The retail and distribution sectors in Spain are grappling with an unprecedented labour shortage, with major players such as El Corte Inglés and Carrefour reporting significant hiring difficulties.
Over the past decade, the proportion of companies struggling to attract workers has skyrocketed from 3% to 78%, highlighting a systemic issue that threatens to destabilise the industry.
Worsening labour shortages in retail and logistics
According to a study by the employers’ organisation Anged and employment agency Manpower, the situation is particularly dire for the retail and logistics sectors. While some industries have seen slight improvements, the number of vacancies in retail and logistics deemed hard to fill has risen to 87%.
El Corte Inglés and Carrefour report that 80% of retail chains face challenges in finding employees. For one in eight companies in these sectors, the problem has reached critical levels.
Roles most affected
Entry-level roles, such as store assistants, are particularly hard to fill. Specific skilled positions, including butchers, fishmongers, and mechanics, are in even shorter supply. Additionally, there is a growing demand for highly skilled workers in areas such as technology, sustainability, logistics, and omnichannel commerce.
The need for a new approach
Experts argue that companies must rethink their employee value propositions to attract workers. Salary alone is no longer enough; employers need to offer career development opportunities, training programmes, and more flexible working conditions.
Improving the retail sector’s appeal
To tackle the shortage, Anged recommends improving the retail sector’s reputation as a gateway to career advancement. This could include:
- Training and internal promotion: Highlighting opportunities for employees to grow within the company.
- Digitisation tools: Demonstrating how technology can enhance job roles and career progression.
Proposed solutions for talent acquisition
The report suggests several initiatives to address the talent shortage:
- Tailored training programmes: Aligning formal education with the skills needed in the retail sector.
- Dual vocational training: Introducing work-based learning to provide real-world experience and improve job readiness.
- Government support: Increasing investment in internal training programmes.
- Labour flexibility: Adapting labour laws to make employment more attractive and manageable.
- Integration of foreign workers: Tapping into international talent pools to address shortages.
- Regional coordination: Ensuring training initiatives align with local industry needs.
A sector in urgent need of change
The retail and distribution industries in Spain must act swiftly to address labour shortages and adapt to new workforce expectations. By prioritising training, career development, and innovative hiring practices, the sector can position itself as a viable and attractive career path.
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