REC chief executive drops in to say ‘congratulations’

We were delighted to welcome REC chief executive Kevin Green to our offices in Park Road, Peterborough. He dropped in to present us with the official certificate marking the renewal of our REC Audited status for another two years.

There’s something special about being recognised by your peers – isn’t that what people say at award ceremonies? It is true though. That’s why we’re feeling rather pleased with ourselves for passing the Audit from our industry regulator.

We were one of the first recruitment agencies to apply – and pass - the audit when it was introduced a few years back. We’ve retained it ever since but we have never taken it for granted and we work hard to maintain the strict standards required.

It verifies that all our policies and procedures are in accordance with the necessary acts, regulations and codes of practice. That means our clients and candidates can be sure we are fully compliant, trustworthy and professional.

The award ‘acknowledges the dedication and professionalism that you and your staff deliver and which ensures these stringent standards of compliance are met on a daily basis’.

Kevin echoed that. “It’s critical that first rate recruiters like Anne Corder Recruitment demonstrate their commitment to professionalism and standards by achieving REC audited - the gold standard for the recruitment industry.”

As I said, we’re quite pleased with ourselves so forgive us giving ourselves a pat on the back this time!

Employers upbeat about growth in UK jobs

The cautious optimism we’ve noticed in the job markets over recent weeks isn’t limited to just our clients or even our region. According to the latest JobsOutlook survey from our industry body – the REC – 94 per cent of employers expect to maintain or grow their workforce over the next 12 months.

And a quarter are planning to increase the number of temps they use. That’s a move we often suggest to clients deliberating over staffing levels.

Using temps offers tremendous flexibility – they can be drafted in when work volumes are high and then not used during quieter periods. And of course taking on temps is a great way to try potential employees out. What better way to decide if a person will fit into your work environment than by putting them in it.

That’s why I was disappointed to see the TUC’s comments following the announcement of the latest job figures.

Unemployment fell by 3,000 which the TUC described as ‘deceptively healthy’ because of an increase in temporary and part time work.

Surely any fall in unemployment figures – after so many months of rises – should be welcomed. Taking on temporary staff is a step in the right direction. It suggests companies are seeing an upturn in the amount of work but keeping their options open – a healthier approach to taking on permanent staff and then struggling to make the wage bill or being forced to consider redundancies.

New opportunities

We’ve been tasked with finding the right people to help a new client substantially expand its team – just the type of recruitment campaign we love getting our teeth stuck into.

And a very positive signpost too, especially as the client concerned is in financial services and mortgage provision, one of the areas worst hit by the recession.

So we’re now sourcing candidates with knowledge of the home buying process, excellent communication skills and a proactive approach to make outbound calls. And if they have CEMAP qualifications then all the better.

There’s a good salary on offer with the potential to boost earnings to between £25 and £35K.

If you’re interested – or know anyone who might be – please get in touch.
Email us at info@annecorder.co.uk or call for more details on 01733 319888.