Steve Girdler, Adecco’s Director of London 2012 Partnerships, says, “With only one year to go now until London 2012 opens its gates, companies really need to start thinking seriously about how the Games might affect their business and whether they are going to need to take on more staff to meet increased demand or drive growth on the back of this once in a lifetime event.”
“It may still seem like a long time away but many businesses are already preparing to staff up and competition for the best candidates is likely to be tough. Although there is now a broad pool of talent actively seeking Games-related jobs for employers to choose from, with such anticipated demand for staff ahead of a fast-approaching deadline, they won’t be there forever.”
60,000 candidates have already registered their interest in Games-related roles on the official Job Board for London 2012 contractor and sponsor jobs, launched earlier this year by Adecco. However, despite this already high level of demand from jobseekers, Girdler warns that employers may still struggle to fill vacancies if they delay too long. The London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) is predicting that tens of thousands of new jobs will be created by London 2012 sponsors, contractors, suppliers and other businesses as they recruit additional staff around the Games.
“However, being such a unique opportunity, it also presents challenges which companies need to address well in advance. For instance, forecasting how many new staff are going to be required and what kinds of vacancies will need to be filled is likely to take a good deal of planning. Then if those recruits are going to need to be trained or if additional staff are going to be needed to help capitalise on business opportunities in the run-up to the Games, the clock is already ticking.”
Girdler also suggests that employers will need to consider what requirements they might have for temporary workers to help cover staff holidays for those who want to take time off to watch or attend the Games.
