SERTEC FIND SUCCESS IN THE POLES

The use of foreign labour in Britain has created heated debate in many industries with immigrant workers being used as a cheap alternative, for what is quite often a seasonal period of employment.

In manufacturing, the jobs available frequently require staff who are temporary but not transient, some skilled and some with no experience, but always with a level of quality and a willingness to work hard.

If ever you were looking for a case study on how to find good foreign workers and integrate them into an already successful business, then Sertec Birmingham is a model for excellence.

In late 2003, Sertec had a number of temporary staff requirements but were often disappointed with those recruited locally.  Poor quality, poor work ethics and poor retention frustrated the company and so the net was cast further a field. 

Sertec were aware of GKN’s success with a group of Polish workers, recruited on their behalf by specialist overseas employment agency, Cotelligent. So when Sertec had a need for six temporary staff at its Coleshill plant near Birmingham, Cotelligent happily sourced them, found them accommodation and laid the foundation for a successful working relationship.

This initial group had skills in welding and mechanics but struggled to find work in Poland.  But having made the move to this country it soon became evident that they showed a willingness to work hard, wanted to learn and were committed to their employer. 

Sertec saw great potential in this newfound stream of enthusiastic workers and were soon employing additional people, happy to cross Europe for good earnings, (Sertec pay them the same wages as their English contemporaries), regular work and a better lifestyle.

Within a short period of time, temporary staff were becoming full time employees and complete integration was in full swing. 

One such temp turned full time member of the Sertec team is 22-year-old Michal Kacprzyk.  After school and college (compulsory in Poland) Michal found little or no work in his hometown of Gdania, a port city in the North of Poland.

When asked about his willingness to travel overseas to find employment he was extremely positive and Cotelligent soon found him a placement at GKN’s Telford factory.

Now employed as a Transfer Press Setter on one of the most important presses at Sertec Birmingham, he couldn’t be happier.  “Sertec have given me a great opportunity to work and to learn here.  They help me to develop my skills and offer excellent training, and I’m very pleased with the way they place trust in me”.

Michal is happily settled in Coleshill where he lives with his mother and father, who joined him soon after he became full time.  Indeed his father now works at Sertec, and Michal is training him!

With 26% of direct employees and 31% of current temporary labour being Polish Sertec are delighted with their contribution to the business.

Operations Director Steve Morley is impressed, saying “Whilst we were cautious at first and concerned about language difficulties, they have shown great determination in all areas of the integration process, both on the shop floor and in the community.  We provide English courses at local colleges, they receive full training in everything they do and whilst the unions were a little uncertain at first about their recruitment, they soon hope to have a Polish Shop Steward!”

There has been a 99% staff retention amongst the Poles and Sertec are certainly a more efficient company for their efforts.