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JF Recruitment December Newsletter

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.

What are Candidates Looking For?

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:

  • Trendy offices (beer fridges, pool tables, televisions etc.)
  • Magazine subscriptions
  • Multi discount platforms
  • Bike to work scheme

Candidates want:

  • Elevated Pension contributions
  • A bus or fuel allowance for travel
  • Financial security for family members if they get sick or die
  • Help towards energy or wifi costs for homeworkers
  • Remote work opportunities (home/hybrid)
  • Flexible working
  • Additional holiday entitlement (loyalty rewards or potential to buy additional)

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.

JFR NEWS

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!

CANDIDATE SPOTLIGHT

Senior Practice Accountant – £40 – 45k Ellesmere Port

  • Degree 2:1, BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance, ACCA Practising Certificate, ACCA Qualification – first time passes
  • Preparation and review of accounts and tax returns for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies
  • Preparation and review of self-assessment and corporation tax returns
  • Preparation of VAT Returns and payroll including completion of year end P11, P14, P35
  • Represented clients during HMRC enquiries and investigations
  • Successfully agreed Settlement figures with HMRC saving clients’ £000,s in tax and NIC

TRENDING NEWS

  • More than 100 UK companies have made a permanent move to a 4-day week
  • National living wage will be increased to £10.42
  • Barratt Homes gives staff second £1,000 cost-of-living payment
  • National Grid rules out UK-wide blackout plan
  • Plans underway for Liverpool hosts of Eurovision 2023

Just for LOLS

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.

Jo’s TOP TIPS

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?

  • Gain a fresh perspective on your industry
  • Graduates quick with tech
  • Focussed on future development not only for themselves but your business

Want to discuss further? Contact us

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JF Recruitment November Newsletter

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 Future of the Office

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:

  • 44% have no expectation to work in the office.
  • 60% reported improved staff wellbeing
  • 41% reported increased productivity.

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:

  • Collaborative workspaces (27%)
  • Dedicated desk spaces – hotdesk (43%)
  • Wellbeing and recreation spaces (22%)
  • Sustainability and ventilation (8%)

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

JFR NEWS

Our team has been staying ahead of the curve to understand the future of the marketplace.

  • Attending webinar events
  • Training extensively
  • Reaching out to trendsetters both locally and nationally
  • Talking talent strategy

We’ve also been considering the charities we want to support next. We’ll be announcing them soon.

CANDIDATE SPOTLIGHT

HR Assistant/ Officer –  £24k – Chester

  • Currently studying CIPD Level 5
  • Generalist background
  • Personnel files, letters and special requirements
  • Recruitment assistance including job boards, right-to-work checks and CV screening
  • New starter training/ induction and assisting with H&S
  • Note-taking and Minutes of meetings including absence management and disciplinaries
  • GDPR and Confidentiality
  • Payroll queries and holiday requests

TRENDING NEWS

  • New PM – Rishi Sunak’s first week underway
  • Aldi expands menopause support with manager training
  • House prices fall for the first time since June 2020
  • Elon Musk buys Twitter and fires it’s board of executives

Just for LOLS

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.

Jo’s Top Tips

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.

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JF Recruitment October Newsletter

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.

Clear and Effective Job Adverts

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:

  •   Must handle stress well
  •  Willing to wear many hats
  •  Responsibilities may include those outside of the job description
  •  Applicants should be humble
  • Looking for self starters

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.

JFR NEWS

Winner!

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.

Claire’s been a Busy Bee

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.

CANDIDATE SPOTLIGHT

Digital Marketing Director – £60k+

Wirral

  • CRM, Digital and Creative Strategy
  • Business Analysis and Marketing Analytics
  • Web Design and Development
  • Agile Methodology and Change Management
  • Business Networking and Public Speaking
  • Stakeholder Engagement and Management

Part Time PA/Secretary – £12p/hr

Chester

  • Reception/Switchboard
  • Diary/calendar management
  • Email management
  • Booking travel & accommodation
  • Business Admin & Invoicing
  • Research Projects

TRENDING NEWS

  • 86% want to continue four-day week
  • Govt will not scrap top tax rate
  • Diversity and Inclusion key for talent attraction
  • New GCSEs in Wales will have less emphasis on exams

Just for LOLS

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.

Jo’s Top Tips

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.

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JF Recruitment August Newsletter

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?

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?

  • Show off your corporate culture on social media. What is your company brand and culture saying to jobseekers? Interview your teams and share on your socials to say why your business is a great place to work.
  • Consider your flexibility and equality HR policies; think about how hybrid working and equality could offer you more flexibility.
  • Pay – with inflation and a tight labour market, you need to be aware of the mental health of your workforce especially if they may have financial worries. According to recent research 75% of staff are too embarrassed to talk about salary with their employers. So even if they are happy in their current role, they’ll consider moving for more money. Mental health concerns can also impact attendance and productivity.
  • Create clear career pathways within your organisation, and if you can’t offer promotion, consider professional development to keep your team engaged.
  • Ask your team! Don’t be afraid of opening a discussion in the workplace, ask them why they stay working and what else they would like the business to offer. You may be surprised by the feedback!

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 NEWS

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/

CANDIDATE SPOTLIGHT

Accounts Assistant – £25k

Wirral

  • Purchase and Sales Ledger
  • Bank Reconciliation
  • Credit Control
  • Invoicing
  • Cash book and Cheques
  • Taking queries from clients and suppliers re invoices and payments
  • General office administration

TRENDING NEWS

  • The UK job market is showing no signs of slowing down according to Grapevine Leaders
  • Virgin Money gives staff £1k cost of living payment
  • The UK will host Eurovision 2023 – a hosting city is yet to be confirmed. (We hope Liverpool are bidding for the honour)
  • Ion Developments appointed by Wirral Council to bring 1400 new homes in a low-carbon urban village in Birkenhead

Just for LOLS

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.

Jo’s Top Tips

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.

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JF Recruitment July Newsletter

It’s still Summer, we think? The weather doesn’t seem to know what season it is, heating up one minute, storms the next, a bit like employee recruitment at the moment.

Our latest newsletter is here to bring you updates, news and advice on all things recruitment.

Attraction and Retention

The Covid Pandemic really made everyone concentrate more on their health and wellbeing. Joe Wicks became a folk hero and Argos sold out of Home gym equipment as sales spiked by 5813%.

With that in mind, considering employee wellbeing could be the secret to candidate attraction and retention.

A recent survey by Deloitte found that

  • 70% of employees would consider resignation in favour of a job that better supports their wellbeing
  • 76% of employees said the pandemic has negatively affected their mental health
  • 81% of employees are now prioritising their own wellbeing over career progression

Employee burnout is on the rise, with 57% of employees surveyed so unhappy they were considering quitting immediately.

According to HR Grapevine, 95% of employees with any level of worry at home say their personal finances are having a negative impact on their mental health.

For healthy retention and support of your current teams, and to attract talent to your business moving forward, it’s important to have an effective employee wellbeing structure that supports at multiple levels; from your employee benefits, through to how you handle employee reviews and signposting in the business.

We work with several fantastic employee wellbeing experts who can help you get started or indeed review what you have in place. If you would like to discuss further, simply arrange a consultation

JFR NEWS

JF Recruitment celebrates 9 years in business!

The team has grown so much in that time, adding temp recruitment, a bespoke recruitment package, and most recently our niche sectors to our service offering and we are continuing to grow, with a new member of the team joining us in July.

Congratulations, Claire!

Our Operations Manager Claire got married to her beau Neil, celebrating with an intimate afternoon tea with family then afterwards a party for family and friends.

Of course the JFR family attended. Lots of fun and laughter was had, there was even singing waitresses that Claire’s Dad had booked as a surprise for the pair on the night.

(She then snuck off for a fab honeymoon in the lakes – with lovely weather).

We wish Claire and Neil a long and happy life together!

CANDIDATE SPOTLIGHT

BDM – £40-50k basic plus bonus/package

Wirral

  • Bringing on new business via connections and face to face business networking
  • Business Marketing, Networking, Event Speaker
  •  Litigation Solicitor with working knowledge of Conveyancing and Medical Negligence
  • Contract Tendering
  • Responsible for winning £1M legal services package for Paramedics Union membership
  • Growth Strategy

TRENDING NEWS

  • Parkdean Resorts invest in new apprenticeship drive
  • Deloitte supports work-life balance with ‘Time Out’ scheme
  • Multiple businesses are embracing ‘bring your dog to work days’
  • Merseyrail agree 7.1% pay rise backdated to April 2022
  • It’s officially business awards season with North West LGBTQ+ finalists published, MIB accepting nominations and Wirral Business Awards finalists pending announcement.

Just for LOLS

Jobs we’re glad aren’t a thing any more…

Night Soilman – these poor people had the task of emptying people’s backyard toilets and ashpits.

Fun Fact

In the time it takes The Proclaimers to sing I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles), the International Space Station travels 500 miles, then 500 more. (A rather apt fact this week as it was our Claire’s wedding song with her other half Neil being an avid fell walker).

Jo’s Top Tips

We know recruitment can be difficult when you aren’t used to it. Speak to us about your process at the beginning, right before you create the job spec. We can help you figure out exactly what you need, what you need to pay to attract the right person, and even discuss your hiring process.

Believe me, in this candidate driven market, TIME is of the essence, so save yourself some time now, by speaking to us at the beginning, rather than halfway through when you needed someone yesterday!

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JF Recruitment May Newsletter.

We can’t believe it’s May already, and JF Recruitment’s latest newsletter is here to bring you updates, news and advice on all things recruitment.

Candidates Invest in Businesses That Invest in Them

In a candidate-led job market, it’s becoming increasingly common for job seekers to lean towards employers who offer a complete employment package.

EY has just released their 2022 Work Reimagined Survey, showing that 43% of employees are likely to quit their jobs, motivated by higher salaries, better career opportunities, and increased flexibility.
The 25 best workplaces to grow your career in the UK

Following on from this, Linkedin’s recently published top companies of 2022 makes for interesting reading. The companies ranked as the best places to work all had one significant thing in common… a great benefit package built around the needs of their employees.

We’re proud of our reputation for working with great employers, which is why we’re so pleased to see many of the same flexible benefits being offered by our own clients, including:

  • Dividends and profit shares
  • Enhanced bonus
  • Additional holidays and emergency holidays
  • Study support
  • Scheduled salary reviews
  • Flexible/agile working
  • Home/Hybrid working
  • Flexible working hours

If you want some advice on your employee benefits package, you can arrange a consultation with the team.

JFR News

We are always upskilling ourselves in the JFR team to ensure we can continue to supply our clients with award winning customer service. A couple of weeks ago, our Faye Smith – Head Office Recruiter attended a training course for Recruitment Resourcers.

Out of the 10 recruitment businesses that were represented – we were the only recruiter that INTERVIEWS our candidates.
The only recruiter!

Why? We couldn’t understand it. Suffice to say, their success rate wasn’t 99%…
Ours is!

Candidate Spotlight

Telemarketing / Customer Service Team Manager
£35k minimum
Wirral

  • Marketing Professional
  • Team Management
  • Account Manager/ Customer Focus
  • Relationship building/ Client Meetings
  • Managing Budgets

Trending News

Just for Lols

Jobs we’re glad aren’t a thing any more…
Knocker-up – Up until the late 1970’s, before the alarm clock took over, the only way to get to work on time was to hire a knocker-up who would shoot peas at your window to wake up.

Fun Fact
It’s impossible to hum while holding your nose (just try it!)

Our Clients Say…

“Best recruiter on Merseyside.  Great team, thorough and professional service with excellent placement record.  Highly recommended.”

Jo’s Top Tips

Recruitment Strategy should be Priority
It’s no secret we are in a widely candidate driven market at the moment, with many sectors struggling to attract the talent that they need to thrive and grow. That means employers must take action to consider how they present their positions to the community. It’s not just about salary.

Benefits package, development opportunity, progression, management style and culture all impact a candidate’s choices and journey when considering which job they will accept next.

However, succession planning needs to play a part in your strategy, as the latest labour market figures from ONS indicate a ‘over-50’s exodus’. So, whilst the youth employment figure is slowly recovering, there’s a huge amount planning to depart (some employers are already starting to see the effects of this).

Pension planning and investments have been on everyone’s minds during the pandemic, therefore it’s crucial that businesses have plans in place to fulfil these roles. Whether they be back office, senior exec level or otherwise.

We speak to clients every day to discuss six, twelve and twenty four month recruitment plans, so whether your business has growth plans, or simply wants to continue trading at current levels, it’s important to have this strategy in place.

Like anything, it’s about decision making, creative planning and taking action

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JF Recruitment Latest Newsletter

The latest from the JFR Team! 

Salary V Budget!

The latest report from KPMG and REC, shows permanent starters’ salaries and temp wages have had the sharpest rise in 24 years of data collection. This comes at a time when candidate availability is continuing to fall. 

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