UK manufacturing sector enhances employee retention through comprehensive benefits and shift premiums
The landscape of manufacturing employment in the UK has seen a significant shift in the past year, according to a recent analysis by Make UK. Here, Elaine Huttley, an employment law specialist at Irwin Mitchell who advises businesses in the sector, takes a closer look.
According to Make UK, the past year has marked a transformative period for the UK's manufacturing employment landscape, characterised by a strategic shift towards enhancing employee retention through a comprehensive array of benefits and shift premiums. This change has been driven by a recognition of the critical role that a stable and satisfied workforce plays in the success and sustainability of manufacturing operations.
This change is characterised by an increased ease in retaining skilled workers, a trend that has been attributed to a proactive stance by companies in enhancing their pay packages. The analysis highlights a multifaceted approach to employee benefits, encompassing not only financial incentives but also a focus on personal development and well-being.
The study says that manufacturers have adopted a variety of strategies to reward their workforce, recognising the importance of shift work, additional responsibilities, and extended hours. Financial rewards for overtime work, particularly during Bank Holidays, have become more generous, with many companies offering time and a half pay. Additionally, a significant portion of employers are providing bonuses tied to production targets, reflecting a performance-based reward system.
Professional development opportunities are also being prioritised, with a notable percentage of companies investing in the growth of their employees' skills. This not only enhances job satisfaction but also contributes to the overall competitiveness of the manufacturing sector.
Health and wellness benefits, such as gym memberships, are being offered by a considerable number of employers, indicating an awareness of the importance of physical health in maintaining a productive workforce.
The role of First Aiders and Mental Health First Aiders has been recognised as crucial within the workplace, with companies providing substantial annual payments to those who take on these additional responsibilities. This not only incentivises employees but also fosters a safer and more supportive work environment.
Benefits in kind, such as company pension schemes and private health insurance options, are widely offered, ensuring a comprehensive benefits package that extends beyond immediate financial compensation. This holistic approach to employee benefits reflects a recognition of the diverse needs and preferences of the workforce.
Shift premiums, particularly for night shifts and varying day shift patterns, are being used to compensate for the irregular hours and the challenges they present. This approach aligns with the broader trend of tailoring compensation to the specific demands of different roles within the manufacturing process.
Despite a slight decline in pay settlements, possibly due to reduced inflation and recruitment pressures, manufacturers according to the survey appear to be continuing to support their employees well above the statutory minimums for sick pay and maternity leave. This sustained investment in the workforce is indicative of a long-term commitment to employee welfare and retention.
Make UK’s Jamie Cater's statement encapsulates the ethos of the manufacturing sector's current employment strategy: continued investment in the workforce is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic one, ensuring the sector's resilience and adaptability in a dynamic economic landscape. The emphasis on a comprehensive benefits package, encompassing financial, health, and professional development aspects, demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to human resource management that could serve as a model for other sectors.
