Light rail networks from across the UK have reported on the measures they’re taking to attract new staff as the country emerges from the coronavirus pandemic.

A recent meeting for HR professionals organised by UKTram has heard that Edinburgh Trams is using an eye-catching tram wrap to raise the profile of its latest recruitment campaign, alongside radio advertising.

In Blackpool, tram advertising is also being used to promote careers on the town’s tramway while a series of recruitment events were also helping to boost applications.

Jamie Swift, the outgoing Chair of the UKTram HR Group, commented: “In a competitive jobs market, members of the group reported difficulties recruiting new staff, particularly in front-line roles.

“The latest meeting, the first of 2022, provided a platform to share ideas on how to attract applications from suitable candidates while discussing the wide challenges faced by HR teams as we emerge from the pandemic.”

The meeting also heard that most networks had also been a slight rise in staff absences due to the recent increase in Covid cases, but all were managing to provide cover without impacting on services.

Other key topics of discussion included an update on proposals for an HR KPI benchmarking project, with members being asked to submit their annual figures for staff turnover, absences and diversity in the workplace to enable a comparison to be made against a UK light rail industry average.

Members of the group were also asked for feedback on a project led by the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board that aims to produce fresh guidance on raising awareness of the independent CIRAS system for employees to report their safety concerns.

Jamie added: “Another successful meeting saw a high turnout, with representatives from the majority of UK tramways contributing to wide ranging discussions on the challenges faced by HR professionals in the light rail sector.”