- New national campaign aims to boost take up of the offer of
no-fee recruitment support to fill vacancies.
- Only one in five businesses engaged with DWP in the last
year, despite over half of employers being unable to find the
right candidate.
- Employers urge others to recruit through Jobcentres as they
are ‘a go-to resource for filling vacancies quickly and
effectively'
UK businesses are being offered no-fee specialist recruitment
support to fill vacancies as the full rollout of a national
campaign launches (Monday 3 November) today targeted at key
sectors.
All businesses – whether they have one or one hundred roles on
offer – can use Jobcentre Plus' no-fee professional recruitment
service to find the right candidate.
Currently, just one in five businesses have engaged with
Jobcentre Plus support in the last year and more than half of
employers (53%) in a recent survey reported that they had been
unable to find the right candidate. With the current cost of
filling a vacancy around £6,125, according to the CIPD,
businesses are missing out on support that could save them
thousands of pounds.
The latest campaign will target high vacancy sectors, including
manufacturing, logistics, retail, hospitality, health and social
care, and construction, which are crucial to delivering the
Government's Plan for Change. By supporting more employers to
fill vacancies with the talent they need through Jobcentre Plus,
the campaign aims to slash businesses hiring costs and tear down
recruitment barriers that are holding businesses back and
stunting economic growth.
Support to supply businesses with work-ready candidates in their
area includes:
- Bespoke training through the development of Sector-Based Work
Academy Programmes, which give those on unemployment benefits the
skills for a vacancy alongside a work placement and a guaranteed
interview to kickstart a new career.
- Shortlisting of CVs and hosting interviews at the jobcentre.
- Free advertising of vacancies to ensure the right candidates
see the role.
- Expert advice on recruitment from a dedicated account
manager.
- Assistance on setting up work experience, trial shifts and
apprenticeships.
- Guidance on employing people with disabilities and health
conditions.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said:
“We're encouraging businesses of all sizes to get in touch
with their local jobcentres to make the most of their expertise
in getting Britain working.
“These partnerships are crucial to our Plan for Change,
helping us break down barriers to growth and creating more
opportunities to help people into good, secure jobs.”
Kiera Hope, Talent Acquisition Specialist at Starbucks,
said:
“Over the last six to eight months, our partnership with the
DWP and local Jobcentres across the UK has been incredibly
beneficial to Starbucks.
“As we've opened new stores in various locations across the
country, their support has helped us build full teams from the
ground up, including incredible Store Managers who are already
making their mark.
“The collaboration has sparked a wave of positive engagement,
with both our District Managers and Store Managers now actively
leaning onto Job Centres as a go-to resource for filling
vacancies quickly and effectively.
“Thanks to this, we've welcomed some truly inspiring Green
Apron partners into our stores. It's been a powerful example of
community connection, and we're excited to keep building on this
momentum as we grow!”
JCP recruitment services form part of the wider advice and
support available to businesses, which will spur economic growth
as part of our Plan for Change.
Notes to editors:
- The DWP Employer Survey found that over half of employers
(53%) who recruited in the past year had instances where they
were unable to find a suitable candidate, highlighting the need
for improved recruitment support.
- Employers interested in learning more about Jobcentre Plus
recruitment services can find out more about the range of
services on offer at www.business.gov.uk/recruit.
- They can fill out the online enquiry
form to receive a call back from
a local Employer Adviser who can provide
tailored support, or post jobs for free on the 'Advertise a
job' service.
