Corps Security commented on the Budget Statement (March 2023), saying they welcome some of the highlights from the Budget Statement, “predominantly the announcements designed to cut the costs to our colleagues’ way of life with the rising cost of living.”
In a statement made by Andy Topp, Sales and Marketing Director at Corps Security, the company said that they will continue to support colleagues with the cost-of-living crisis, especially their core contract staff, who have been significantly affected by rising energy and fuel prices:
“In recent weeks we have launched new benefits, a discount scheme and a raft of internal communications to help our colleagues budget, find advice and feel supported,” Andy Topp said.
According to Topp, the budget was favourable to staff while the support for businesses in the FM and Security sectors was minimal.
“With the Treasury continuing with the Corporation Tax rise to 25% from 19%, many of our customers are directly impacted,” Mr Topp said.
He added: “The knock-on effect will be that these companies will have to reduce investment across their businesses, reducing investment in essential focuses such as ESG and Corporate Sustainability.
“In turn, we will see contract values adversely challenged, meaning stunted growth in a sector already challenged with staff shortages and a lack of wage growth with many contracted workers still not being paid at least the real Living Wage.
“This is very disappointing, and we hope to see additional investment in the business sector to counter this growing issue.”
Mr Topp also highlighted the consideration of ‘Returnships’, which, as a concept, involves full-time paid internships for adults who have been out of the workforce for at least a couple of years: “The security and FM sectors have huge skills gaps and recruitment is an ongoing issue.
“We, therefore, welcome the measures to get the “experienced” people in the over 50s category back into work; however, we will refrain from further comment until the Treasury has fleshed out the training and support programme that it has alluded to.”
Mr Topp concluded his comments: “Corps Security will continue to work with our customers to ensure we can provide as a minimum, the real Living Wage for our contract colleagues and improve efficiencies and the effectiveness of our services to ensure the opportunity to raise colleague pay remains a viable option.
“Our teams will collaborate with all stakeholders over the coming weeks to provide assistance and discuss the implications of the budget on them.”
(Source: Corps Security)
