Majority of practices struggle to recruit, survey finds
The problem is particularly severe for small animal practices, where nearly a quarter (23 per cent) saw posts remain empty for more than six months.
If you're having difficulty finding new staff at the moment, then you're most certainly not alone. Figures released by the BVA have revealed that recruitment problems are widespread in practices across the UK - with two thirds of practices reporting a wait of over three months to fill vacancies for veterinary surgeons.
The figures come from the BVA's Voice of the Veterinary Profession Survey Spring 2015, which reveals that the majority of practices who had recently tried to recruit vets had struggled to find suitable candidates.
Of those practices which reported a wait of more than three months, 10 per cent took more than six months, and seven per cent were forced to withdraw the role due to a lack of suitable candidates.
The problem is particularly severe for small animal practices, where nearly a quarter (23 per cent) saw posts remain empty for more than six months. A fifth (19 per cent) were eventually forced to withdraw roles. Production animal veterinary roles also proved challenging to fill, with around a fifth (19 per cent) remaining empty for three months or more.
Commenting on the figures, BVA president John Blackwell said: “We’ve been hearing a lot about recruitment issues from veterinary practices across the country and I know from experience how challenging it can be to find the right candidate. These figures confirm that anecdotal evidence, showing that many colleagues are struggling to fill posts.
“This is a complicated issue and we suspect there are a range of different factors that converge to create this situation. We know there are many talented and experienced vets out there and yet recruitment remains a challenge for many.
“We believe that issues around out-of-hours requirements, support, work/life balance and flexible working all factor into candidates’ decision not to apply for or accept certain roles. It’s not simply a case of employers offering higher salaries.”
Out of those practices who advertised a vacancy, almost a third (32 per cent) received three or fewer applications per post. Difficulties were listed at every stage of the recruitment process, from lack of applications (58 per cent) to candidates declining offers (18 per cent).
The BVA say that challenges were not just limed to the recruitment of new graduates. Most of the time, practices who had taken over three months to fill posts were not looking for recent graduates, but for vets with some experience (one to three years) or over three years experience.
“This is a difficult recruitment market and we know that some practices are really struggling to recruit vets, " says Simon Devitt, director of BMJ Careers.
"At Vet Record Careers we advise recruiters to emphasise the benefits of working for their particular practice; including flexibility, transport, accommodation, training, progression as well as the salary on offer.”
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
