a partner for talent in rail.

When Kier acquired the Wigan to Bolton electrification project from Buckingham Group—after the latter went into administration in 2023—they inherited not only the contract but also a complex set of staffing challenges. The transition created an atmosphere of uncertainty for the workers already on-site, many of whom had built significant project-specific knowledge over time.

With no prior relationship with Kier, Randstad quickly stepped in to bridge the gap. We met with Kier’s hiring managers to understand their immediate needs and discussed the value of retaining the existing workforce. This team had developed deep familiarity with the project’s intricacies, and losing them would have risked delays, knowledge gaps, and reduced efficiency. The key was to maintain continuity and confidence through the transition—both for Kier and the workers.

Kier’s primary aim was to continue delivering on the project’s ambitious objectives without escalating costs or losing momentum. That meant finding a workforce partner who could supply skilled, compliant personnel rapidly, while also managing labour spend effectively.

The staffing requirements were broad but specialised. From PTS Groundworkers and Machine Operators to Banksmen, Supervisors, and safety-critical staff, each role required not only technical skills but also industry certifications and the ability to hit the ground running in a high-safety, high-compliance environment.

To ensure a smooth transition, Randstad embedded itself into Kier’s operational systems. We aligned with Kier’s PPE standards—including the provision of hard hats with chin straps, in line with the “onion effect” safety principle—and adopted their timesheet processes to streamline administration and reduce friction during onboarding.

Our support didn’t stop at recruitment. We implemented fatigue tracking using Kier’s sign-in sheets, monitoring working hours weekly and flagging any concerns before they became issues. This proactive approach meant Kier could schedule rest days as needed, helping them stay ahead of compliance and health and safety risks.

We also delivered site-specific training to ensure every Randstad-supplied worker met Kier’s operational standards from day one. Our collaborative approach meant that Kier had a partner, not just a labour supplier—one that prioritised seamless integration and long-term project success.

Over the course of two years, Randstad consistently supplied a 25-strong team of freelance workers, each averaging around 60 hours per week. Our involvement ensured that the Wigan to Bolton electrification project remained staffed with experienced, fully compliant personnel—even through a period of industry turbulence.

The result has been a reliable, long-term staffing solution that has helped keep the project on track, both figuratively and literally. With electrification now entering its final testing phase ahead of full service later this year, Randstad is proud to have played a part in supporting a greener, more efficient transport network for the North West.

Kier’s work on the Wigan to Bolton line is part of a wider commitment to infrastructure that supports local communities and contributes to a greener future. Randstad has echoed that commitment by prioritising local labour, supporting upskilling through training initiatives, and maintaining the highest safety standards across the workforce.

As the project prepares to go live, our partnership with Kier stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, adaptability, and shared purpose—delivering not just infrastructure, but a lasting positive impact.