And he says the economic downturn has benefited BTS as businesses focus on training their staff to be more efficient and more aware of profitability.

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The fire service has previously said that it is aiming to use staff in a more "effective and efficient" way.

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"This move is an important part of our strategy to be more focused and efficient in our operations, including how we staff and support our three business units going forward, " he said.

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He said alongside training up more staff, London Midland had restructured its rotas to make them more efficient.

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But it is often more efficient to rely on tipsters such as security guards, doormen, chauffeurs and restaurant staff.

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It has trimmed its retail-branch staff by one-fifth since 1992, and has replaced traditional branches with more efficient mini-branches in shopping malls.

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It seemed like it would be more efficient to hire workers when you needed them, rather than going to the trouble and expense of keeping them on staff.

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