Repairer network ABS has recruited its first employees from the new European Union countries, in a bid to help alleviate the effects of an industry-wide bodyshop skills shortage.
Two recruits – both from the Czech Republic – have commenced work with ABS repairers in London and Tyneside.
The network plans to have up to ten in place by later this month.
Stuart Adams of ABS repairer Autohaus has been overseeing the recruitment process in the Czech Republic and is also liaising with potential new employers in the UK.
He said: "It is early days but, so far, the programme is going very well. The skills of those we have recruited are beyond expectation and they appear to be settling in."
ABS chief executive Alan Hodgkinson said: “Interest from across the ABS network in the scheme is high. Many of our repairers are watching the experiences of the repairers who now have the new workers on board to see how it works out."
ABS agents are also looking at Poland as another possible source for skilled repairer employees, with initial interviews due to start there later this month.
