“Marty Job Share”

What’s this you might be thinking!

Martinborough business owners are being  confronted with the problem of not being able to hire staff for their vacancies.

Recently no fewer than five businesses reported this as a major problem. You would not be criticized for thinking that with NZs growing number of people on job seeker support or looking for work that this would be a problem.

The nature of Martinborough workforce is one that is underpinned by casual and part time work with few permanent 40 hour a week jobs. The environment is also exacerbated by its location resulting in work transport being a problem. To attract out of town labour accommodation can be added to the problem list.

The Association took the initiative to have a round table discussion with  the Ministry of Social Development (MSD), South Wairarapa Mayors Jobs Task Force and the Wairarapa Economic Development Strategy about this problem.

The meeting identified a problem statement comprising about 20 factors that influence worker availability for jobs in Martinborough – variable demand levels, seasonality, lower wages, work ready candidates, skills, job security to name a few in addition to transport and accommodation. The meeting also recognised the need to harness the maximum hours of work for individuals to make work economically viable for them.

A  working solution was identified to develop a strategy of forecasting the labour requirements across Martinborough businesses so an individual could job share the hours available across more than one employer. The strategy would forward forecast the Martinborough requirements to enable the right work ready job seeker to be identified and equipped to take up the jobs.

Participating employers would be seen to be members of the Martinborough Business Association and be able to access the database to update their forecasting requirements. Organisations such as Whanau Trust, MSD and other recruitment places would be contracted to ensure supply arrangements.

We are mindful  that the Marty Job Share initiative also needs to include those who may already be working with perhaps reduced hours or who are wanting more hours. It could also include older people who are looking to return to the workforce in some capacity and mothers wanting to return to work.

The Association is in discussions with stakeholders to access funding for building and  maintaining a framework to support local businesses growth and success.

Allan Hogg  Chair Martinborough Business Assn.