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From April 1st, 2025, the UK’s National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) rates are set to increase, bringing positive changes for workers and important considerations for employers. At Connect Appointments, we understand how these changes can impact both businesses and employees, and we’re here to help you navigate these changes as smoothly as possible.

What’s Changing?

The key changes coming into effect from April 1st, 2025, include:

These increases reflect the government’s commitment to improving pay conditions across the UK and ensuring that workers are fairly compensated. For employers, this means adjusting payroll and budgeting to accommodate higher wage costs.

Impact on Employers

For businesses, the increase in minimum wage brings both challenges and opportunities:

Increased Labour Costs: Higher wages mean higher overall costs for staffing. This may require businesses to review their budgets and make strategic adjustments.

Improved Staff Retention: Higher wages can boost employee satisfaction, reduce turnover, and improve productivity. A motivated and fairly paid workforce tends to be more engaged and committed.

Compliance and Payroll Adjustments: It’s essential for employers to update their payroll systems and ensure they are compliant with the new rates to avoid penalties and maintain positive employee relations.

Impact on Workers

For employees, the increase is welcome news. Higher wages will help offset rising living costs and provide greater financial stability. This could lead to improved morale and better performance at work.

How Connect Appointments Can Help?

At Connect Appointments, we work closely with businesses and workers to ensure smooth transitions during wage adjustments. Whether you’re looking to manage increased staffing costs or seeking new talent in line with the latest wage structures, we’re here to support you.

Our team can help you:
✔️ Adjust staffing plans to manage wage increases effectively
✔️ Attract and retain top talent with competitive pay packages
✔️ Stay compliant with the latest employment regulations

If you need guidance on how the new minimum wage changes will affect your business or your career, reach out to Connect Appointments today. We’re here to make the process easier for you.

At Connect Appointments, we understand the fast-moving nature of the drinks industry, requiring teams that are reliable, skilled and flexible. Whether you’re navigating seasonal demands, expanding your operations, or managing high-volume projects, having the right people in place is key to delivering results

With over six decades of recruitment expertise, Connect Appointments has built lasting relationships with businesses across the UK, earning a reputation for providing first-class staffing solutions designed to meet the unique demands of the drinks industry.

Our mission is simple: to meet our client’s needs. We pride ourselves on understanding your specific challenges and opportunities. By doing so, we position ourselves as more than just a recruitment agency – we become a trusted partner in your success.

OUR COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES

We offer a wide range of services tailored to meet the demands of the drinks industry:

Temporary Staffing: Ideal for daily operations and peak production periods, we ensure you have the right team in place when you need them.

Specialist Recruitment: For skilled and permanent roles, our targeted approach connects you with reliable talent that drives success.

End-to-End Recruitment: From job posting and candidate screening to onboarding and compliance checks, we handle the entire recruitment process, allowing you to focus on what you do best.

With our expertise and resources, you benefit from a seamless recruitment process that’s flexible, efficient and focused on delivering results for you.

OUR INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE

Drinks production is one of the UK’s largest and most dynamic industries, providing goods to households and businesses worldwide. The fast-pace of the drinks industry demands a workforce that can adapt to shifting requirements while consistently meeting high standards – that’s where we come in.

At Connect Appointments, we take pride in connecting businesses like yours with skilled and reliable talent. Over the years we’ve had the privilege of supporting some of the biggest names in the drinks industry, including Whyte & Mackay, Broxburn Bottlers, West Rock, and Angus Dundee. These partnerships have allowed us to refine our approach and gain a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in this vibrant sector.

Our expertise spans a broad range of roles essential to the drinks industry, such as:

This diverse experience allows us to provide staffing solutions designed to meet the specific demands of your business. We understand the importance of maintaining compliance with regulatory standards (we are fully GLAA compliant), meeting tight production schedules, guaranteeing quality standards and ensuring seamless integration between teams.

WHY CHOOSE CONNECT APPOINTMENTS?

Choosing the right recruitment partner is critical to the success of your business. Here’s a few reasons why Connect Appointments stands out from other recruitment agencies.

A Legacy of Excellence: With over 60 years of experience, we’ve built a legacy of trust, reliability, and results. Our extensive industry knowledge and recruitment expertise, ensure we understand the unique challenges faced by businesses within the drinks industry.

Local Expertise, National Reach: While we operate nationally, our local teams bring a deep understanding of regional challenges and opportunities. This combination of local insight and national resources, allows us to provide tailored solutions that meet your needs.

Passionate Team: Our dedicated teams are passionate about helping your business thrive. We take the time to understand your goals and work tirelessly to connect you with the right talent.

Proven Track Record: Our partnerships with leading businesses speak for itself. From distilleries like Bruichladdich and Benriach, to bottling halls and packaging facilities like Broxburn Bottlers and West Rock, we consistently deliver exceptional results for our clients.

Flexible and Responsive: We understand that the drinks industry can be very fluid. That’s why we prioritise flexibility and responsiveness, ensuring we’re always ready to adapt to your changing needs.

 

A varied group of people putting their hands into a circleBUILDING YOUR TEAM

Great teams are the foundation of every successful business. Whether you’re scaling up for a seasonal rush, launching a new product line, or optimising your operations, our tailored recruitment solutions are here to help. Let us take the stress out of hiring so you can focus on what you do best.

Connect with us today and discover how we can support your success in the drinks industry.

Since 2015 Connect Driver Solutions has been in the fast lane of the UK’s thriving recruitment industry. What can we do for you?

The transport industry is burgeoning, and one of the leading names in recruitment within the sector is our specialist driving division: Connect Driver Solutions (CDS). Launching as a single branch in Scotland, CDS has grown and extended into a UK-wide, multi-branch network.

If you are looking for your next career challenge or you are in search of talented staff, CDS match the best candidates to positions across Scotland and England.

Continually, companies across the UK are looking for staff to get their services or products from A to B in the fastest, most efficient, and reliable way possible.

Our team are the driving force of CDS and recruitment in this sector.

EXPERIENCE

Under the directorship of William Sim, the agency matches reliable, hardworking driving staff with transport and logistics organisations across the UK.

Our team at CDS utilise their knowledge, skills and expertise on a daily basis to create and maintain exciting partnerships between jobseekers and recruiters. This experience and respectability within the sector is why organisations continually come to CDS for their staffing needs, which benefits you as a job seeker.

William and his team of specialist recruitment consultants are based in offices throughout the country, recruiting drivers to work with respected employers in both permanent and temporary roles. Only candidates with the relevant skills and experience are put forward for the variety of vacancies the team has to offer.

EXPERTISE

CDS is here to help you move your career up a gear or drive your business forward with the best drivers the UK has to offer. With a strong database of LGV drivers, multi-drop van drivers, and more, we have an abundance of candidates keen to develop their careers.

Our expertise means we know how difficult it can be to find good drivers. At CDS we have a focus on first class customer service, professionalism and creating good working relationships – that’s what sets us apart.

We pride ourselves on providing ethical, honest and service-driven solutions to meet your recruitment needs. We have earned our great reputation in the industry, we are one of the few recruitment companies to hold a Transport Companies operator’s licence.

As an organisation, we understand you have strict deadlines to meet and require hard working staff to help you meet this quota. CDS also offers specialist training to help recruiters ensure that your workforce is in line with industry standards.

To find out about the opportunities available through Connect Driver Solutions, visit Connect Driver Solutions or email info@connectdriversolutions.co.uk

 

FOR CANDIDATES

Connect Appointments’ specialist consultants are a phone call away from finding your next job opportunity. We find out why you should connect with us to save time and get expert info during your job search.

SAVES YOU TIME

Spending night after night scrolling through job sites can feel like a full-time job in itself. At Connect Appointments we know that searching for an appropriate role to apply for is tough. When you look for a job through us we do all the work for you. Once you have registered we’ll get in touch any time a suitable vacancy comes up.

WE’LL GIVE YOU INSIDER INFO

When you apply for one of our jobs we will talk you through the whole process. As our consultants conduct any potential job interviews, you can be safe in the knowledge that an experienced interviewer is handling your responses. That valuable intel could give you the edge above those applying directly.

WE’LL KEEP YOUR SKILLS IN MIND

If you apply directly to a company you will only be considered for that job. When you apply through Connect Appointments we will keep you in mind for other vacancies that meet your individual skill set. Essentially, your CV will get more exposure.

WE’LL GET TO KNOW YOU

We build a professional relationship with the men and women within our workforce. The people we know, and who have a great reputation with our clients, are always at the top of our list for further work. Knowing your skill set inside and out also means we know what positions will suit you.

WE’LL DO IT FOR FREE

Not only do we save you valuable time – everything we do for our candidates is free. There’s no catch – coaching you through the process, submitting your CV, contacting you about jobs, and offering you advice and information won’t cost you a penny.

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Get connected and get employed with the assistance of our expert team. If you’re on the hunt for permanent and temporary work, get in touch with your nearest Connect Appointments branch.

FOR CLIENTS

We go above and beyond the average recruitment agency. With experience matching thousands of candidates with industry leaders annually: we know what your company needs in a recruitment agency.

WE ARE EXPERTS

At Connect Appointments our recruitment consultants specialise in one or more industries, so you can feel secure knowing we understand what you need in your staff. We won’t send you just anyone for consideration – we know the ins and outs of the business, jobs, and the skills and qualifications required.

WE CARRY OUT ALL PRE-HIRING CHECKS

From gathering references to making sure candidates are eligible to work in the UK, any job-specific tests and checks that your industry requires are carried out by us. For manual jobs, we carry out drink and drug testing on your behalf. We’ll even conduct candidate interviews to make the process fuss free.

WE DO THE TEDIOUS WORK FOR YOU

We take the work out of recruiting and vet all CVs, only presenting you with candidates that are right for the job. We’ll do our best to work to your timescale and requirements to find the perfect person for the role.

WE’LL DEAL WITH CANDIDATES’ QUESTIONS

After you advertise a job there’s no doubt you will have a handful of questions. When we recruit on your behalf we’ll deal with any questions you have, leaving you more time to make the phone calls that really matter.

WE ARE AFFORDABLE

We know that cost is a worry when companies are approached by recruitment firms. At Connect Appointments our professional consultants will work with you to agree on a suitable arrangement that meets your budget and recruitment needs. As well as sourcing candidates from our extensive database, we will advertise the job for you across multiple platforms – it saves you money and provides you with more candidates.

GET IN TOUCH If you’re looking for staffing solutions, it’s time to get connected with our experienced recruitment consultants. Contact your nearest branch HERE.

As a recruitment agency, we see a lot of CV’s. While the content and experience on each CV varies, there are certain skills that can help set a candidate apart from the competition. In this post, we’ll cover the top 10 skills your CV can benefit from, and why they’re important.

Communication Skills

Communication is a key skill in any industry. Whether it’s verbal or written communication, being able to clearly and effectively express ideas and information is essential for success. Make sure to highlight any experience you have in public speaking, writing, or presenting.

Leadership Skills

Strong leadership skills are highly sought after in many industries. If you’ve managed a team or led a project, make sure to highlight your leadership experience on your CV.

Problem-Solving Skills

Employers want to hire candidates who can identify and solve problems. If you have experience in analysing data, developing solutions, or improving processes, make sure to highlight it on your CV.

Time Management Skills

In any job, it’s important to be able to manage your time effectively. If you have experience in meeting deadlines, prioritising tasks, or working on multiple projects simultaneously, make sure to highlight this on your CV.

Creativity

Creativity is a valuable skill, particularly in fields like marketing, design, and content creation. If you’ve worked on any creative projects, make sure to highlight your experience and provide examples.

Technical Skills

Depending on your industry, having technical skills can be a huge asset. Whether it’s proficiency in a certain software, programming language, or equipment, make sure to list any relevant skills on your CV.

Customer Service Skills

In any job that involves interacting with customers or clients, having strong customer service skills is essential. In you’ve worked in a customer-facing role, make sure to highlight your experience and any positive feedback you’ve received from customers.

Adaptability

In today’s fast-paced business world, being able to adapt to change is a key skill. If you’ve been able to successfully navigate change in your previous role, make sure to highlight your adaptability on your CV.

Teamwork

Being able to work effectively as part of a team is a valuable skill in any industry. If you’ve worked on a team project or collaborated with others, make sure to highlight your experience and provide examples of your contributions.

Attention to Detail

Finally, attention to detail is a skill that is highly valued in many industries. Whether it’s in proofreading, data analysis, or quality control, make sure to highlight your attention to detail on your CV.

By highlighting these top 10 skills on your CV, you can help set yourself apart from other candidates and make a strong impression on potential employers. Good luck with your job search!

At Connect Appointments we’re continually expanding our range of bespoke services that cater to the unique needs of our clients, ensuring that we source the best candidates. Here’s what sets us apart from other recruitment agencies.

BESPOKE TAILORED ADVERTS

Our dedicated team of experienced staff create adverts for your vacancies based on the latest hiring insights and industry knowledge, ensuring its tailored to attract the best candidates for the job.

IN-HOUSE DESIGN AND MARKETING TEAMS

Working in partnership, our in-house design and marketing teams create, edit, and optimise a variety of creative content that appeals to candidates. This includes eye[1]catching adverts, engaging social media content, and effective email and text campaigns that generate higher conversion rates and lead generation.

IN-HOUSE PAYROLL DEPARTMENT

Take the hassle out of payroll administration, our in-house payroll department ensures workers are paid correctly and on time.

JOB BOARDS AND CV DATABASES

An extensive network of job boards and CV databases ensures that your vacancy is seen by a vast pool of candidates, increasing your chances of finding the right person for the job.

SPECIALISED DIVISIONS AND BRANCH NETWORK

With specialised divisions covering the UK’s largest industries and a national branch network, Connect Appointments can provide targeted recruitment solutions for companies across a wide range of sectors and locations. Whether you need temporary staffing, permanent placements or a contract service, Connect Appointments is here to help.

SOCIAL MEDIA

We will highlight your vacancy across our social media channels, reaching an expanding monthly audience of 100K+. Whilst promoting your vacancy in the most active and relevant job search groups online, reaching a candidate pool of more than 200,000.

ACCREDITED AND LEADING RECRUITMENT SOFTWARE

We’re members of industry leading accreditation bodies, such as: The REC, GLAA, Stronger Together, working in partnership to guarantee the best service to candidates and clients.

SALARY BENCHMARKING AND HIRING CHECKS

Unsure about your salary competitiveness? We can survey the job title and area that is relevant to your role and offer constructive feedback. Whilst providing wide[1]ranging hiring checks where candidates are verified and vetted by our HR team, giving you peace of mind that you’re hiring the right person for your company.

Recruitment agencies, such as Connect Appointments, can be an important tool in your employment search, but, how can a recruitment agency help you?

From scrolling through job websites to filling out endless applications, the job hunt can start to feel like full-time work. It might be time to call in the assistance of a dedicated recruitment agency.

At Connect Appointments, we are one of the UK’s leading recruitment agencies, working across the country to pair job applicants with the companies that need them.

As an agency we strive on taking the stress out for your employment search, with our dedicated recruitment consultants working to get you into paid work as quickly as possible.

PROCESS

Recruitment agencies work closely with companies who are looking to source or expand their workforce. Rather than interviewing with a company directly, you will be interviewed by a recruitment consultant from Connect Appointments.

The interview process will take place either in-branch or over the phone with one of our consultants. Here we can learn more about your previous work placements to find the best role for you. With an extensive bank of clients, we will do our best to find a role that meets your skillset.

SECTOR

At Connect, we’re a multi-sector agency, meaning there are plenty of opportunities, depending on your skills and experience. While many of our clients work in production and manufacturing, the food and drinks industry, logistics and distribution: we have roles available across a wide range of sectors.

Companies we’re currently working with are leaders in their respective industry, meaning you’ll have the opportunity to work with some of the UK’s top employers. If you’re reliable, punctual and have a positive attitude, we’re certain we can find your next role – especially as many of our roles require zero previous experience.

We continually have a variety of temporary, permanent, full-time and part-time positions available and are on hand to answer any questions, assist with any concerns and provide the information you need to progress to your next job.

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

Find our latest job listings on our website and apply for any role online. Simply enter your personal details and attach your CV to the job advert; or upload your CV to our database and we’ll be in touch with any suitable opportunities.

If you’d prefer, you can make an appointment to visit your nearest branch and meet with one of our consultants, who’ll be able to go through the process with you and answer any questions.

Your consultant will look at our current database of available roles and pair you with the one that best matches your skills and experience: that means no more trawling through endless job listings. We’ll do that for you.

Once you’ve been successful in securing an offer from one of our clients, our support doesn’t end there. We’ll provide you with all the information you need, including start dates, contract information, hours, shift patterns and how you should prepare for your first day.

Our expert consultants have helped thousands of people across the UK find their next role, and we’re certain they can find yours, too.

Upload your CV, check out our latest opportunities, or get in touch with your nearest branch today to start your journey and #GetConnected.

At Connect Appointments, we understand that the temp recruitment process can be overwhelming, especially if you’re new to it. That’s why we’ve pulled together some FAQ’s by our candidates to help you navigate the process with ease.

General FAQ’s

What is temp work?

Temp work is short-term or contract work, typically lasting from a few days to several months. It’s an excellent way to gain experience, develop skills, and earn money while searching for a permanent role.

Why work with a recruitment agency?

Working with a recruitment agency like Connect Appointments has several advantages. We have access to a vast network of clients, including many who don’t advertise their vacancies publicly. We can also provide you with support and advice throughout the recruitment process, from CV writing to interview preparation.

Is there a fee for using your services?

No, there’s no fee for using our services as a temp candidate. Our fees are paid by our clients.

What kind of roles do you recruit for?

We recruit for a wide range of temp roles across various industries, including: production and manufacturing, logistics and distribution, office support and admin, driving and transportation, technical and engineering and more.

 

Applying for a Temp Role FAQ’s

How do I apply for a temp role?

You can apply for a temp role through our website or by sending us your CV via email. Once we receive your application, one of our consultants will contact you to discuss your requirements and match you with any suitable temp roles that we have.

What do I need to include in my CV?

Your CV should include your contact details, work experience, education and qualifications, and any relevant skills or achievements. Make sure your CV is tailored to the role you’re applying for and highlights your relevant experience and skills.

How long does the recruitment process take?

The recruitment process varies depending on the role and the client’s requirements. We’ll keep you updated throughout the process and let you know as soon as possible if you’ve been successful.#

 

Temp Work FAQ’s

How long will a temp role last?

The length of a temp role can vary from a few days to several months, depending on the client’s needs.

How much will I get paid?

Your pay rate will depend on the role and the client’s requirements. We’ll discuss the pay rate with you before you start the assignment.

What if I’m not happy in the role?

If you’re not happy in the role, please let us know as soon as possible. We’ll work with you to find a solution and ensure you’re placed in a role that’s a better fit.

 

GET CONNECTED

We hope this FAQ’s guide has answered your questions about temp work and the recruitment process. If you have any other questions or would like to apply for a temp role, please get in touch with us. We’re here to help!

Temporary employment is a great way to get your foot in the door with one of our clients and occasional shift work is an ever-expanding business. We tell you how to get the most out of a short-term contract.

Flexibility

One of the biggest perks to temporary work is the flexibility it gives you to take complete control of your working life. You won’t have to worry about taking your responsibilities from work home with temporary employment, allowing you to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Short-term employment gives you the option to build your work life around other commitments.

Building skills

You already have a plethora of skills that you may not even know about, and with each role you work, you will improve certain aptitudes. From communication to project management, everyone in the workforce can learn on the job. It may only be temporary work, but going into a job with an open mind and being proactive in learning all you can will go on to benefit you in the long run.

Upgrade your CV

Each time you start a new role include this on your CV, regardless of the length of time spent with a business. We pride ourselves on working with some of the leading organisations in the UK, having these names on your CV is always going to look good. Keeping your CV updated will also give you the chance to reflect on the skills you have learned within each role.

Networking

Short-term work within organisations at the top of their industries means you can build your contacts. Connecting with colleagues during temporary employment is key: the people you meet may be able to act as a reference, managers who are looking to hire permanent staff, or it could simply be an opportunity to make new friends.

In the money

When you start working, it is important to know that this may impact the amount of benefits you can claim. As you start to earn more, the Universal Credit you are eligible for will gradually reduce. Unlike Jobseeker’s Allowance, your payment won’t stop just because you work more than 16 hours a week. In some cases, you may be eligible for a work allowance. A work allowance is the amount that you can earn before your Universal Credit payment is affected. Turn2Us have a free benefit calculator to help you calculate not only what benefits you are entitled to, but how much you can expect your monthly income to be.

Positive attitude

You may only be working in your short-term or temporary contract for several days or weeks, it might only be a couple of shifts, but if you go in with the right attitude then the potential is limitless. If you are regularly doing shifts with a company and a similar role arises, they might consider you first for the position. When you are known, reliable and understand the business, the potential for permanent work is always there during temp roles.

Understand your rights

From the day you start work, you’ve got a worker’s employment rights, and the same rights as your permanent colleagues to use shared facilities provided by th employer. After 12-weeks in the job, you’ll qualify for the same rights as someone employed directly, also known as ‘equal treatment’, which includes the same pay as a permanent colleague doing the same job, automatic pension enrollment and paid annual leave.

A tailored workforce

If you are an employer, temporary workers supplied by an agency could be the answer to any demanding or busy periods within your company. Making an immediate difference to any role they are placed in; temporary workers are also fast to hire. In the past we have had clients call us on the day requiring staff to start at 9am – we are committed to making sure this happens.

Whether you have had an unexpected job come through, or you have absences to cover, temporary workers can make a real difference. Sourcing temporary workers during busy periods can be extremely efficient and offers flexibility to ensure tasks are completed. Bringing skills, experience and knowledge to your workforce, temporary workers can even provide new industry information to current, permanent members of staff.

When a permanent position is required to be filled temporary workers can slot into this role during the set recruitment period. If you want to find out more about how temporary workers can boost your business, call your nearest Connect Appointments office now.

Connect Appointments is the only choice when it comes to supplying permanent and temporary staff for the drinks industry, offering a specialist, tailored recruitment service.

Our teams are experienced in sourcing the right candidates for all levels, from Production Line and Bottling Hall Operators to Senior Management. With a database of thousands of candidates, we can help you fill permanent positions and have expertise in finding temporary and contract staff at short notice.

Connect Appointments’ specialist consultants supply staff to a variety of clients in the drinks industry, from small companies to well-known brands in:

We can help you with your selection process, ensuring the candidates we put forward for interview are suitable for your business and culture. Our team can also offer advice and guidance on pay rates, contract terms and employment legislation thanks to our wealth of recruitment knowledge.

Our specialist consultants are experienced in finding the ideal recruits for a variety of roles including:

Why choose Connect Appointments?

Connect Appointments is the only choice when it comes to supplying permanent and temporary staff for the drinks industry. With our dedicated service and in-depth experience, you will benefit from a flexible and tailored recruitment solution specific to your requirements that is both professional and personal.

FAST – Our expert knowledge of the drinks industry and our established recruitment network means we can recruit quickly.

RELIABLE – Our clients know that they can rely on our dedicated consultants to listen and provide them with what they need.

RESPONSIVE – With our huge database of candidates, we can provide temporary staff at very short notice.

VETTED – All of our candidates are referenced and checked before they start work.

Supplying staff to the drinks industry for over 30 years, we have a unique insight into this area of recruitment. Whether you are looking for a permanent Supply Chain Manager or temporary Production Line Operators, Connect Appointments is the company to call.

Inquire now: info@connectappointments.co.uk