Novel concept tackles dearth of staff

COMMUNITY

Howard Salkow

Senior Journalist

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Kayt Watts (above) has found a novel way to attract workers. Image supplied.

An enterprising initiative by a small business owner is starting to bear fruit as it seeks to ease the demand for staff.

Kayt Watts, owner of Port Douglas Cleaning and Property Services (PDCPS), jumped on to a novel idea three weeks ago when she posted job opportunities on street poles around 4 Mile Beach, Barrier and Nautilus Streets and along Port Douglas Road into town and outward.

“Like many businesses in the shire, we are struggling to hire workers. The shortage has had a huge impact on my business from just before Christmas and steadily worsened as tourists started coming to town.

“The up-and-downside of promoting and getting the many visitors, which as a business is great after last year’s losses. However, we are a town that is supported and survives on the backpacker and the working VISA community.

Positions Vacant: Find work or workers here

A typical notice on a street pole on the corner of Mitre and Nautilus Streets. Image Newsport.

“Housekeeping and cleaning businesses, like mine, count on these workers. In 2019 at this time of the year I had 35 backpackers and some local employees. During COVID last year for some months I was down to just myself,” said Watts.

Watts said after advertising on Indeed, Backpackers Job Board and Newsport, she was desperate with upcoming bookings on the houses she manages being fully booked and with same day turnarounds.

“This led me to doing the street signs, in locations that people, mainly workers, walk past. I immediately began getting text messages and emails from workers willing to do the jobs I was offering.

“I only started trialing workers this weekend. There has been over the past week a slow influx of workers coming up from the south ready to do the type of casual work that is on offer,” she said.

The Douglas Shire has been proactive in this area and in February this year Newsport reported that Douglas Shire business owners, local leaders, and employment agencies had met to meet to help solve the region’s ongoing labour shortage crisis as employers struggle to fill hundreds of vacant positions.

Nationally, the hospitality industry is facing a workforce shortage. The scarcity of staff is a chronic problem with COVID-19 adding an acute strain.

Watts established her company in 2017 after identifying a niche in the market for a reliable and dedicated cleaning business. The parent company is Port Douglas Concierge Pty Ltd.

For more information visit PDCPS or 0400 140 303.

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