Date: 16 September 2009
As figures issued today by the Office for National Statistics
(ONS) show the number of unemployed across the South West has risen
to 182,000 - an increase of
26,000 since April - Working Links, an
organisation that helps the long-term unemployed into work, has
made a call to employers in the Plymouth area to give equal
consideration to long-term unemployed candidates when looking to
fill current or future vacancies.
In the last twelve months Working Links has
helped over 500 long-term unemployed people in the
Plymouth area to find work through a range of government employment
initiatives such as Employment Zone.
Working Links works closely with local
employers to get an understanding of their staffing requirements.
Their consultants spend time working in the particular position
that is being recruited for, to give them insight on the skills and
personality needed for the role. This means they put forward the
most appropriate ‘job ready’ candidates, ensuring the right fit and
so improving retention rates.
Sue Dann, Regional Employer Solutions Manager, Working Links
(South West) said: “As reports start coming through on the first
signs of economic recovery and employers look ahead to their future
recruitment needs, our priority is to ensure that long-term
unemployed people, are given the opportunity to compete for jobs on
an equal footing with those more recently unemployed.
“We are calling on employers who are hiring in
the Plymouth area to consider our candidates on their merits,
rather than the length of time they have spent outside the
workplace. We work hard to ensure our candidates are as
skilled, motivated and ‘work-ready’ as any other job-applicant and
they also benefit from our ongoing support throughout the key
months of their new role, and all for free..”
As well as working with employers, Working
Links’ consultants work one on one with jobseekers, tailoring
support to their individual needs, including relevant employer
skills training, confidence mentoring and C.V. building, and
guiding them on the types of roles open to them.