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Free Recruitment Support Available to UK Businesses Through Jobcentre Plus
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched a national campaign to offer UK businesses access to no-fee specialist recruitment support through Jobcentre Plus. The service is available to all businesses, regardless of size or sector.
Over the last year, only one in five businesses has used Jobcentre Plus services for support. This may be indicative of a lack of confidence in the service being able to locate suitable candidates.
At the same time, over half of employers in a recent DWP Employer Survey reported difficulties in finding suitable candidates. With the average cost of filling a vacancy estimated by CIPD at £6,125, it could be worth considering trying out the service.
Who Can Benefit?
The campaign is particularly focused on sectors with high vacancy rates, including:
- Manufacturing
- Logistics
- Retail
- Hospitality
- Health and social care
- Construction
However, the service is open to all employers, whether they’re recruiting for one role or many.
To find out more and access support, visit the Business.gov.uk website.
The government is consulting on potential measures that target Electronic Sales Suppression (ESS). Proposals include the introduction of new software standards for Point of Sale systems. Electronic Sales Suppression (ESS) involves businesses using software or devices to manipulate Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) systems to hide transactions and evade tax.
The June 'UK Report on Jobs' shows subdued business confidence driving a preference for short-term staff. Temporary staff billings rose at the steepest rate in over three years, while permanent staff appointments continued to decline, although at a much slower pace than in May.
