A Stoke-on-Trent pottery manufacturer has introduced a range of incentives for staff - to help "aid recruitment" amid the national labour shortage.
Stoke-based Portmeirion is offering staff a range of new benefits - including retention and referral bonuses and enhanced overtime payments - as it faces staff shortages and increasing demand.
Last month, Portmeirion reported 'excellent' trading for the first half of 2021 as sales rose above pre-pandemic levels.
But the company admits it has faced recent challenges with "a shortage of labour."
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Portmeirion Group human resources director Sam Pearce said: "Portmeirion Group, along with many other businesses nationally and globally, has faced recent challenges with a shortage of labour to meet demand.
"Following feedback from the trade union and our colleagues, the company has introduced a range of recognition initiatives to aid recruitment and support our production and distribution requirements which enable us to continue to provide a first class product and service to our customers worldwide.
"The initiatives include significant levels of a refer a friend/family member bonus, a retention bonus for all new joiners from September who successfully complete their probationary periods, enhanced overtime premium rates, and an attendance bonus.
"We also offer industry leading benefits, including life cover benefits and healthcare benefits which are fully funded by the business.
"Feedback on these incentives have been extremely well received and we have already seen a number of new joiners who have been recommended by colleagues already working for the business."
But the new incentives have not been welcomed by all of company's employees after some raised concerns that the 'attendance bonus' could mean staff going into work even if they have covid symptoms.
One anonymous worker told StokeonTrentLive: "I think it is utterly disgusting given the Covid case rate is increasing in the city.
"One of the staff has told me that people are openly coming to work on the factory floor even though they suspect they may have Covid. I think it is irresponsible and could risk the health of colleagues."
In repsonse to the concerns, HR director Sam Pearce added: "The company continues to operate all of its Covid safety measures which include specified cleaning time for every colleague in every area, staggered shifts, one-way systems, and the wearing of face coverings when moving around our sites remain mandatory.
"Our attendance bonus is intended to recognise and reward colleagues who attain full attendance. Absence due to Covid, as with any other certified sickness absence, is recognised by the business and colleagues are paid significant levels of occupational sick pay to support them during their absence."
