Rullion

What are the biggest challenges in recruitment today? In a new video, James Saoulli, CEO at Rullion, shares his thoughts on the global recruitment landscape and highlights a major challenge - our aging population - and with that, businesses face increasing pressure to get the work done. James emphasizes how this demographic shift also presents a unique opportunity. By thinking creatively about upskilling and reskilling, companies like Rullion are reimagining how to bring new talent into the workforce and ensure that the right skills are in place. Watch the video to hear more about how we're navigating this global challenge and embracing new ways of working. #Recruitment #Upskilling #Leadership #FutureOfWork

Labour has released its Employment Rights Bill. One key proposal gives employees the right to claim unfair dismissal from day one, with a six-month probation period. This could lead some employers to hire agency workers for the first six months as a “try before you buy” approach. Although this sounds appealing, it could be risky. If used just to avoid day-one rights, new anti-avoidance rules may consider this unlawful, meaning that deliberately hiring short-term to dodge rights could backfire. The Bill also targets zero-hours contracts. It proposes giving zero-hours workers, including agency staff, the right to a guaranteed hours contract, fair notice of shifts, and compensation for cancellations after 12 weeks in a role. Some employers might offer guaranteed hours from the start to avoid switching contracts after 12 weeks. But offering guaranteed hours could give agency workers day-one protection from unfair dismissal. On the other hand, repeatedly hiring workers for less than 12 weeks to avoid giving them these new rights might also be seen as avoidance. The Bill’s anti-avoidance rules aim to prevent such strategies, closing off attempts to work around the changes. In time, staffing agencies might make guaranteed hours contracts the norm. This would affect costs, as hiring companies would need to commit to those hours to make it sustainable. There’s still a lot to clarify. But these changes are likely to affect how employers work with employees and agency workers alike. We hope that these reforms will bring stability for the workforce without losing the flexibility agency workers bring to UK businesses. This is a good time for employers to review their contingent workforce. Understanding the size and nature of these workforces will help prepare for the changes ahead.

Being a family-founded business makes us especially proud when we see families join us across generations. Chris Chapman and Tracy Leigh-Chapman exemplify this spirit, having spent 25 years building both their lives and careers together at Rullion.   A memorable moment? Chris recalls a team event where he dressed as Pirate Blackbeard: “Competing against Tracy and beating her each time was just an added bonus. It turned out to be a great day and a great laugh.”   Congratulations, Chris and Tracy, on 25 amazing years at Rullion! Your contributions have been invaluable in shaping our company. Read the full interview to learn more about their unique story.   #RullionFamily #WorkLifeBalance #25Years #EmployeeSpotlight

Well done, team! It looks like you had a great day, and what a fantastic way to help the environment while enjoying the autumn sunshine and collaborating together!

Recent reports highlight the pressing need for investment in rolling stock to prevent job losses and factory closures, especially in key hubs like Derby . Right now, only 25% of new rolling stock parts are made in the UK, which is a huge missed opportunity for boosting local manufacturing and creating more skilled jobs . As we push toward Net Zero, upgrading old trains and developing new ones is not just about improving services—it's about future-proofing our workforce and economy. The Railway Industry Association (RIA) is calling for immediate decisions on rolling stock manufacturing to avoid empty factories and keep 27,000 jobs secure . Looking abroad, Germany's rail system offers both lessons in success and cautionary tales. While Germany's strong vocational training and apprenticeship systems have traditionally ensured a steady pipeline of skilled workers, Deutsche Bahn is currently grappling with delays and infrastructure underfunding. This serves as a reminder that even with strong workforce planning, sustained investment in infrastructure is crucial . Still, Germany's training programs—closely linked to schools and universities—are an example for the UK to follow, showing the importance of equipping the next generation with the skills needed for a career in rail . Countries like Japan and Switzerland have also demonstrated strong workforce planning in rail. Japan, with its emphasis on continuous upskilling and lifetime employment, has maintained a stable and innovative rail workforce. Similarly, Switzerland's focus on job satisfaction and work-life balance has made the industry an attractive career choice . China presents a remarkable example of large-scale investment into both rail infrastructure and workforce. China's high-speed rail expansion has been dubbed a "miracle," with the country building over 40,000 kilometers of high-speed rail track by 2023. This rapid growth has created millions of jobs and spurred technological innovation . Alongside infrastructure development, China is heavily investing in training its workforce in new technologies like AI and automation, preparing for the next generation of smart and driverless trains . The UK's rail sector could draw on China's example of linking infrastructure growth directly to workforce training, ensuring both progress and sustainability. For the UK, addressing workforce challenges means taking inspiration from these global examples while focusing on its own strengths. Rail companies can develop more apprenticeships and partnerships with educational institutions to train workers in emerging technologies like hydrogen and battery-powered trains . By increasing the use of UK-made parts in new trains, the industry can support local jobs and reduce reliance on overseas suppliers . Additionally, better promoting rail careers as central to the UK's environmental and transport future will help make the sector more attractive to the next generation.

We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Kathy Kattashis, a passionate advocate for menopause awareness and founder of MITRA - Cyprus Menopause Centre. Kathy is at the forefront of educating businesses and individuals on how menopause impacts the workplace - and why it’s a conversation everyone should be part of.   What can businesses do? Kathy highlighted the need to create supportive work environments where women feel comfortable discussing menopause and seeking help. This can include: • Hosting workshops and training sessions on menopause • Implementing policies to support menopausal employees • Appointing "menopause champions" to promote inclusivity • Engaging men and younger employees in the conversation Watch our full conversation on YouTube to hear Kathy’s invaluable insights! Follow Kathy for more information on menopause in the workplace. 👇   #MenopauseInTheWorkplace #WorkplaceWellbeing #Inclusion #Menopause

🌍 Anti-Slavery Week 2024: Working Together to End Modern Slavery At Rullion, we believe that every individual has the right to freedom, dignity, and fair treatment in the workplace. During Anti-Slavery Week, we're standing alongside global efforts to eradicate modern slavery in all its forms. Modern slavery isn't confined to history books—it affects millions of people today, in industries across the world. The 2021 the UK Home Office released the following statistics: 12,727 potential victims of modern slavery - the highest number of referrals since the records began in 2009 43% of all of these were children - meaning there were 5,468 potential child victims 31% of people referred were British nationals As a company, we are committed to ensuring that our supply chains are free from forced labour and exploitation. We're proud to work with partners and clients who share our dedication to upholding ethical practices. 🔍 What We're Doing: Conducting regular audits and due diligence in our supply chains. Providing training for our team to identify and address signs of exploitation. Let's come together to end modern slavery and ensure that every individual, everywhere, is treated with the respect they deserve. Together, we can build a future where freedom and fairness are the norm, not the exception.

Big news today—Amazon is investing in small modular nuclear reactors! This follows Google's own nuclear announcement earlier this week. As AI and data centres continue to grow, so does the need for constant, clean power. Data centres are projected to use over 1,000 terawatt hours by 2026. Nuclear, especially through small modular reactors (SMRs), is a powerful solution to meet this demand. Both Amazon and Google are taking a "bring your own power" approach by investing in SMRs to generate carbon-free electricity directly for their own needs. Google is partnering with Kairos Power, while Amazon is working with X-energy and utility providers to develop these reactors. This approach signals a new era where tech giants are looking to secure their energy needs independently, ensuring a reliable power supply for their AI and data-heavy operations. These projects need skilled workers, and not everyone requires a nuclear degree. Many skills from engineering, construction, and digital tech transfer well to nuclear roles. At Rullion, we're well positioned to support this shift. Our extensive experience in nuclear workforce solutions allows us to connect talent with projects that power both AI and a cleaner energy future.

Balloons and winning spirit were the name of the game at our Rullion offsite! We jumped into some creative improv, had a laugh with balloon games, and the energy was off the charts. To top it off, we wrapped up with a children’s goodnight story – yes, really! And of course, there was champagne for the winners (which, let’s be honest, was all of us by the end). Now that’s what fun at work looks like! 🥂

You are only as good as the people you work with. We are very lucky to be working with some very very good people. Thank you Rebecca Boniface