JCB has announced it is to create 600 new jobs in the next three months to meet “unprecedented” global demand for its equipment.
The Staffordshire-headquartered plant giant described its order book as “very healthy” and is seeking over 200 operatives for an immediate start; including welders, paint sprayers and assemblers. A further 400 staff will be required within 12 weeks.
The company attributed this need for new staff to worldwide growth in the construction sector, which has led to record demand for many of the product lines manufactured at its Rocester, Cheadle, Rugeley and Foston, Derbyshire plants.
JCB chief operating officer Mark Turner commented, “This is great news for the local economy and great news for anyone seeking to work with a globally successful business. We know the cities of Stoke-on-Trent, Derby and surrounding towns have people with the skills we need, and in return they can expect excellent rewards. We urgently need fabrication welding skills along with paint sprayers, and general assemblers who will be given full training.
“The opportunities are initially for agency employees, however we see them as long-term opportunities – in fact, in the first three months of 2018 we have given permanent contracts to 200 agency staff. That means over the past four years we have handed permanent contracts to 850 agency employees. The future is very bright for JCB as global demand for our machines continues to grow, which means great prospects for people who want to work with us.”
The new roles pay a minimum of £10.40 per hour for Monday to Friday working hours, with a premium paid for shift-work opportunities. The company also has additional vacancies for over 100 permanent employees across the UK in engineering and other staff professions.
