The pandemic has made it difficult to predict demand from one month to the next, when it comes to field service engineering. This makes the flexibility of employing contractors even more attractive.
In Autumn 2020, STANLEY Security Solutions approached the Zitko contracts team with a considerable challenge: resource a group of 8 – 10 contractors to support the company’s operations in various UK regions. The requirement was for an immediate start and the specification was strict: multi-skilled Fire & Security Engineers, who could deliver outstanding first-fix rates on sophisticated systems.
Zitko's approach
Zitko was able to resource half of the positions from contractors already registered with them, who had the necessary availability and skills. For the remainder - it went to market, using search techniques to gain referrals and identify promising candidates.
Zitko has an excellent reputation in the contracts world, both for pay rates and for treating people well, and this made initial approaches easier. With offers in place, its fast, efficient vetting systems then came into their own, enabling them to confirm certifications and clearances to the tight timescales required. As a result, these new contractors are deployed typically within 3 days.
Zitko's outcome
Zitko offered the client a volume discount for the assignment, recognizing the strong partnership
Zitko was able to resource the full complement of contractors. Some contracts were for around two months’ duration, while others are ongoing.
The contracts team is in regular contact with the contractors and their line managers to ensure things are going well and that any issues are promptly addressed.
To provide maximum value for money, Zitko offered the client a volume discount for the assignment, recognizing the strong partnership it has with Stanley Security Solutions.
One contractor moved to permanent employment
Zitko placed one contractor, Ricky, with the London Regional team. He started work on October 19th, servicing and maintaining fire and security systems at commercial and retail sites across the capital.
Great client feedback and a high work rate persuaded his line manager that he’d make an excellent permanent team member and he was offered a position in early November. This was ideal for Ricky as he’d been looking for more job security, and good news for the client, who had been searching for the ideal candidate for a while.
contractor terms
Zitko contractor terms don’t include draconian penalty clauses to ‘protect’ against this kind of situation
Unusually in the contracting world, Zitko also regarded it as a ‘win’. Zitko contractor terms don’t include draconian penalty clauses to ‘protect’ against this kind of situation.
Instead, it just asks the employer to pay the standard permanent placement fee. Zitko supported the salary negotiation phase to achieve a mutually acceptable outcome. Ricky will start as soon as the paperwork is completed. In the meantime, he’s continuing to impress as a contractor.
Proactive approach
“I’ve been so impressed with Zitko and their recruitment services. Since we partnered with them earlier this year, they’ve been instrumental in helping us recruit for all manner of technical and non-technical roles within the Security Industry," said Stephen Hodgkinson-Soto – Service Director – STANLEY Security UK.
He adds, "The entire team has been proactive and thorough in their approach. Despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic, they’ve managed to stay ahead of the curve, and have kept us informed of industry trends and market changes."
Stephen Hodgkinson-Soto continues, "We’ve been impressed with the caliber of candidates they have supplied both for sub-contract and permanent labor. As a result, we have made several placements this year, and will continue to make them our recruitment partner of choice for 2021.”
Ricky's comment
Ricky stated, “Since joining Zitko less than 3 months ago, they managed to find me work within a couple of days. In the current situation with COVID-19, I was amazed. Ellie placed me with Stanley Security and I have been working with them 5 days a week ever since and have been offered a full-time permanent position which I am over the moon with."
He adds, "Ellie, Laura, and the rest of the Zitko team are brilliant and the communication is second to none. Thank you to all of you!”
