There has been a fantastic response to the shortage of scrubs from the general public over the last few months, with volunteers forming localised hubs across the UK and taking to their sewing machines to help the national interest.

Subsequently, UKFT is launching a new initiative called UKFT Sew Connect to capture this renewed interest in sewing; helping to meet the growing demand for fashion and textiles made in the UK.

It comes at a time when the UK fashion and textile industry is struggling to attract new recruits into manufacturing roles, which in turn is threatening the long-term growth of the sector.

UKFT has, therefore, created social media pages on Facebook and Instagram to connect these potential employees with employers.

How it works

• Employers can make themselves known, advertise vacancies and highlight potential careers
• Sewing machinists or anyone looking to join the sector can follow the pages. They then highlight their experience, the job they would like to do and where they are from

Commenting on Sew Connect is Adam Mansell, CEO of UKFT. “It has been incredible to see such a dramatic public response to the scrubs shortage. We wanted to highlight vacancies to volunteers that might consider a career in our industry.

“The manufacture of fashion and textiles is growing steadily in the UK and companies across the UK are looking for skilled sewing machinists, garment makers and textile specialists. It would be great if we could help our manufacturing industry grow out of this crisis.”

UKFT is also partnering with The Scrub Hub for Southport & Ormskirk Hospital Trust and local manufacturers to create the UKFT Pop-Up Sewing Machinist Training School.

UKFT’s Celia Thornley is currently volunteering her services to deliver a training course to volunteers. She provides both the knowledge and skills to produce scrubs and masks to the required standard in the shortest possible time, using her years of experience of running a manufacturing business and as a skills consultant.

She says: “The number of voluntary machinists that have come forward is amazing. From experienced sample and production machinists to home sewers. Given our serious problem as an industry in sourcing skilled machinists and attracting new talent, hopefully we can get something positive from this situation.

“But we need help from the industry. Can you as an employer, training provider or sector supporter sign up as a follower and post to the page? Even if at the moment you haven’t got any vacancies – just let them know you are there with potential jobs in the future. We need to show these people the industry is alive and kicking.”

How to participate

For Candidates: Looking at a career in sewing, garment, or textile production? Follow the UKFT Sew Connect social pages on Facebook and Instagram to hear about local opportunities.

For Employers: Need to expand your team? To share your current vacancies, please contact info@ukft.org.

For further information on UKFT Sew Connect, please click here.