Labour Shortages Submission
Submissions of the New Zealand Retailers Association and Retail World Resourcing to the Labour Department in respect of The 2005 Occupational Shortages Review
March 2005
Introduction
These submissions are presented by the New Zealand Retailers Association in association with Retail World Resourcing.
Background
The Association is the leading trade association in the distribution industry in New Zealand.
We represent an industry that has annual sales of $54b and which employs some 325,000 people (17% of the workforce ) in some 49,000 outlets throughout the country.
Our general membership includes the major department and general merchandise chains, specialised chains, traditional department stores and thousands of owner operators spread throughout the country. We also service a number of specialised trade groups of plumbing material suppliers, metal fastener distributors, bicycle dealers, pet shops, jewellers and equestrian suppliers.
Retail World Resourcing is a specialist Australasian recruitment company, New Zealand owned, that was established in 2000. Its services include recruitment and human resources advice for the retail sector.
General Submissions
The Association and Retail World Recruitment submit that certain retail roles should be added to the NZ Immigration Services long term skills shortages list.
In particular, Retail World Recruitment would like the opportunity to broaden their recruitment role from Australia and source candidates from the UK, USA, Canada, Europe and South Africa.
Our supporting submissions follow in the electronic format outlined in the Departmental discussion paper:
Which industry do you represent?
Both parties represent the retail sector as summarised in the background section to our submission.
Contact Persons:
John Albertson, Chief Executive
Barry Hellberg, Government Relations Consultant
New Zealand Retailers Association
In association with
Ben Harman, Managing Director,
Retail World Resourcing
Contact Details:
New Zealand Retailers Association
PO Box 12-086
WELLINGTON
Ph: 04 4723733
Email: jalbertson@retail.org.nz
bhellberg@retail.org.nz
In association with
Retail World Resourcing
PO Box 99-080
Newmarket
AUCKLAND
Ph: 09 520 7760
Email: ben@rwr.co.nz
Which occupations or skills does this submission relate to? (Please specify)
A recent NZ Retail Association research report (copy appended) compiled from information supplied by 20 major chain stores indicates a general labour shortage of retail branch managers, regional managers, buyers and IT and logistic specialists.
The day to day experience recruiting senior retail staff by Retail World Resourcing highlights shortages with:
Store Manager - Large Format - package $45-$65k - turnover $2.0m+ - responsible for 5-15 staff - the candidate will have 2-3 years experience in this role in a multi store (10+ store) retail environment.
Retail Area /Regional Manger - package $50-$110k - responsible for 6-12 stores - the candidate will have 2-3 years experience in this role in a multi store (10+ store) retail environment.
Merchandise Planner - package $50-$70k - the candidate will have 2-3 years experience in this role in a multi store (10+ store) retail environment.
Buyer/Category Manager - Package $50-$100k - the candidate will have 2-3 years experience in this role in a multi store (10+ store) retail environment.
Loss Prevention Manager - Package $50- $100k - the candidate will have 2-3 years experience in this role in a multi store (10+ store) retail environment.
Please state the nature of the shortage and provide information that supports the extent of these shortages.
On the basis of the research report the NZ Retailers Association estimates the following shortages in suitably qualified retail management staff:
Branch Managers: Potential Shortfall of 5-6,000 people
Regional Managers and Buyers: Potential Shortfall of 80-100 roles
Is the shortage confined to a particular region/s, or is it nationwide? If regional, please state what regions: Auckland/Northland; Waikato/Bay of Plenty; Central North Island; Wellington; Canterbury/Upper South Island; Otago/Southland.
The NZRA survey did not break labour shortages down by regional areas. Chain stores however operate nationally so it is likely shortages exist right throughout the country.
What steps are being taken by the Industry and Employers to address this shortage over the medium term, for example, training and industry initiatives?
The NZRA is conscious of the need to upskill the industry and to that end initiatives are currently being fostered to develop a post graduate course in retail in association with Monash University in Australia.
In addition, the Retail Industry Training Organisation which was established in 1995:
- develops unit standards that make up the NZQA National Certificate in Retail;
- works with industry training and development staff, private training establishments, polytechnics and schools that provide training in retail industry skills; and
- in consultation with the retail industry, identifies current and future skill needs and develops industry wide strategies to meet those needs
What qualifications and/or level of experience are required?
For example: Medical Social Workers require a Bachelor degree or Graduate Diploma in Social Work and two years' relevant work experience.
There is no specific academic requirement for retail management staff. However, employers would clearly seek evidence of past work experience and any general management qualifications as part of an application for a particular position
Does this occupation require registration in New Zealand? If yes, please give details of the registration process.
There are no occupational licences required for companies operating in the retail industry in New Zealand.
Please describe the policies and practices your organisation has in place to ensure the industry meets New Zealand employment legislation.
The Association offers a wide range of advisory services to its members on employment issues, consumer law and all other legislation affecting retailers in New Zealand. In addition, the Association has produced a full range of circulars and easy to use guides to assist retailers in the management of employment and business issues. Finally, the Association offers consultancy help to retailers to help to resolve employment disputes, and to prepare employment and other resources to assist with other staffing issues.
Please provide detailed information on wages and conditions applicable to this occupation.
The Association completes an annual wages survey of the retail industry in New Zealand and a summary of the latest survey outlining rates in particular types of retail positions is appended to this submission. Further details will be provided on a wider variety of management positions once the detailed results of the survey become available.
We would welcome the opportunity to discuss these submissions with the Department.
New Zealand Retailers Association
March 2005
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