Adaptation ''can save jobs''

Businesses looking to safeguard jobs during a recession must be able to adapt to changing market demands, it has been claimed.

David Molian, lecturer in the Bettany Centre at Cranfield School of Management, explains that the best way in which to adapt is likely to vary depending on the segment of the market in which a firm operates.

But it could mean changing focus to target a different type of contract than was previously the case.

"With construction, for example, there's going to have to be a restructuring of the construction industry," he comments.

Mr Molian adds that this is due to the fact that projects are continuing in the commercial sector but are less prevalent in the residential market at present.

As such, firms which have previously been working with major homebuilders could be wise to target infrastructure developers in the commercial segment.

The comments could be of interest to those looking for contract work or permanent jobs in the construction sector.

"It's adapting to survive - and that will be specific to each sector," Mr Molian concludes.