East Hampshire has one of the lowest unemployment claimants rates in the country, so there is competition for talent and resources. Beyond the usual recruitment avenues, it may be worth considering some different opportunities to find the right people:
Disability does not mean inability
People with disabilities make up 1 in 5 of the total population, but only 48% of disabled people have a job compared to 80% of non-disabled people. Employing someone with a disability is often not as difficult as it may seem, particularly as less than 10% of disabled people use wheelchairs, and 83% of people acquire their disability while in work.
Disability Confident is a government initiative to help employers recruit and retain disabled people and people with health conditions. In return for being able to use the badge on their website and adverts, the company signs up to some simple commitments and one activity. The scheme is being supported by some of the major employers in the UK, but it is just as important to get support for small and medium-sized businesses. For more information: www.gov.uk/government/collections/disability-confident-campaign.
Access to Work is a specialist disability service offered by Jobcentre Plus. For more information: www.gov.uk/access-to-work
East Hampshire is also fortunate to have the Kingsley Organisation located here, a charity that supports work placements and work based training for adults with learning and physical disabilities. For more information: www.kingsleyorganisation.org.uk
Disadvantaged can have advantages
These include the long-term unemployed, ex-offenders, recovering addicts, some military veterans, single parents, homeless people and care leavers. There is evidence from business that those from disadvantaged backgrounds can become some of the best employees, as people who have overcome barriers and personal challenges can bring fresh ideas & solutions, reduced turnover rates, less absenteeism, boost staff morale and company reputation.
See Potential is a government campaign to highlight the success achieved by others employers, with case studies and information on how to make it happen. For more information: https://seepotential.campaign.gov.uk/
Apprenticeships
The target to create 3 million new apprenticeships by 2020 is on track, with more than 25,000 apprenticeship opportunities available at any one time.
Importantly, apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16 and not in full time education, and they can be done by new or current employees. They need to last for at least one year, and the government funds 90% of the training costs, or 100% for businesses with less than 50 employees.
There is extra financial help for employers taking on 16-18 yr olds or 19-24 yr olds who have previously been in care or have a Health and Care Plan.
For more information: APPRENTICESHIPS
East Hampshire District Council can provide further funding to help subsidise wages and help with transport costs for the apprentices. For more information: www.easthants.gov.uk/apprenticeships
The Over 50's
In East Hampshire, there are twice as many people over 50 claiming unemployment benefit as there are 18-24 years olds, but there also many older people not claiming benefits who are keen to take on work later in life.
And there can be very real benefits in taking on an older worker as they can often offer greater flexibility, more reliability and life skills that a younger person has yet to develop. And remember, even someone over 50 can be taken on as an apprentice..
An event first held in Alton in April 2017 - New Directions - brought together employment, training and volunteering opportunities for the over 50's, and it was clear that there are many people locally that are both capable and eager to put their skills to work. Damian hosted a second New Directions event in October 2018 and for more information: NEW DIRECTIONS
It's also worth looking at the Fuller Working Lives initiative at www.gov.uk/government/publications/fuller-working-lives-a-partnership-a…
Returnships
A returnship is a paid work placement aimed at experienced workers who have taken a career break, and are often taken up by women who have taken time out of the workforce to bring up a family. They usually run for a period of up to 3 months, and the Government is working with a number of organisations to develop 'returnships' in a range of different sectors. Here are just a few organisations that can help employers:
www.ten2two.org/returnships-future-hiring
http://corp.womenreturners.com/returnships
Jobcentre Plus
There are a range of services on offer to employers to help them recruit staff. For details, go to: www.gov.uk/jobcentre-plus-help-for-recruiters
Recruitment Advice – to understand the local job market, help with design and wording of adverts. Contact the Employer Services Line on 0345 601 2001
Work Trials - can offer a work trail if the job is for 16 hours or more a week and lasts at least 13 weeks. Work trial can last up to 30 days. This is risk free, with wage cost. Contact the Employer Services Line on 0345 601 2001
Work Experience – primarily for 18 to 24 year olds, or those over 25 who haven’t any recent record of work. Contact the Employer Services Line on 0345 601 2001
Sector-based Work Academies – provide sector-based training, work experience and a guaranteed job interview to help fill vacancies more effectively
Access to Work can provide funds for aids and equipment, adaptions to equipment, travel to work, travel in work costs or the Mental Health Support Service. For more information, go to: https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work
Work Choice a voluntary programme to help disabled people who find it hard to get and keep a job, and also employed people whose job are at risk because of their disability. It is delivered by various organisations from the public, private and third sectors.
The providers will work with employers to develop a package of support that is right for the business and the individual. This can be done for any type of work, but it must be 16 hours or more per week to qualify. Contact Remploy at es.wis@remploy.co.uk or 0845 155 2810