Recruiting operatives for the production floor
Our factory worker recruitment service supplies production, packing, assembly and quality control operatives to manufacturers across the UK, on both a temporary and permanent basis. Factory work looks simple from the outside, but line speed, standing for long shifts, cold or hot environments and repetitive tasks mean the wrong placement often walks off the line by the second break. We recruit for day, night and rotating shifts, including sites that run around the clock seven days a week.
We reduce that by being clear with candidates about the job before they accept it. If your site is chilled, runs a four on, four off pattern or needs people lifting cases all shift, they will know before they arrive. We ask about previous factory experience and the products they have handled, and for food sites we check basic food hygiene knowledge and explain the rules on jewellery, hair coverings and reporting illness.
For assembly and quality roles we look at accuracy and attention to detail, and we can run simple dexterity or numeracy checks if you want them. Many manufacturers use us to build a flexible pool around a permanent core, scaling up for seasonal ranges, new contracts or extra shifts. We also recruit line leaders and team leaders who have managed operatives on similar lines. Operatives who perform well can move to permanent roles with you under our agreed temp to perm terms.
Factory roles we recruit
- Production operative
- Food production operative
- Packing operative
- Line operative
- Assembly operative
- Quality control inspector
- Machine minder
- Line feeder
- Hygiene operative
- Labelling operative
- Despatch operative
- Process operator
- Line leader
- Production team leader
Why manufacturers use our factory recruitment
Honest job previews
Candidates hear about temperature, line speed, standing time and shift patterns before they accept, which means fewer walk-offs in the first week on the line.
Food hygiene awareness checked
For food sites we confirm candidates understand basic hygiene rules and can comply with your policies on PPE, jewellery and reporting illness.
A flexible pool around your core team
We help you keep a steady group of trained temporary operatives who can be scaled up or down with orders, seasonal ranges and new contracts.
A route to permanent hire
Good operatives can be taken on permanently through our temp to perm terms, giving you a tested way of building your own team over time.
Compliance for production environments
Every operative has a right to work check before starting. For food production we confirm Level 1 or Level 2 food hygiene training where the role requires it, and we brief workers on your hygiene rules. Temporary operatives are covered by the Agency Workers Regulations 2010, so we agree comparator pay and conditions with you and apply equal treatment once a worker completes 12 weeks in the same role.
- Right to work checks for every operative
- Food hygiene training confirmed where required
- Health declarations for food handling roles
- PPE and hygiene rules briefed in advance
- AWR comparator terms agreed up front
Manufacturers we recruit for
- Food and drink manufacturing
- Packaging and printing
- Automotive components
- Electronics assembly
- Cosmetics and healthcare packing
- Plastics and moulding
How we deliver factory worker recruitment
- BriefWe take the details: roles, numbers, site, hours, start date and the checks you need.
- ShortlistWe match candidates from our pool and complete compliance before anyone is put forward.
- StartWorkers arrive briefed and ready, with a named consultant as your single contact.
- SupportWe handle timesheets, pay and replacements, and check in regularly on performance.
Frequently asked questions
Can you recruit operatives for night shifts and rotating patterns?
Yes. Many factories run nights, continental shifts or four on, four off patterns, and we recruit people who want those hours. We explain the pattern clearly to candidates before they accept, which helps reduce early drop-out. Tell us your pattern and any shift allowances so we can set expectations accurately.
Do your food operatives have food hygiene certificates?
We look for candidates with food hygiene training and confirm certificates where the role requires them. For entry-level roles, some clients are happy to provide the training at induction. Tell us your site requirements, including any health screening questions you use, and we will check candidates against them before they start.
How quickly can you add operatives for a new contract?
It depends on the numbers, shift patterns and location. For a small increase we can often supply operatives quickly from our existing pool. For a larger ramp-up, such as a new line or a contract win, we plan recruitment and inductions with you over a few weeks so the quality holds up.
What does it cost to take an operative on permanently?
Our terms include temp to perm arrangements. Depending on how long the operative has worked with you, a transfer fee may apply, or you can choose an extended period of hire through us instead. These options are set out in our agreement, so there are no surprises when you want to make an offer.
Can you test candidates before they start?
We can include simple checks such as numeracy, dexterity or colour vision tests where they are relevant to the role, and we can arrange trial shifts if you prefer to see candidates on the line first. Talk to us about your quality and safety requirements so the checks are proportionate.
