BRUSSELS – The Belgian distribution sector is in need of 14,400 salespeople and 1,465 branch managers, almost entirely for Flemish shops.

This has emerged from figures from the Belgian Federation of Distributors (Fedis). Clothing shops in particular are struggling with personnel shortages.

The absence of a specific vocational training programme for salespeople seems to be behind the problem, Het Laatste Nieuws writes. “Though that will change soon,” says Baudouin Velge, director of Fedis.

“At the request of the ministry of Education we are putting together a packet of courses. That should be ready by summer.”

Velge thinks that the shortage of personnel is also due to misconceptions. “Many people don’t realise that there are so many jobs available in the sector and that there are many opportunities for advancement.”

[Copyright Expatica News 2007]

Subject: Belgian news