If you've tried to recruit an arborist of any kind over the last few years you'll probably know what we mean when we say that it's no walk in the park. We are usually successful as long as the job offer is right. It also helps when the candidate understands that the benefits of employment over day rates... but what can we in the industry do to make it easier for candidates and employers in the long run?
Solving problems usually starts with good communication and we'd love to see more discussed around this issue. We think that there are three problems that could be approached differently to make it easier to find and place candidates in an industry where the perception of pay scales are still artificially inflated because of outdated and often dubious sub-contracting practices.
Firstly, many arborists new into the sector are tempted by apparent high day rates but when you break it down and take holiday pay, pension provision and other benefits into account this is clearly a misconception. The amount of paperwork needed to manage a contracting role is often not understood by an arborist new into the industry and can come as a nasty shock at year end. Then there's the lack of security in contracting which for many is a risk too far these days. Making clear the advantages of being on a payroll really helps a candidate to make a fair decision when comparing the many jobs available to them.
Compliance is well understood in the industry generally. Arborists and employers know how important it is to have up-to-date chainsaw tickets and LOLER and AFAG approved equipment is accepted as par for the course. Why then is there still so much confusion around adhering to sub-contracting employment regulations and what is considered to be proper contracting and what is tax evasion? As employers we, and all our clients in that area, comply with regulations and save massive headaches in the long run.
Lastly, and this is a hard one, pay scales need urgent discussion. Arboriculture is a skilled industry, not without risks and should be valued accordingly. Raising wages is not an easy thing to do, especially in Local Authorities, but if vacancies are to be filled a respectable offer is the fastest way to ensure success.
On reflection it seems that if all parties in the arboriculture industry could work together towards proper employment practices and better wages for qualified arborists it would be a much more compelling and heartening space in which to work.
