A new report from the House of Commons Work and Pensions Committee made recommendations* to businesses on “how they can adapt support and recruitment processes in order to solve critical structural and demographic challenges in the UK labour market”.

The report follows a year-long inquiry into the Government’s 'Plan for Jobs and employment support' measures, with a series of recommendations outlined.

Buckinghamshire's businesses have already highlighted issues raised by report

Our Workforce Skills Team have been running regular free workshops to help employers support their employees, retain existing staff and recruit new talent.

Buckinghamshire Business First is delighted to report that businesses attending these 'Trying to recruit?' workshops have already had productive discussions on many of the recommendations made in the committee report, even before its publication, including:

• Improving access to flexible, hybrid, part-time and job-share working
• Improving hiring practices
• Engaging with Job Centre Plus
• Reviewing company culture – allowing employees a voice, and responding to training and skills needs

Adapting to a changing recruitment landscape

The world of recruitment is still tough post-pandemic, with employers reporting difficulties attracting job applicants. The ‘power’ has shifted to those seeking work rather than those offering work.

With that in mind, Skills Advisers at Buckinghamshire Business First have found it rewarding working with employers to help them successfully review and adapt their recruitment practices.

Following these workshops, businesses have:

• updated websites to attract potential employees by emphasising elements that appeal to a diverse range of people
• developed social media strategies around their brand, their company values and their vision to engage potential candidates
• clearly defined the roles and responsibilities of their jobs and the development opportunities available
• reviewed the benefits they offer on top of the basic salary to make sure they are relevant and attractive (including to current employees)
• seen an improvement in morale and productivity because they consulted employees about what mattered to them, and tailored what they offer to address those needs
• made their workplaces more inclusive and removed barriers to employment linked to age or disability
• improved their focus on workforce health, mental health support, and improving health and safety processes

Trying to recruit? We have a new series of events to help you!

Due to the success of our first series of free workshops, we are now offering additional 'Trying to Recruit?' workshops, delivered by Buckinghamshire Business First’s Skills Adviser, Mary Cloake.

Choose the best day for you and book (for free) via the links below:

• September 11th
• October 11th
• November 13th

Our Skills Advisers are also happy to offer individual support to your business. Get in touch and we'll start a conversation on how we can help you. Email [email protected] or call 01494 927130.

* To read the recommendations from the House of Commons Work and Pensions Committee report, skip to page 80 of the report >