As the UK’s construction recruitment sector continues to be squeezed by client cost pressures on one side and a shortage of skilled labour on the other, The Shore Group are proud to introduce their latest innovation to address these challenges. The newly launched website offers official Snickers Workwear at the UK’s lowest prices, with the option of spreading the cost and paying in 10 weekly instalments. This unique ‘Wear As You Earn’ approach reduces costs to as little as £1 per day. The new eCommerce division of The Shore Group has partnered with Snickers Workwear to offer the very best workwear in the most accessible way. All customers will pay the UK’s lowest prices for Snickers Workwear with the added benefit of ‘Wear As You Earn’ for thousands of workers supplied by The Shore Group and clients of The Shore Group. “I am so proud to launch this new division of the group with this unique product for the UK market. Our aim is simple to offer the best for customers, clients, the Shore team and the wider community. SnickersLife does this, making the highest quality workwear accessible for all,” said Lewis Yorke-Johnson, MD of The Shore Group. “I passionately believe that the construction sector has a great opportunity to tap into the domestic labour pool right now, but to do that we have to offer a competitive package, great working conditions and opportunities to develop. ‘Wear As You Earn’ offers a simple route to a step change in remuneration and comfort. The feedback from clients has been fantastic as this helps them recruit and retain staff in a hyper competitive marketplace. It also showcases their brand with a slick professional image.” Building on The Shore Group’s emphasis on social responsibility, SnickersLife brings the cost barrier for high quality workwear down significantly. This kind of innovation has been at the heart of The Shore Group’s offer since they founded 15 years ago. Most recently the group introduced free Mental Health First Aid training for all workers, partnering with the partnering with the charity ‘Mates in Mind’. “Comfortable workwear has always been under-funded in the UK. Our vision for SnickersLife is to change this, making the highest levels of performance and comfort possible for all workers. Not only are we offering payment in instalments, but workers are able to request The Shore Group to deduct this directly from their gross salary, simplifying their tax returns. We have big ambitions for our eCommerce offering and the partnership with Snickers is just the first step on the journey,” added Paul Parker, Director of Snickers Life. The SnickersLife.co.uk website now is live and in addition to payment in instalments offers credit card payments and Apple Pay. The site is stocked with a full range of Snickers menswear, womenswear and Snickers-branded accessories. There’s also the added option of customising any item with your company brand for maximum impact with clients and onsite.

Many individuals work in occupations that involve manual labor, whether in or outdoors. On any day of the week, it could be a challenge to decide what to wear. Going through the closet to find something appealing but doesn’t compromise on quality, comfort, or versatility is a daily struggle many could face. If you work in manual labor, you need to search for pieces of clothing that allow you to do anything freely, comfortably, and fashionably. The good news is that most manual work wardrobes now include authentic designs and sophisticated staples that can be mixed and matched with ease. All you have to do is get them into your closet. Hold that thought—here are a few wardrobe essentials for manual workers like you. 1. Stretchable Tactical Pants First on the list are stretchable tactical pants. Tactical trousers are multipurpose pants noted for their toughness, utility, and style worn both on or off the job. Police officers, military personnel, or anyone who works in an active environment and participates in outdoor activities typically wear them. Tactical pants combine functionality with the comfort of athletic or work wear. They’re often made out of synthetic fabrics such as polyester, cotton, nylon, and elastane for a better range of movement and are designed to provide maximum agility for people who work in manual labor every day. You can find such variations on Mancave Workwear or at any reputable shops online. 2. Work Boots When you’re in an active work environment, your equipment and gears will need to be strong and durable, such as your work boots. An ideal work boot for every manual working individual should be made from durable materials, offer a simple design, and be built to last. There are many advantages to wearing these boots. Some examples include: Better Foot Protection – Working with heavy machinery or hazardous tools places you at risk of suffering cuts or crush injuries to your feet. Therefore, it’s best to wear work boots to protect your feet. Perhaps steel-toed work boots will be handy in protecting your feet. Consistent Comfort – A regular shoe may leave your feet aching at the end of a long workday. Owning and wearing a pair of work boots could cushion your feet and help you avoid this problem. They can also keep your toes warm in the winter, too. Greater Durability – Investing in well-made and robust work boots can generally help make you feel confident with their durability. 3. Dry-Fit T-Shirts T-shirts could be considered fantastic clothing to wear. However, dry-fit shirts are more like a necessity for athletes and hard workers. If you’re not sure why, consider the following benefits: It’s made from a suitable material. Dry-fit can complement different skin types. Since they frequently come in various fabric combinations, their lightness and breathability aren’t sacrificed. It wicks away any form of moisture. The wicking action is essential to keep you as sweat-free as possible while working under the sun. It increases your flexible ability while moving. When doing a task that requires a sequence of moves, you’ll want to wear something that doesn’t restrict your movements. Dry-fit shirts aren’t just for athletes; hard workers can wear them as well. If you find such clothing appealing, make sure to buy from a reputable manufacturer to ensure you don’t get a second-hand product. 4. Work Shorts For those working outside during the hot weather, work shorts could be considered essential. At first glance work shorts may appear like ordinary shorts, but they actually feature stretchable gussets for a greater range of motion. Aside from the gussets, work shorts have a lot of pockets and other features, so you’ll have plenty of room for your phone, keys, tools, and other items needed while working. 5. Insulated Jackets When the weather’s cooler and ordinary sweatshirts or fleece aren’t enough to keep you warm, an insulated jacket may offer you the necessary protection. Insulated jackets help your body retain body heat when the temperature drops. Insulated jackets come in a variety of fillings depending on the brand you choose. A natural or synthetic down option is available with some brands, as well as a hybrid of the two options. Regardless of what you choose, they’ll likely be lightweight, packable, and water-resistant—ideal for those on the go. Final Thoughts To succeed in your job, you need more than just knowledge and expertise—you must also feel at ease. Whether you’re looking to keep cool or dry, warm or comfy, essential work gear might help you feel prepared to completed the task at hand. After all, if you work in comfort, your day will be at the least less stressful, safer, and more fruitful.

Making your name for yourself in any industry is hard- making a name for yourself as a freelancer is even harder! To become an effective freelancer, you’ve got to have a wide variety of skills, and this means that you’ve got to have the right skills in place, while also ensuring that you can promote yourself effectively. Freelancing is great, but it is undoubtedly the hardest way to make a living, especially in an oversubscribed industry like construction. But if you are looking to make a significant impact in this industry, you can learn a number of effective tactics. Let’s show you how you can make a difference and a name for yourself in the construction industry.  The Right Networking Tactics Networking is is something that everybody has to get under their belt. It’s a skill that we must recognise that forms a basis in every single industry. Whether you are creating an elevator pitch or a unique selling proposition, the benefits of networking are about advertising yourself.  To make a name for yourself in construction, you must know how to promote yourself in the right ways. This means looking at the big wide world and understanding which tactic works best in any given situation. You could easily use printed square business cards to give out at every networking meeting, but this is where you have to embody a solid mix of promoting yourself in the real world as well as online.  You can find many people on LinkedIn that are constantly networking by commenting on other people’s threads, but when you see them in real life, they are a shrinking violet. Remember that when you are networking, always put forward that same personality, regardless of the medium. Learning to Thrive as a Freelancer A freelancer in construction can work on different projects. We can look back to the recession in 2009, which provided a lot of people with a short sharp shock and they soon refused to enter the white-collar disciplines of the construction industry. This is where a freelancer can fill certain skills gaps.  A freelancer can jump from project to project, but they have to learn how to thrive. We can do this by understanding how to conserve our finances, but also recognise the areas that are in demand. For example, quantity surveyors are in short supply at the moment, and freelancers can earn up to 40% more than their permanent working counterparts.  But as a freelancer, it’s not just about the money, it’s about making sure that you can go into a sector that can yield a significant return over time. One of the biggest mistakes freelancers make is by working to fulfil a short-term need. This is great for the client, but not for the freelancer. Focus on Quality of Work Freelancers are given short shrift- they are deemed to be the type of people who are not committed to the bigger picture or end goal. This is why many construction companies try to bring on full-time workers because they think they can buy dedication.  Freelance professionals are more than aware of the nature of the construction industry. This is why freelancers are always careful to guarantee a high-quality service. Because this doesn’t just help them and the client now, but secure future work. By bringing extra value to a project, it provides a fresh pair of eyes and a different way of working. Compare this to a full-time worker who has got into a rut and only works in a certain way.  But this is not all. Employees hesitate because of the rates that freelancers command, however, one of the greatest advantages freelancers have is that they may charge a salary that goes beyond the basic amount, but we have to show clients the true cost to the permanent member of staff.  When we consider commission, benefits and perks, as well as insurance, this will inflate the cost of a permanent member of staff. You should also recognise that when you are promoting yourself the cost of upskilling a permanent member of staff in something that you already know is going to save the client money.  The professional expertise you bring to the table shows a practical solution that fills in the gaps left by permanent members of staff. Consider yourself an extra resource to help a project across the finishing line.  Navigating the Negativities of a Freelancer Freelancing can be lucrative, but there’s no holiday pay, healthcare, and ever company benefits. But this is why, as a freelancer, you have a higher daily rate. This reflects the higher risk. Because there is a lack of job security, you have to make sure you are selling yourself for the right amount.  As a freelancer, you may work with clients for a certain amount of time during the year, but there are going to be fallow periods. There is that initial attractive paper packet, but you also have the benefit of leaving a project if there are any issues or delays. But this means you’ve got to consult legal specialists to ensure that any contract you put out there guarantees you are paid according to the work you complete. Is it Worth Being a Freelancer in the Construction Industry?  The industry has a wide variety of construction roles, from senior surveyor to site manager, and everything in between- this means that if you are a flexible individual who knows how to work effectively, you will be able to reap the rewards.  For many people, becoming a freelancer is the most effective way to earn a living in a competitive environment. As a freelancer, you can be a flexible individual, which means you can enjoy a variety of different projects so you get variety as the spice of life. However, you must remember that a freelancer life is about going where the money is.  Think about yourself as a commodity, and make sure you’re not underselling yourself. But also realise what it takes to make

We all love a bask in the sun from time to time — especially if it’s on a warm beach or in your garden on a summer’s day. But when you work outdoors, overly warm weather may not be ideal for your health or for the projects that you’re working on. Knowing how to protect yourself from sun damage is important at any time of year. Not only can too much time in the sun harm your eyesight and put you at risk of dehydration, but it can also cause severe health problems in the long term, like skin cancer and a suppressed immune system. Heat can affect your work area too, for example by warping tools and equipment. To mark the rumored end of Spring heatwave, Zoro have put together these five tips for tradespeople looking to avoid the effects of sun damage. Wear the right clothing First things first, you need to make sure you have the right kit to keep yourself protected from the sun. When things start to heat up it can be tempting to remove your shirt to cool down, but this will only expose more of your skin to harmful rays. Instead, you should look for clothing and PPE that is lightweight, breathable, or moisture-wicking. These can circulate the air close to your skin, absorb sweat, and keep you nice and cool all while providing a barrier from the sun. While adding more clothing may seem counter intuitive, it is recommended that you wear a baseball cap or a hat with a brim to keep the sun off your face if your work doesn’t require you to wear a hard hat. Some hats also include flaps that can cover your neck and prevent sunburn there, too. Protect your eyes Our eyes are often forgotten about when it comes to sun protection, but harsh light can cause discomfort and even damage to these delicate organs. It’s worth taking the time to find a pair of sunglasses that are comfortable to wear and fit you properly — otherwise you may be tempted to remove them if they’re irritating, or you might fail to replace them if they fall off and become damaged. If you are short or long-sighted, you could speak to your optician about reactive lenses for your current eyewear, so you don’t have to carry two pairs of glasses around with you on site. Take breaks in the shade It’s important to get out of the sun when you can, particularly in the middle of the day when it’s at its brightest. Try and schedule your breaks between the hours of 11am and 3pm, so you can spend some of the hottest part of the day inside, plus grab a drink and re-apply your sunscreen (you should be topping it up every two hours). If you can’t go inside, you should think about setting up a shaded area close to your workstation or requesting a tent or marquee from your site manager (if you have one). Your tools and equipment can suffer in the heat as well, expanding, warping, or melting in extreme cases. So, invest in some coverings that can keep the sun off them when you’re taking a break or when they’re otherwise not being used. Just like you would in frosty weather, cover masonry and other projects in polythene or hessian sheets to block the sun’s rays. Practice proper skincare Skincare professionals usually suggest a minimum of SPF 15 to protect your skin from UV rays, but for extensive work out in the sun you might want to consider using a high factor of at least 30 to ensure you’re properly protected. If you’re not used to wearing lotions on your skin, don’t worry — skin products have come a long way since the greasy creams and balms you might remember from your childhood. Many lotions, moisturisers and day creams contain sun protection while keeping your skin hydrated, so they’re a good two-for-one to consider. It’s a good idea to get into the habit of checking your skin for new moles and dark spots, particularly ones that are itchy or sore. The sooner you react to skin cancer the better, so be sure to get anything unusual checked out by your GP just in case. Stay hydrated Drinking plenty of water is recommended for everyone, not just outdoor workers. But being dehydrated is much more dangerous than many people think, and if you’re labouring in hot weather without an adequate supply, you risk heat stroke, fainting, accidents, and much worse. So, make sure you have a refillable water bottle with you on every job. You should also consider drinking less fizzy drinks while you work, as well reducing the amount of tea and coffee you consume. This is because sugar and caffeine can often make dehydration worse. Instead, stick to water, sugar-free squash, or electrolyte-replacing sports drinks to stay hydrated.