22 October 2007
Last week the Government announced that over 100 organisations had signed up to Local Employment Partnerships, under its latest initiative to get the long term unemployed back into work. Your local Jobcentre Plus may have more to offer than you think. Could your organisation benefit from recruiting people on benefits?
The Government’s aim is to secure employment opportunities for all, and according to figures released by the Office for National Statistics, unemployment is in a downward trend. In the quarter to August 2007 the number of people out of work fell by 5000 to 1.65 million. Additionally, the number of people claiming job seekers allowance dropped by 12,800, which is the 12th decline in a row. Key to continuing this trend, and achieving the Government’s goal, are the activities of the Jobcentre Plus who deliver services to employers and the unemployed.
Recruiting through Jobcentre Plus can have its advantages, not least of all because it is a free service offering access to:
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A local representative, who can provide advice on recruiting for full time and part time positions in the UK or overseas, on a temporary or permanent basis
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A fast and efficient advertising network operating nationally through 8,600 touch screen systems, the internet, a telephone service and advertising overseas
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Administration support, including short-listing
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Specialist help and advice on training, rates of pay, equal opportunities and employing people with disabilities or from overseas
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In certain circumstances, a no obligation Work Trial of up to 15 days to find out how well suited a person is, and financial support to take on and train new employees
On the reverse side, Jobcentre Plus work with unemployed people to give them the help and support they need to get into work, and provide opportunities for training and work experience, to gain the skills employers need. There are a number of New Deal programmes each tailored to meet specific needs:
Under the New Deal arrangement, each jobseeker is allocated a personal adviser who assesses their qualities, skills and experience, and who offers practical advice and support, to identify suitable job opportunities and overcome any barriers to work, including training. Employers should therefore be confident that candidates who are put forward by Jobcentre Plus are employable, motivated and right for the job.
Employers can not only save money on the cost of advertising or agency fees by recruiting through Jobcentre Plus, but there is also the possibility of a financial incentive. Employers who recruit a person who is on New Deal 25 plus or New Deal for Young People, could be entitled to receive a subsidy payment of up to £75 a week for 26 weeks. In addition, a grant of up to £750 towards the cost of an agreed qualification may be claimed for anyone under New Deal for Young People.
Asda, B & Q, Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s and Tesco have all placed their trust in the services provided by the Jobcentre Plus and were the first employers to sign up to a Local Employment Partnership. Under these agreements the employer pledges to take certain measures, such as to guarantee an interview or commit to a number of Work Training placements. Agreements will be individually customised for each employer to ensure that it is meeting the needs of the business.
Employers can get information on the benefits under the New Deal scheme and find out how to become involved in a Local Employment Partnership by visiting www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk. Why not consider giving them a call the next time you are seeking to fill a job?