month to go until the campaign ends, the government is calling on UK employers to join forces with Jobcentres to help more people find work
alongside vital job support to lift incomes, the new £15 billion package to help with the cost of living will help millions of households
The Prime Minister and Work and Pensions Secretary haveurged employers of all sizes to use the free recruitment support from their local Jobcentre to help fill the record number of vacancies in the jobs market and support the continued economic recovery by getting people into work.
Since January, DWP jobcentres across the UK have been ramping up operations with weekly jobs fairs – bringing employers in for face-to-face appointments and offering jobs on the spot to thousands of people.
Jobseekers walking away with roles have also secured an income, with those getting full time work set to be thousands of pounds better off than if they were on benefits. Helping households improve their finances and manage current cost of living pressures is a key priority for the government, with a £15 billion package announced on Thursday to support almost all of the eight million most vulnerable households across the UK.
On a visit to the North East of England, the Prime Minister and Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey visited CityFibre, a new employer to the Way to Work campaign who have already benefitted from 200 new recruits from around the UK, hired through their local Jobcentres.
During the visit, they also met local employees who have secured skilled jobs as a result of the campaign and the support of their local Jobcentre.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: ““I was only ten years old when unemployment was last this low.
“But with a vast number of vacancies in the jobs market, it is more critical than ever to access the huge pool of untapped talent in towns and cities right across the country, which is why I am thrilled with the progress we have made with the Way to Work scheme.”
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Thérèse Coffey said: “Unemployment is at its lowest since the 1970s with full time workers across the UK £6000 better off than if they were on benefits.
“And there are still vacancies to fill. That’s why our jobcentres are helping employers short circuit the recruitment process so they can get talent in fast.
“So, if you’re hiring, make the most of the help on offer from us.”
Greg Mesch, Chief Executive at CityFibre said: “CityFibre is rolling out the UK’s finest digital infrastructure to millions of homes and businesses nationwide. To build these new Full Fibre networks, we’re creating thousands of new network construction jobs and providing industry training to those that need it.
“We and our construction partners are working closely with DWP nationally, and local Jobcentres, by engaging with schemes like Way to Work. We look forward to increasing our involvement in the future.”
Alongside vital job support to help jobseekers secure an income, the new £15 billion cost of living support package will help almost all of the eight million most vulnerable households across the UK as they are set to receive help of at least £1,200 this year, including a new one-off £650 cost of living payment.
The government has also announced a £500 million increase for the Household Support Fund, delivered by local authorities, extending it to March 2023. This brings the total Household Support Fund to £1.5 billion.
To find out more about how DWP can help fill vacancies with quality candidates, please visit the Way to Work page on GOV.UK
A trickle of Tory MPs have submitted letters of no confidence in Boris Johnson following the publication of the Sue Gray report.
Unless that trickle becomes a flood over the weekend as MPs attend constituency surgeries it appears Johnson has got away with it. Again.
PM hails £10 billion Qatari ‘vote of confidence’ in the UK
The PM hosted the Amir of Qatar yesterday to develop our historic partnership and agree new joint work on trade, energy and defence
Strategic Investment Partnership will see Qatar invest up to £10 billion in key industries across the UK, creating jobs and growth
UK and Qatar agreed to work together improve the stability of energy supply chains and support security at the 2022 World Cup
It was all smiles when The Prime Minister welcomed the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, to Downing Street yesterday for discussions on driving economic growth and addressing global challenges together.
The meeting was surely a welcome distraction from the latest Partygate revelations and the imminent publication of the Sue Gray report into Downing Street lockdown parties, which is expected to be extremely critical of Boris Johnson’s conduct.
The UK and Qatar signed a new Strategic Investment Partnership (SIP) which will see Qatar invest up to £10 billion over the next five years in key sectors of the UK economy, including fintech, zero emissions vehicles, life sciences and cyber security. The investment is expected to create high-quality jobs in new industries across the country.
The Prime Minister and the Amir also had a wide-ranging discussion on geopolitical issues. They were united in their condemnation of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and discussed issues of regional security, including relations with Iran.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “Today’s announcement of up to £10bn in new investment from our Qatari friends is another vote of confidence in the UK’s brilliant businesses and cutting-edge industry.
“The new UK-Qatar Strategic Investment Partnership will create quality job opportunities across the country in key sectors, delivering on our vision of economic growth through trade and investment.
“Qatar is a valued partner for the UK, supported by Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad’s leadership. We had a rich discussion on the issues that matter to both of our countries, including boosting the economy, ensuring regional stability and improving energy security following Russia’s appalling invasion of Ukraine.”
UK-Qatar trade was worth £4.8 billion last year and Qatari investment in the UK economy is already estimated to be worth over £40 billion, supporting jobs and growth across the country.
Minister for Investment Lord Grimstone said: “It is excellent news that Qatar is targeting up to £10 billion investment into the UK through our new Strategic Investment Partnership.
“Not only will it boost local economies and support jobs, but it supports our green economy and decarbonisation – crucial in meeting our Net Zero targets. It also strengthens our relationship with Qatar ahead of our UK-Gulf Cooperation Council trade negotiations.”
Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng also signed an MoU on energy cooperation with Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs at Downing Street. Qatar is a major energy supplier for the UK, providing 40% of our liquefied natural gas – the new MoU commits us to work together to boost innovation and collaboration, supporting the security of global energy supplies.
UK Secretary of State for Business and Energy, Kwasi Kwarteng, said: “I am delighted to further the UK’s energy cooperation with the State of Qatar as we work to stabilise international energy markets and boost energy security in the context of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.
“Qatar is already a valued trading partner, recently investing in the future of British low-carbon nuclear technology through the Rolls Royce consortium developing small modular reactors. Today’s meeting will deepen our relationship even further, reinforcing the UK’s energy security and delivering cleaner and affordable energy in the years ahead.”
The Prime Minister and Amir discussed the upcoming 2022 Qatar World Cup this winter, and the UK committed significant new military and counter-terrorism support for the safe running of the event.
A joint UK-Qatar Typhoon Squadron will provide additional air security, and the Ministry of Defence with advanced venue search training and operational planning support.
The Prime Minister also confirmed that the UK will ensure Qatari nationals can access the UK’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation system from early 2023, facilitating easier travel for business visitors and tourists.
