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Struggling to Find Reliable Production Staff in East Sussex? Here’s What’s Really Going On

Struggling to Find Reliable Production Staff in East Sussex? Here’s What’s Really Going On
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by
Managing Director

If you’re finding it harder to get reliable production staff on site at the moment, you’re not alone.

We’re speaking to more and more businesses across Hastings, Bexhill, St Leonards and the wider East Sussex coast who are all saying the same thing — fewer applicants, more no-shows, and increasing pressure on the people they can rely on.

For businesses running production lines, warehouses or busy shop floors, that creates a very real problem. When you’re even a couple of people short, it doesn’t just slow things down — it affects output, deadlines, and the wider team.

So what’s actually changed?

The Local Labour Market Has Tightened

 

Over the past few years, the availability of production staff in East Sussex has shifted noticeably.

We’re now seeing:

- Fewer candidates actively looking for production and warehouse roles 

- More competition between local employers 

- Workers being more selective about shifts, hours and working conditions 

Add in transport challenges across areas like Hastings, Rye and Battle, and it becomes clear why filling roles isn’t as straightforward as it used to be.

 

The “Post and Wait” Approach Isn’t Enough Anymore

One of the most common things we hear is:

“We’ve advertised, but we’re just not getting the response.”

That approach used to work. Now, it often leads to:

- Limited applications 

- Unreliable candidates 

- Delays that impact production 

And when you’re trying to keep things running day to day, waiting simply isn’t an option.

 

The Real Cost of Being Short-Staffed

In a production or warehouse environment, gaps in staffing are felt immediately.

We regularly see:

- Slower output or missed targets 

- Increased pressure on reliable team members 

- Managers stepping in to cover shifts instead of doing their own job 

Over time, that takes its toll — not just operationally, but on morale as well.

 

Why Reliability Matters More Than Ever

One of the biggest challenges right now isn’t just finding staff — it’s finding people who turn up, settle in, and do the job properly.

Many businesses have tried quick or low-cost options, only to end up dealing with:

- No-shows 

- Inconsistent performance 

- High turnover 

And in a production environment, that can often create more disruption than it solves.

What we’re seeing more and more is businesses placing greater value on reliability and consistency, even if that means taking a slightly different approach.

 

Why More Businesses Are Using Temporary Production Staff

Across East Sussex, there’s been a clear shift.

Rather than holding out for the “perfect” permanent hire, more businesses are using temporary production staff to:

- Keep operations running smoothly 

- Cover short-term gaps 

- Manage fluctuations in demand 

It’s not just about filling a gap — it’s about keeping the business moving.

 

A More Practical, Flexible Approach

For many businesses in Hastings, Bexhill and surrounding areas, flexibility is now essential.

Temporary production staff allow you to:

- Scale your workforce up or down as needed 

- Cover absence or peak periods quickly 

- Reduce the risk of being under-resourced 

And when you’re working to tight deadlines or production targets, that flexibility can make a real difference.

 

Final Thought

If you’re struggling to find reliable production staff at the moment, you’re certainly not the only one.

The key is recognising that the market has changed — and adapting your approach to match it.

For many local businesses, that means making better use of temporary production staff to keep things running smoothly, while longer-term hiring takes its course.

And in the current market, having the right people in place — even on a temporary basis — can be the difference between staying on track and constantly firefighting.




Photo by ThisisEngineering on Unsplash

 
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