Scottish Borders Council’s in-house roads and public works operation is facing an ongoing recruitment challenge, with staff turnover continuing to put pressure on its pothole repair and road maintenance teams.

A report due to go before the council’s External Service and Monitoring Group highlights the number of employees leaving SBC Contracts, which is responsible for a wide range of work including road repairs, resurfacing, winter operations and major infrastructure projects, says Midlothian View.

The report says the continued loss of staff remains a significant focus for the service. It also warns that repeated recruitment creates difficulties in finding people with the right skills and experience, while valuable knowledge is lost when experienced employees leave.

To help address the problem, the council says it is keeping its workforce and succession planning under regular review. Recruitment is ongoing, with applications encouraged from suitably qualified candidates.

SBC Contracts is also using a “career pathway” approach aimed at widening the pool of potential recruits. Under the scheme, applicants who do not yet meet every essential requirement can still be considered based on their existing skills, knowledge and experience, alongside their willingness to develop.

(Picture: Magnific)