Super excited to announce we’re been shortlisted for not one category but two in this years Liverpool Chamber Innovation in Business Awards 2024.
I’d love if you could spare a minute to vote for us – https://lnkd.in/eVbdN-7h
Our categories are Talent Development and Business of the Year Under 30 Employees.
These awards mean so much as 25% of the result is public vote, so your vote for us really matters.
Thank you so much!
The skills gap is all too real and hitting hard as the next stage of retirees prepare to exit the workplace.
That’s why hiring on soft skills and investing in development will become critical throughout the business world. More and more of our candidates are considering progression and development opportunities when exploring the job market so businesses with real plans in place for their people are more likely to stand out.
Some of our clients have had success putting diversity groups in place within their workplace.
Others are adopting more open work practices, to encourage both new starters and long-term staff to be more open about their disabilities or neurodivergence.
They create a safe space for people to share experiences, educate each other and foster a more inclusive workplace.
If this is something you’d like more information about, get in touch and we can recommend a few experts in this field.
With talent planning and candidate attraction, it’s not just about the business brand on a surface level, but also the social and ecological impact your business and culture have on the world that candidates are looking at.
Just as employers become more savvy about hiring decisions by exploring social media and the footprint candidates are making, the candidates are doing exactly the same when it comes to your business.
Consider your brand message on your website, client/customer reviews, Google reviews, and news articles that might impact their decision when accepting a job offer.
If you want to talk more about talent planning and recruitment, get in touch…
Alongside the Paul Lavelle Foundation who has been one of our chosen charities for a few years now, this year we will be supporting Open Door Charity.
Open Door Charity is one of Merseyside’s most progressive and dynamic independent charities.
Open Door exists to help improve the lives of young people in Wirral and across Merseyside by providing them with the tools and techniques they need to become and stay mentally well.
Open Door offers a range of programmes at their home, Bloom Building, a bright and colourful space that nurtures authenticity, inclusion and wellness.
Last year, Open Door supported hundreds of individuals through their portfolio of programmes with support that is fast, free and effective.
Bazaar, an 8 week CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy) mindfulness and meditation based offer that looks to positively disrupt negative thoughts and behaviours in individuals.
Colours, a 4 week introductory stress and anxiety management programme for groups and individuals.
Mysa, an informal and creativity based support session for anyone aged 18+ living with an eating disorder or distorted eating.
OOMMOO, a mental health and wellbeing offer for Children Looked After in Wirral.
Open Door empowers their community to improve their lives using creativity, music, art and human connection as a catalyst for meaningful and lasting change.
If you want to talk more about how we can help future proof your business in 2024, get in touch
Marketing Assistants – Liverpool & Chester – circa £25k
We’ve recently recruited for a Marketing Assistant and have two great candidates we are looking for homes for.
Jobs we’re glad aren’t a thing any more…
Human-Computer
Long before laptops and PCs, people were employed as computers. These jobs were often held by women who worked in teams to figure out lengthy mathematical calculations. Human computers solved problems ranging from astronomy to trigonometry, but as to be expected, these jobs have been replaced by the computers we use today
Fun Fact
Did you know a cloud weighs around a million tonnes? A typical cloud has a volume of around 1km3 and a density of around 1.003kg per m3 – about 0.4 per cent lower than that of the surrounding air, which is why they float.
Welcome to the JFR newsletter, where we share important updates, keep you informed about relevant industry news, and share our thoughts on the most important issues in recruitment. If you feel this may be of interest to others, please do feel free to forward it on.
This month, we’re taking a look at what we think will be the big recruitment trends in 2024
As we start a new year, we thought we’d take a look at what we expect to be making waves in recruitment in 2024 and our recommendations for you to get ahead of the curve.
Reactive recruitment has been the norm for many years, but we see 2024 as being the year we all get proactive with proper talent planning.
Reactive recruitment (aka passive recruitment) is initiated once a request for a new member of staff is made internally, which makes it a bit of a rushed process to get the right candidates vetted, interviewed and in role.
Unfortunately, reactive recruiting is very time-consuming!
If you have proper talent planning in place you’ll have discussed your business’s current, short and long term plans so you can start the process earlier and have people in place as the business demands.
Research shows that last year 76% of candidates researched the employer brand before they applied, so we know the best candidates are looking for opportunities to grow and contribute to a company’s success.
The way you recruit says a lot about your company dynamics and if your policies are proactive it paints you in a better light.
EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) is becoming more prominent and policies need to include your recruitment process.
This year, how businesses attract candidates is going to change – this is where our advice and knowledge of the market can truly make a difference as we lean into your company culture, your team, your benefits package and both personal and professional opportunities within your business.
Get in touch with us to help.
Congrats to Faye & Jami who got married at Inglewood Manor on New Year’s Eve!
Customer Service Administrator – Wirral – £25k
Available Immediately
Jobs we’re glad aren’t a thing any more…
Tosher- During the Victorian era in London, toshers broke into the city’s sewage system and searched for pieces of bones, metal scraps, coins or valuable items.
Fun Fact
With the movie “Mean Girls” turning 20 this year, and a new version being released, this month’s fun fact is Amy Poehler was only seven years older than Rachel McAdams when she took on the role of “cool mom” in Mean Girls.
Rachel was 25 as Regina George – Amy was 32 as her mum.
Welcome to our September Newsletter, where we’re examining how your recruitment process impacts your staff retention rates. Keep reading for practical tips on how to take a fresh approach to staff retention by getting it right from the outset.
The staff retention crisis seems to be a topic that we are highlighting every few months now. Well, it’s back in the headlines, so it’s time we revisit the topic as we’ve got some solutions that can help you tackle this challenge head on.
If you’re trying to improve your staff retention, it’s time to think about your recruitment process.
Poor Management:
Employees often mention poor management as the major reason they leave a job. Effective leadership and support are essential to employee satisfaction and therefore, retention.
Role not as described:
When the job doesn’t match the initial description that drew the person to apply, or if the job is changed significantly post-hire it can lead to dissatisfaction and resignations.
Lack of progression or development opportunities:
Most employees seek growth and development in their career. If these opportunities aren’t offered they are more likely to look elsewhere.
Desire for remote/hybrid or office based working (Choice Matters):
The Pandemic and resulting lockdowns proved that remote working can really be successful and reshaped many working practices. Many employees prefer the flexibility of remote and hybrid working arrangements while others prefer the office environment. Offering a choice can be key in retaining employees.
Cost of living:
Rising living expenses put financial pressure on employees. Companies that address concerns through competitive benefits packages can retain employees more effectively
There’s a few ways you can solve these things, and don’t worry they’re all pretty easy.
Be Transparent
Make sure your job descriptions make sense. Make sure they set out what your expectations are and are written in an understandable way.
If they’re not, you’ll find you lose staff within the first few weeks.
Hire for cultural fit
Showcase your company culture, mission and vision through your website, advertisements and social media.
More and more people are leaving because the culture isn’t what was promised during the interview stage.
Be authentic!
You’ll attract the right people, and they’ll stay!
The first few months are critical to engagement and retention.
Ensure a consistent, seamless transition for new hires.
By addressing these key reasons for employees leaving, and by putting these simple retention strategies in place you can create a workplace where your team feels valued, supported and fulfilled.
Happy employees stick around, which in turn leads to a happy, stable and productive workplace.
Our most successful clients in terms of talent attraction at the moment offer flexible and agile working, invest in their team’s development, offer opportunities and speak to us regularly about how to attract and retain the right talent.
It might seem like there’s no magic formula out there right now to attract talent, but there is!
It’s all about having the right processes, and structure backend to allow your management to make decisions on where/when and how their teams will perform best. Not having a one size fits all approach.
This month we’ve all been busy upskilling, with topics such as AI talent attraction and Chat GPT and email marketing. We like to keep ourselves on top of all the latest trends to get the best candidates for your job vacancies.
With wedding bells about to chime in December, our Faye is busy planning her wedding. We can’t wait, just enough time to find the perfect outfit
Jobs we’re glad aren’t a thing any more…
Leech Collector – A leech collector was responsible for retrieving the blood-sucking creatures from their natural habitat for doctors to use. Individuals with this job often used their own legs to lure leeches from creeks and rivers. That job really sucked.
Fun Fact – A Shrimp’s heart is in its head
The team at leading recruitment agency JF Recruitment, are proud to be celebrating their 10-year anniversary in the industry. This milestone marks a decade of outstanding service to over 300 businesses, by finding them top talent, and placing over 2000 candidates in their dream jobs.
JF Recruitment is a national recruitment agency who specialise in connecting professionals with career opportunities in niche industries. The team has over 50 years combined experience in the industry, and JF Recruitment has established itself as a trusted partner for both job seekers and employers, delivering exceptional results. Their personalised approach, comprehensive industry knowledge and promise to only work with employers of choice has contributed to their 99% success rate which is unheard of across the industry.
JF Recruitment has achieved its mission to “help our clients sustain and grow by attracting and matching the right talent to their business”. The team’s commitment to their core values and personal approach has earned them a trusted reputation in the industry and amongst the local business community.
Director, Joanne Finnerty had this to say about the last ten years, “Doing a job that I love is easy; it’s become a hobby job which is the best job in the world. Setting up a business from scratch has been a roller coaster ride, first and foremost for me was to build a brilliant team around me and watch that team grow and develop (I have the best team and am looking to double that team in the next 10 months). Being able to supply the brilliant clients we have and being able to choose which clients we work for has been great. Helping so many people find the dream jobs that they want and going the extra mile for both clients and them means so much. We’ve also enjoyed building our business referral network via various organisations. We have won various awards, we have spoken at many events, we have given presentations to local schools, colleges, and community groups about the world of work. We’ve helped local charities with events and donations, and we’ve helped support the local business community with their events and spreading the word for them through our social media. We look forward to doing more of the same, and our continued success and growth”.
Faye Smith, recruitment supervisor spoke about the next 10 years, “I am looking forward to carrying on doing what we are doing for another 10 years and seeing the business grow even more!” Such an ambitious and inspirational team.
Claire Statham, HR & Operations Manager had this to say, “We have such an amazing local business community who we are proud to serve throughout the North West by finding them exceptional talent. Our team has lots of exciting opportunities ahead and because JF Recruitment is so focussed on our mission we’re built strategic alliances that continue to help with our success. I’m excited to see what the next ten years have in store”.
A happy client of theirs says, “One call to you and we have a candidate starting the following day. They’ve fit in perfectly because you understand our business culture so well”, further testimonials can be found on their website – www.jfrecruitment.co.uk/testmonials
For enquiries or more information about JF Recruitment’s 10-year anniversary please contact:
Claire Statham 0151 601 5288 claire@jfrecruitment.co.uk
The largest trial of the four day work week by the 4 Day Week Campaign has released findings that have divided businesses, employees and the media. 61 companies from different fields have tested a four day work week, with 18 companies choosing to make the change permanent.
Surveys suggest that when the work week was reduced to four days the mood around working changed. Out of 2,900 employees surveyed across the UK:
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) published its findings late last year. They found that the four day work week didn’t suit everyone.
For most, the four day work week isn’t a realistic option as people look for more work and wages during the cost of living crisis.
Within the study by the 4 Day Week Campaign, some employees felt pressured to increase productivity and work smarter to fit all their 5 day week tasks into 4 days, leaving the workplace less sociable.
It’s clear that the four day work week trials are far from complete, but we are starting to see a trend.
Workplaces are divided into two camps.
One camp believes that the four day work week will lead to increased stress, either financially with reduced wages or mentally with increased workload.
The second camp believes the reduction in days will lead to a reduction in stress and increase in productivity.
Is it a change your business will introduce in the near future? Most employers are saying no for now, but it’s an interesting conversation, and we’re glad it’s being considered from all sides.
If you would like some advice on this, or any other HR related matters, we work with a number of trusted partners who we would be happy to introduce.
Accounts Assistant – Wirral – £23-24k
Claire’s been nominated …
We want to congratulate and show our support for our very own Claire Statham.
Claire has been nominated for the Cheshire Woman of the Year Award!
We are so proud to have a member of the team recognised for their efforts.
JF Recruitment Turns 10!
Next month Joanne Finnerty Recruitment turns 10 years old.
It’s been a pleasure to discover great talent for brilliant businesses.
How do you think we should celebrate?
Jobs we’re glad aren’t a thing any more…
Food taster – The sole purpose of the food taster was to protect the monarch from poisoned food by tasting it themselves. Whilst it may seem great eating more food than the royals, I’m not sure I would like to die trying.
Fun Fact – The pre-packaged sandwiches you find in your meal deals today aren’t that old of an invention. They were first on sale in 1980 by M&S employees who didn’t want leftover sliced sandwiches from the staff cafe to go to waste. Now I’m hungry.
It’s December already! As another year draws to a close, we’d like to start this month by saying thank you to all our clients and wishing you a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year.
Candidates are no longer looking for superficial perks of a job, they are looking for meaningful perks that cover the essentials.
Candidates don’t want:
Candidates want:
What to do for the new year:
There are three things for you to start your 2023 recruitment plans.
Assess wellbeing policies (mental health, menopause, equality, diversity etc.)
Make sure staff are paid at market rate and feel valued
Evaluate predictions, growth and contingency plans to establish needs and create a target plan
For more information about how JF Recruitment can help! Contact us today.
As the year draws to a close, we’ve been reflecting on what a year it has been. 2022 has been busier than ever for JF Recruitment.
We’ve worked on some of our biggest candidate projects, supporting new and existing clients. And we’ve placed a record number of permanent candidates. We can’t wait to see what next year holds.
Our team has also had personal successes.
Jo moved house and can’t wait to start decorating.
Faye got engaged and is planning her wedding for December 2023.
And Claire got married, whilst also finding time to publish three children’s books!
Senior Practice Accountant – £40 – 45k Ellesmere Port
Jobs we’re glad aren’t a thing any more…
Billy Boy – these were the young apprentices of trades folk who would essentially be there to make the tea. Thank goodness our apprentices are given more responsibility in today’s world.
Fun Fact
A whole orange will float on water but sinks if you peel it.
Recruit outside the box!
If you have a role to fill, it’s easy to think of finding a carbon copy of yourself. However, our clients have had great success either recruiting outside of their industry, recruiting a young person with no experience or an ex service/care professional.
So why take a chance?
Want to discuss further? Contact us
Across the span of three years, the pandemic has irrevocably changed how we work.
We’ve faced lockdowns, social distancing, home working, Brexit, new political leaders, and so much more. As things begin to settle down, we are starting to get an idea of what the new version of normal might look like.
Many employers have taken advantage of the appetite for hybrid or home working to reduce the spend on office space, while others still prefer the traditional approach. The statistics are in, and we’re starting to be able to make sense of what the future holds.
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have released studies that capture a vivid snapshot of the new working landscape. These studies showed that around 80% of employers allow hybrid working. Within this grouping:
Despite all of this, there is still a use for the office. A recent survey by LinkedIn has highlighted how the office can mirror the needs of a perpetually changing work environment to reinvigorate itself. Those in the market for workspace are looking for:
It’s clear that modern offices need to provide a collaborative environment that fulfils people’s needs, accommodating both the individual and the group.
If you would like to survey your team, or find out more, feel free to email Claire for more information – claire@jfrecruitment.co.uk
Our team has been staying ahead of the curve to understand the future of the marketplace.
We’ve also been considering the charities we want to support next. We’ll be announcing them soon.
HR Assistant/ Officer – £24k – Chester
Jobs we’re glad aren’t a thing any more…
A leech collector – back in the 19th century there was a growing demand for medicinal leeches, thankfully not so much now.
Fun Fact
When David Attenborough was controller at BBC2, he spearheaded the fight to get Wimbledon broadcasted in colour. Turning the previously white tennis balls into their famous neon yellow.
Get your team on your socials. 85% of our candidates say that working in a good team is important.
Allow employees to appear on your social media. Interview them, video them, and ask them what they like most about their workplace. When employees research your business, we want them to see who they will be working with.
The pound recently hit its lowest levels against the dollar, marking uncertain times for the economy, and it’s making some people nervous. When it comes to attracting top talent to help your business not only survive, but thrive during challenging times, clear and unambiguous job adverts can make a huge difference. So, let’s talk about it.
You already know that the job market at the minute is incredibly candidate driven. So, when it comes to making your vacancy stand out and attract the right people, a great job advert is vital.
Our candidates tell us that they skim through job adverts looking for something that grabs them. That means you need to get your message across in a concise, and enticing way. Think about the language you use, and how that will come across to potential applicants; for example, ‘fast-paced environment’ could be read as no work/life balance, and ‘we’re like a family’ might be perceived as could be dysfunctional.
According to a recent jobseeker survey, some of the expressions most likely to put off a candidate include:
At JF Recruitment, we can take care of writing the job ads for you, so that you can avoid the mistakes that put candidates off. We will help you to stand out in a noisy job market, and attract the right people.
We’re incredibly proud to share that our very own Jo won the award for ‘Business Person of the Year’ at the Wirral Business Awards. Through JF Coaching and Consultancy, Jo offers business mentoring, and as part of her team we’re thrilled to receive such mentoring for free. She’s received great feedback from business owners who have worked with her.
In other news, we’ve got an author on the team! Our Claire has always been a budding writer in her spare time, and now she has released two children’s books. Aimed at years 1 – 5 they feature a great little character called Bertie the Bee.
Digital Marketing Director – £60k+
Wirral
Part Time PA/Secretary – £12p/hr
Chester
Jobs we’re SAD aren’t a thing any more…
A Bard – Personally, I wish we had storytellers today that regaled us with facts using song.
Fun Fact
The mysterious green code introducing all the Matrix movies is in fact recipes for sushi.
If you are facing a role that’s tricky to fill it’s important to consider whether you should focus on workplace fit and transferable skills, rather than direct experience.
Our clients that have the most success are those that think outside of the industry box. Filling roles with driven candidates that match the culture and vision they have for their business.
As Autumn closes in, the leaves on the trees will take on beautiful brown and red hues, colours that really stand out.
So we thought, what better time to talk about how you can make your business stand out?
In the week commencing 6th June, there were a total of 1.69 million job adverts across the UK. At the same time, there are approximately 1.5 million fewer people seeking employment since the pandemic.
The pool of candidate availability is decreasing due to young people staying in education longer, and more people moving away from the UK.
The majority of people leaving the workplace are older workers, for a variety of reasons, including lifestyle changes, illness, or care responsibilities.
With the skills gap widening, and the labour market so tight, this has an impact on succession planning. Given that 50% more babies were born in 1964 than in 1977, we are facing the challenges of an aging workforce, and retirement age is also a factor that needs to be considered.
So, what can you do to make your business stand out?
If you think your business needs support with any of the above, give us a call and if we can’t help we can recommend you to one of our fantastic consultancies we work alongside.
If you would like to discuss further, simply arrange a consultation
JFR Welcome Julie Roberts to the Team
To assist you in finding great talent we have hired Julie Roberts, who joins us as a recruitment coordinator. Julie will join our lovely resourcing team working alongside our fantastic Faye Smith.
You can read all about Julie and the rest of the team on our website by visiting https://jfrecruitment.co.uk/meet-the-team/
Accounts Assistant – £25k
Wirral
Jobs we’re glad aren’t a thing any more…
Whiffler – This word is so much fun to say I’m sad it’s not really a job anymore, but these people would lead a procession, kind of like a herald or usher.
Fun Fact
With so many strawberries being picked and eaten with the nice weather, this fact seemed apt. Did you know that all strawberries today derive from five plants brought to France from Chile in 1712.
We briefly mentioned that 50% more babies were born in 1964 than in 1977. A lot of those born in and around 1964 have already left the workplace taking early retirement or have begun to plan their exit.
However, due to rising cost of living and with new flexible work models, hybrid/ home working and flexible hours that weren’t on offer prior to the pandemic, we have seen an increase in those over 50 beginning to consider re-joining the workplace.
If your business has flexible working practices, or would be willing to consider them, you could attract a wealth of skill and experience to your business by welcoming a retiree back to the workplace.