The Impact of Lengthy and Complex Hiring Processes

On Thursday 9th March we ran a webinar in partnership with the Black Leadership Group, where we launched the Black Leadership Job Board.During the webinar we explored how the job board will promote leadership opportunities to black professionals and support employers reach a wider pool of qualified black professionals across the UK – the purpose of the webinar was to launch the job board and discuss why it is needed and how it will work.The Black Leadership Job Board is available here: www.morganhunt.com/microsite/black-leadership-group/88

SpeakersClare KeniryDirector of Strategy & Head of Diversity and Inclusion at Morgan Hunt www.linkedin.com/in/clarekenirywww.morganhunt.comAmarjit Singh BasiCo-founder of the Black Leadership Groupwww.linkedin.com/in/amarjit-basi-360a0987www.linkedin.com/company/blackleadershipgroupRobin LandmanCo-founder of the Black Leadership Groupwww.linkedin.com/in/robin-landman-obe-ccmi-2229b214 www.linkedin.com/company/blackleadershipgroup

 

Watch the full recording below

 

 

Diversity and inclusion are essential components of a thriving workplace, but the LGBTQ+ community continues to face discrimination and inequality in many workplaces. Despite significant progress in recent years, many LGBTQ+ employees still face challenges such as discrimination, harassment, and a lack of support, leading to high turnover rates. 

72% of employees say they are more likely to accept a job at a company that’s supportive of LGBTQ+ employees, according to a study by the Center of Talent Innovation. So to create a workplace that is welcoming and inclusive for LGBTQ+ employees, companies need to take concrete steps to support and retain these employees.

 

Implement Anti-Discrimination Policies According to a survey by the Human Rights Campaign, 46% of LGBTQ+ employees reported feeling "closeted" at work, and 31% reported experiencing some form of workplace harassment. Implementing anti-discrimination policies that protect all employees, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, is the first step to creating a more inclusive workplace.

Offer Diversity and Inclusion Training Offering diversity and inclusion training for all employees is a critical component of creating an inclusive workplace. This training should cover topics such as the importance of creating an inclusive workplace, and how to be an ally to the LGBTQ+ community.

Use Inclusive Language Using inclusive language is a simple yet powerful way to create a more inclusive workplace. For example, instead of saying "ladies and gentlemen," use "folks'' or "everyone." A study by Out & Equal found that using gender-inclusive language can help to create a more welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ employees.

Celebrate LGBTQ+ Events and Holidays Recognising and celebrating LGBTQ+ events and holidays, such as Pride Month, Transgender Day of Visibility, and National Coming Out Day, is another way to show support for the LGBTQ+ community and make LGBTQ+ employees feel valued and included.

Address Discrimination and Harassment Addressing any instances of discrimination or harassment that occur in the workplace is critical to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all employees. Companies must take complaints seriously, investigate them thoroughly, and take appropriate action to address the issue.  

In conclusion, creating an inclusive workplace for LGBTQ+ employees requires a concerted effort from companies. By implementing the above tips companies can create a welcoming environment for all employees, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. 

If you’d like to find out more and want further advice on retaining top talent, email us at [email protected]

Today’s job market is fast-paced and competitive. At the start of the year, labour markets in the UK were at a turning point. Vacancies reached the highest number since records began. We saw a 50% increase in roles, and we expect this to grow. The Great Resignation also created a new cohort of workers, putting their career needs first, and hybrid working became the mainstay.

So it seems like the right time to rebrand and reintroduce a professional services recruitment firm specialising in legal and accounting practices. One where every candidate and client receives a tailored service and where a dedicated team keeps all stakeholders in the loop at every step in the process. 

Introducing Pentagon Talent 

“The demand for talent has grown exponentially over the past 5 years and as a result our clients and candidates expect and demand a recruitment partner with true expertise in their sector. Pentagon talent has built this expertise over the past 8 years, and it is right we launch a brand that reflects the knowledge and expertise we are proud to possess.”

Rob Fry, Board Director 

“The way I see it, recruitment is like shopping. You wouldn’t go to a garden centre for your weekly groceries, and that’s exactly why we have created Pentagon Talent. It is a way for both our clients and candidates to feel more comfortable with the brand that is representing them.”

Sam Vorley, Team Manager 

With a distinguished professional services brand, the Pentagon Talent team are able to establish themselves as the market leader in the legal and accountancy practice market. This is away from us, Morgan Hunt, a well-known public-sector specialist agency. Which is who Pentagon Talent inherit their values and our experience from.

 

We are re-engineering recruitment

Pentagon Talent isn’t your average recruitment agency. They originated from a Public Sector focused organisation where providing an ethical , cost effective and transparent recruitment service is paramount. With a strong connection to the public sector, where moral and ethical values are high, they adopt these in private sector recruitment. They care about the success of their clients and candidates and understand that every candidate is unique, and every client is different. Find out more about their mission and values on their webpage here: www.pentagontalent.com/mission-vision-and-values

 

Benefits for our clients

Pentagon Talent is able to attract and retain new and existing sought-after talent in the market. Not only do they have access to talented passive and active candidates in the sectors, with Pentagon Talent:

You will receive optimum service no matter the complexity or challenge of filling a vacancy. You’ll benefit from a "one-stop-shop" which enables a seamless recruitment process when hiring. They are only working across two sectors. This ensures our knowledge and relationships within the market are established and we focus on delivery. 

 

Benefits for our candidates

Similar to the benefits of clients, you’ll receive a personalised and understanding approach to finding your next role.

Pentagon Talent is associated with many of the top legal and accountancy practice clients.  You’ll have exclusive access to some of the most desirable and career-changing opportunities within the market. The team understand this isn’t your ‘next job’ unlike many agencies but a career which also impacts on your home life. They’ll help you find an employer aligned to both your career aspirations and values. 

 

A safe-pair of hands

Specialising in legal and accounting practices, they have a reliable team who are experienced in modern recruitment challenges. They will guide and support organisations and individuals through the recruitment process.

 

Where to find us 

Pentagon Talent is in London, and we also have offices in Manchester, Birmingham, Milton Keynes, and Glasgow. To find out more about recruiting or finding a role, contact our team today at [email protected]

Morgan Hunt recently conducted a research project, where we reached out to our network of over 50,000 Further Education and Skills professionals, both hiring organisations and job seekers, to gain insight on staffing struggles and job satisfaction.

The survey covered a wide range of topics, including recruitment and retention, job satisfaction, and the challenges faced by professionals in the industry. The results of the survey provide valuable insights into the state of the job market in the Further Education sector.

Key findings from the survey include:

Over 60% of respondents said they were proud to work in the education sector Respondents said job security was the main reason they’re staying in their current job in 2023 25% of hiring managers said lack of applications was the reason for their recruitment challenges Nearly 40% of those who changed jobs in 2022 rated their onboarding process poorly

These findings highlight the need for FE Colleges to adopt a strategic approach to recruitment and retention. Employers need to understand the needs of their staff and provide an attractive package of salary, benefits, and career development opportunities.

To download the full results of the survey and learn more about how we can help you address your recruitment and retention needs, click here.

At Morgan Hunt, we understand the challenges and opportunities facing the Further Education sector, and are committed to providing effective solutions that meet the needs of our clients. To discuss how Morgan Hunt can help you with recruitment and retention email us at [email protected]

 

In a recent study by background screening and identity services firm Sterling, 71% of jobseekers said that they had either dropped out or considered dropping out of their most recent recruitment experience. The top three reasons cited for this were: 

The process was taking too long It was too complicated There were too many touchpoints (all the interactions candidates have with the employer during the recruitment process)

Hiring new employees is a crucial process for any organisation, as it can have a significant impact on the success and growth of the company. However, many organisations are struggling with lengthy and complex hiring processes that can be detrimental to both the company and the job applicants.  

What are the impacts? 

Discourage Talented CandidatesThe main impact of a lengthy and complex hiring process is that it can discourage talented candidates from applying for the position. A study by Glassdoor found that the average interview process in the United Kingdom is 27.5 days long, and many applicants are turned off by the idea of spending so much time on a single application. If the hiring process is overly complex and includes multiple rounds of interviews and assessments, it can be off-putting to candidates who are already employed and may not have the time or energy to invest in such a long process. 

Lower Quality of CandidatesAnother impact of a lengthy and complex hiring process is that it can lead to a lower quality of hires. When the hiring process is overly long and complex, it can be difficult for the hiring manager or recruitment consultant to make an informed decision about the candidate. This can result in the hiring of candidates who are not a good fit for the company or the position, which can lead to poor performance and high turnover rates. In addition, when the hiring process takes a long time, it can slow down the hiring of new employees and prevent the company from filling open positions in a timely manner. This can lead to decreased productivity and a loss of revenue for the company. 

Negative ReputationA lengthy and complex hiring process can also have a negative impact on the company’s reputation. When job applicants have a bad experience with the hiring process, they are more likely to share their experience with others or online e.g. GlassDoor, which can damage the company’s reputation and discourage other qualified candidates from applying for future positions - 50% of candidates say they wouldn't work for a company with a bad reputation - even for a pay increase.

Increased CostA lengthy and complex hiring process can also be costly for the company. The process may require additional resources such as background check services. It can also lead to a high number of candidates dropping out of the process, which will require additional recruitment efforts and costs. 

So, what can organisations do to improve their hiring process? 

Streamline the ProcessOne solution is to streamline the process by reducing the number of rounds of interviews and assessments. This can make the process quicker and less overwhelming for candidates. Additionally, organisations can also use technology to automate certain aspects of the hiring process, such as pre-screening candidates through online assessments. This can help organisations to quickly identify the most qualified candidates and avoid wasting time on candidates who do not meet the necessary qualifications.

Use a Recruitment AgencyRecruitment agencies specialise in finding the right candidates for a particular job, and they can help streamline the hiring process by identifying and pre-screening qualified candidates. They can also help businesses find candidates that they might not have found otherwise, and they can help ensure that the best candidates are matched with the right job opportunities.

85 percent of HR decision-makers admit their organisation has made a bad hire, recruitment agencies can bring a lot of expertise to the table. They know what the industry standards are, what are the best practices, and they can help you with the legal and compliance side of hiring. They have a wealth of knowledge on what works and what doesn't in recruitment and can help you avoid costly mistakes.

Furthermore, recruitment agencies can help reduce the time and resources required to find the right candidates. They can also help reduce the costs associated with hiring mistakes - a poor hire at mid-manager level with a salary of £42,000 can cost a business more than £132,000. By using a recruitment agency, businesses can focus on what they do best, while leaving the hiring process to the experts.

 

In conclusion, lengthy and complex hiring processes can have a significant impact on a company, including loss of qualified candidates, time and resources required to find the right candidates, and costly mistakes. Using a recruitment agency can help alleviate these impacts by streamlining the hiring process, identifying and pre-screening qualified candidates, and providing expertise to ensure the best candidates are matched with the right job opportunities. Contact us today for your recruitment needs at [email protected]

There has recently been a significant rise in jobs scams, with fraudsters often impersonating recruitment companies or consultants.Whilst job scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, the best way to help prevent yourself from becoming a victim of a job scam is to educate yourself on things to look out for during your job search. We have set out warning signs to help you spot a potential job scam. 

Warning signs when being contacted

Below is a list of warning signs that could indicate you have been contacted by scammer posing as a recruitment consultant:

A purported Morgan Hunt consultant requesting you to: 

Provide personal financial details. Pay money for an “administration fee”, “security fee” or an “accreditation fee”. Morgan Hunt will never ask you to pay any type of fee, transfer cash or provide credit card information. Click unsolicited links or attachments.  

Online contact on from a purported recruitment consultant with:

A lack of activity, information, or contact details on their profile. A suspicious profile picture. Poor spelling or grammar in communications. Communications of any sort guaranteeing employment or income. The job description is vague or poorly written Communications from generic addresses such as Gmail or Hotmail accounts. All email communications will be sent from official Morgan Hunt email addresses, such as [email protected]  Communications from social media platforms, such as WhatsApp Warning sites for webpages

There has also been a rise in cases of fraudsters cloning the sites of legitimate recruitment consultancies in an attempt to steal money and/or the personal details of job seekers and hiring managers. 

To check the legitimacy of a site, we could encourage you to verify the SSL certificate. In most browsers this can be done by clicking the padlock on the far left of the URL. If it doesn’t have one, this could be a sign of a scam website. 

What to do if you suspect a job scam using the Morgan Hunt name or logo

If you are unsure if a Morgan Hunt advertisement or communication is legitimate and/or you have been requested to attend an in person meeting, please contact your local Morgan Hunt branch or email [email protected] who will assist you as far as possible to verify the information you have received.

Morgan Hunt email addresses take the format of [email protected] you are contacted by someone whose email address varies from this format, please do not respond. 

What to do if you think you are the victim of a job scam

Take a screen grab or note of the fraudster’s details and report them to Action Fraud (see Resources below)If you have given them any money, contact your bank immediately and let them know.Warn the operators of the website/social media site through which you were contacted and let them know that their site is being used by fraudsters. 

More information

For more information on recruitment scams and how to spot them, check out these dedicated pages:

National Crime Agency – Fraud https://www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/what-we-do/crime-threats/fraud-and-economic-crime  Action Fraud (National Reporting Centre for Fraud and Cybercrime) https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/a-z-of-fraud/recruitment-scams  Jobs Aware (SAFERJobs) https://www.jobsaware.co.uk/

To let Morgan Hunt know about a potential scam using our name, please get in touch with your local office here. See here for more information if required regarding the Morgan Hunt Privacy Policy.

The ongoing skills shortage is showing no signs of slowing now we’re in the new year, and employers now need to consider new approaches in the way they combat this growing issue. 

There are a myriad of reasons why skills shortages are worsening, including a low unemployment rate, which has been affected by the proportion of the workforce who haven’t returned to the labour market post-pandemic. The number of people who have left the labour market rose by 252,000 from the three months to May 2022, the biggest increase since records began in 1971. The leap pushed the unemployment rate down to its lowest since 1974 at 3.5%.  

This shortage of candidate availability has seen intense competition for workers, leading to further steep increases in rates of starting pay for both permanent and short-term staff. Notably, in February last year permanent starters' salaries rose at the second-sharpest pace since data collection began in October 1997. 

An inability to source the right skills and talent can severely hamper growth for businesses, but what can be done to tackle them? In order to help address the issue, we've come up with five strategies that businesses can use to attract and retain talent: 

1. Invest in Training

To alleviate the shortage of skilled workers, many companies have begun offering training to their existing employees, in order to tailor them to fill current gaps.

Several businesses offer their employees an opportunity for external training to upskill. While this option can be more expensive and time-consuming, it does ensure your employees are trained to industry standard quality, but can also serve as an incentive to attract a great deal of talented workers to your doorstep.

Some smaller firms understandably feel they don’t have the resources to meet the cost of training, but it’s likely to be easier and cheaper to train existing staff than to take on new employees. A more cost effective option is to offer in-house training, where a knowledgeable employee shares with others their valuable expertise. It’s a great way for companies with a few good resources to increase their value without expending too much time and money. 

2. Expand the Search

Being proactive is key, you can’t assume quality candidates will find you. Try out different approaches in your hiring strategy: 

Change your recruitment   consultant - Why not contact Morgan Hunt?  Advertise in new places Attend Job Fairs Use Social Media Use niche job boards Keep your website up-to date  

You should also consider broadening your hiring practice. You could easily hire candidates that don’t fit 100% of the job specification requirements or maybe have less experience, without hurting your company. With this in mind you could help those candidates grow into the role and fulfil your company's staffing needs.  

3. Use Contingent Workers

One of the easiest and quickest ways to tackle skills shortages is by hiring contingent workers, but this comes with both benefits and drawbacks. 

Contingent workers are a popular option for many companies, as their availability and flexibility allow them to work within the confines of any timeframe, budget, and project, giving you the ability to fill gaps in your operation quickly and in a cost-effective manner.

On the other hand, companies should be careful not to rely too heavily on contingent workers. While a contingent workforce can help an organisation fill an immediate skills shortage, it isn’t the best solution for long-term growth because it doesn’t address the root cause of why a skills gap exists in the first place.

Morgan Hunt have 28 years of experience recruiting temporary workers within the public, not-for-profit and private sectors. We can help provide you with a diverse, inclusive and quality bank of staff. Get in touch here [email protected] 

4. Rethink the Workforce

The number of people aged over 65 working part-time or on a consultancy basis is growing. These workers can be an excellent way to bring skills and experience into your business, even if you don't offer them permanent positions. Such staff provide expertise that may otherwise be lacking, and they can also play a valuable role mentoring less experienced personnel. 

5. Focus on Staff Retention

If you want to ensure that your business has the best talent, it’s important to keep the employees you have. That can mean more than just paying them well; successful companies work hard to create a culture of loyalty, by offering flexible work hours or other incentives that encourage people to stay. Take a look at our blogs Key motivators in the workplace and How can organisations appreciate their employees? for further tips. 

There are numerous ways to tackle the ongoing skill shortage, some will work better for your company than others. However now is the time to look inward at your organisation and assess its talent, the skill sets you’re searching for most likely live in your organisation already.

We’re here to help. If you would like more guidance on the current skills shortage, feel free to drop us an email at [email protected] 

Guest Blog — Written by Hammersmith, Fulham, Ealing and Hounslow Mind

There are so many careers to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start, or what to change to if you want to try something different. If you’re looking for a career with real meaning, where you’ll be able to make a difference and genuinely improve people’s lives, advocacy could be for you.

What is advocacy?

An advocate is an independent professional that speaks for someone who may not be able to speak for themselves. Advocates help their clients achieve their goals by listening to them, helping them understand their rights, providing them with options and choices to help empower them to take control of their lives. Advocates do not make decisions on behalf of their clients.

Advocates all work towards the Advocacy Charter that underpins and governs the work they do.

What you need to work in advocacyEmpathy

Advocates need a high degree of empathy to be successful. Being able to understand how your clients feel, and why, is important in being able to help them be fully understood by organisations that have the power to make a difference in their lives.

Independence

You are working for the client and take instruction from the client to ensure their voice is heard.

Advocates must ensure, at all costs, that they take instruction from the client and do as instructed.

The advocate should not be influenced by other organisations or work in a way that disempowers clients.

Communication and Listening Skills

A good advocate is able to listen to their clients and understand what their clients’ issues are.

A good advocate is also able to communicate effectively to everyone they work with, whether that’s their client, the organisation they’re liaising with, case workers, or the local authority.

With the client, and advocate needs to be able to explain processes or situations. They need to take instruction from their client on how the client wants to proceed with their case. They also need to help empower the client to speak up for themselves.

With organisations, advocates need to be able to explain the needs of their client, why their clients want certain changes made, and how this should proceed.

Communication isn’t only knowing what to say, it’s about knowing when to not say anything. Advocates often need to keep information confidential. This is incredibly important and helps keep people safe.

Why advocacy is a great field to work inYou directly help resolve clients’ problems

One of the most rewarding things about working in advocacy is that you get to help people improve their situations.

Whether it’s creating action plans, improving access to resources or infrastructure, or just helping a client feel understood, advocacy has a direct positive impact on people who need help.

Advocates may play a role in helping vulnerable people take the first step to recovery, or greater and more secure sense of wellbeing.

You help to improve services

A large part of working in advocacy is dealing with social services, community organisations, and government agencies. Advocates facilitate meetings to discuss their clients’ needs with the organisation that can help. Throughout this process, as an advocate, you have a unique position to point out how processes could be smoother, simpler, or more effective.

The systems that influence these processes aren’t set in stone. Advocates have regularly made the case for why things need to change or improve, and had a great impact on making things better for other advocates and clients who they will never even meet.

You help clients improve their self-advocacy skills

One of the most important things advocates do is help their clients improve their ability to articulate their own needs and desires, to make them able to advocate for themselves.

Advocacy often starts with gathering information on behalf of the client, helping them understand their position, their rights, and who they need to speak to in order to make changes.

Eventually, advocates may be able to help their clients understand this information, and act on it, to such a point that they no longer require an advocate at all.

At this point, the client can be considered able to self-advocate, and are better able to navigate things by themselves.

Advocacy is an incredibly rewarding field, where you can directly help people in difficult situations, and empower them to improve their own lives.

Learn more about advocacy, or check out Morgan Hunt’s candidate section.

“I’m a Psychology student and I want to get into the Mental Health sector but I have no experience! What can I do?”

 

The Mental Health Sector

With 1 in 4 people experiencing a mental health problem each year in England and 1 in 5 people with suicidal thoughts, Mental Health charities all over England are fighting to tackle stigma and support those who are struggling.

Only a small fraction of people experiencing poor mental health can afford private therapy and for those who can't, there are thousands of charities offering a range of Mental Health services for those individuals.

What do Morgan Hunt do?

Morgan Hunt is proud to work with a number of these leading Mental Health charities across England helping to support their recruitment needs. With an ever-growing need for more passionate members of staff, our recruiters are there to help advise individuals on their steps towards a rewarding career.

From Advocacy to Peer Support; Recovery Work to Community Engagement, the Mental Health charity sector has plenty of careers on offer. For many already working in the sector, there are many avenues to trial. However for those new to the sector, it’s knowing what route to take and how to get there in the first place.

For many Psychology or Mental Health students, starting your career can be daunting and for many individuals, knowing where to start is the biggest conundrum.

So where do I start?

As a Mental Health specialist recruiter, I receive a lot of CVs from Psychology or Mental Health graduates. Unfortunately, many have no relevant experience and it is difficult to find them a role within the sector with no prior practice in the field.

To work in the Mental Health sector, you need passion, tenacity and emotional sensitivity. While you may have this already, it is important to prove this in your work experience. It is important to understand that someone experiencing a crisis is considered vulnerable and needs a calm-mannered person to help alleviate a situation.

If you are still in your studies, now is the perfect time to do some work experience. Whether this is volunteering or a 2-week work experience, there are many roles available to budding Mental Health workers and it will look fantastic on your CV.

—

What options do I have?

Samaritans https://www.samaritans.org/support-us/volunteer/become-samaritans-listening-volunteer/

One brilliant option to consider is a Listening Volunteer at Samaritans. With intense training provided, Samaritans offer an exceptional service for anyone who is in need of someone to talk to.  You will gain the ability to not only understand people but manage difficult emotions and conversations.

The Homeless Sector https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/volunteering/search/volunteer-to-feed-homeless-impoverished-people

Recorded over the past year, there were 28,882 homeless households recorded in 2021/22. Homeless charities are constantly in the need of volunteers to support those who are sleeping rough. Whether that is befriending, being part of a soup kitchen or signposting service users, there are plenty of options to consider.

With 45% of people experiencing homelessness diagnosed with a mental health issue, this experience will give you an understanding of various mental health problems, including alcohol and drug abuse

Befriending https://www.ageuk.org.uk/services/befriending-services/

Loneliness is on the rise, with a number of over-50s experiencing loneliness set to reach two million by 2025/2026. With loneliness often comes depression and for many elderly people, being able to talk to someone on the phone or in person can help improve those feeling low. Befriending is a service offered by many charities, including Age UK. You can do it over the phone or in person and is a fantastic opportunity to work on your people skills.

Peer Support https://openmentalhealth.org.uk/individuals/peer-volunteer/ For those students who might have lived experience of poor mental health, there is an option for a career in Peer Support. Whether it is anxiety or depression, if you are someone who has accessed therapy in the past, you could make a great Peer Support Worker. Using your personal experiences and empathy to support other people can be an incredibly rewarding role and help those struggling to open up to you.

—

Finding an opportunity that works for you is ideal. I suggest considering these options listed above during your studies. After you graduate, many people will be in the same boat as you looking for a career with no experience to help kick-start this. Whether it is once a week or a few weeks of work experience, some experience looks better than none and gives you an opportunity to try out the sector and figure out what you enjoy and don’t enjoy.

Once you have this experience under your belt, I can help you find a career within the incredibly rewarding sector.

—

Morgan Hunt’s Amara Howe specialises in Permanent and FTC Mental Health recruitment. To get in touch for advice or to ask about roles, please get in touch with her via email at [email protected]

There are many claiming that a 4 day working week can help reduce costs, reduce staff sickness, stress levels and burnout, increase staff engagement, support the attraction of a better talent pool and increase productivity! 

But is all that glitters really gold? 

However, a four day week won’t suit every business model and even be possible for every employee type within an organisation. In reality, many will work 4 long days to ensure targets are still achieved but longer days could have a significant effect on your employees' stress levels and therefore their overall wellbeing and productivity. Whilst the theory is that more time away from work benefits an employee’s work life balance, by working extra hard during their new ‘working week’, they may find that their work-life balance actually takes a hit. 

There are considerations for organisations that require desks covered for 5 or even 7 days to ensure clients can contact staff, continuity of service if different people are looking after the same clients which could then result in differing service levels and even missed sales opportunities. There really are pros and cons to this topic… 

Pros

Increased productivity — A recent study by Warwick Business School found that people are more productive when they work fewer hours than when they work longer hours. An Equal Workplace — Roughly two million British people are not currently in employment due to childcare responsibilities and 89% of these people are women. A 4 day work week would promote an equal workplace as employees would be able to spend more time with their families and better juggle care and work commitments. A smaller carbon footprint — Shortening our working week means that employees don’t need to commute as much and large office buildings are only in use four days a week.  

Cons

Customer Satisfaction — The Utah study closed due to poor customer satisfaction. Customers complained that they were unable to access government services with offices closed on a Friday. Wrong Approach — Many confused the concept of a 4 day work week with compressed hours. Employees who are expected to still work 35 hours, but across 4 days will actually show decreased levels of productivity and it can also impact employees’ engagement, work-life balance and overall happiness. Team Management — Managers sometimes find that managing multiple teams on a four-day work week can be challenging as the days employees take off are scattered, making it hard to set up team meetings and manage projects.  

Some interesting statistics

New research by Henley Business School reports that companies that adopted a four-day week found that over three quarters of staff (78%) were happier, less stressed (70%) and took fewer days off ill (62%). Over 60% of businesses in trials have found it easier to attract staff. A trial in New Zealand found over 75% of employees were better able to manage their home and work life compared to 55% before Expenses can be significantly reduced, for companies having a day less to open the office and for staff to reduce commuting and lunch costs.  

So, what do you think? Will the condensed days become so jam packed with meetings leaving little time to be productive? Will management of diaries become impossible? Are you an employer wanting to be ahead of the curve, retain and attract staff, improve employee well-being but are concerned about productivity? Are you an employee that likes the idea but have questions about how full-on the 4 days will be, will there be an impact on your holiday allowance, and will you be able to achieve the same income?

Is the repeal of the 2017 and 2021 reforms to the off-payroll working rules as part of last month’s ’Mini Budget’ statement the good news our contractors, employers and agencies wanted? What do you think? Are you ready for a change and do we actually know what the new legislation will mean?

Dave Hedges is a tax partner at Azets and says there is “an absence of fine detail” around how HMRC will manage the transition over the coming months. “While the changes are welcome and have been lobbied for, we are advising clients throughout the engagement chain to tread carefully pending clarification,” he said.

Some questions remain following the chancellor’s announcement that the Off-Payroll Working (OPW) rules are to be repealed from April 6th 2023. There are three main reasons for this:

Is it really going to happen? Nothing has changed yet and we have a Budget coming up in November, preceded by a government already doing a U-turn on its 45p tax rate plan. The possibility of further U-turns therefore seems significant. Fingers crossed that this promised repeal of the OPW rules goes ahead. But it’s not certain.

End-clients (both public and private sectors), agencies, umbrella companies, accountants and IR35/OPW advisers are all taking stock and wondering how this could affect their business. And yes, that goes for me too!

Contractors are realising that unless they have always been outside IR35 and working for ‘small’ companies (not affected by the OPW rules), that their own circumstances are complicated.  Notably where the contractor is:

currently with an umbrella, or

holding an SDS where the client has stated ‘inside IR35’, or;

regularly jumping between their PSC and an umbrella company depending on the IR35/OPW assessment.

At this stage (Q4 2022), nobody knows how the repeal of the OPW rules will work. That’s the unpopular, hard truth.  Many commentators are reaching for their crystal balls, with some suggesting that there will be new rules for contractors added onto the IR35 rules of old (2000), such as requiring contractors to complete Status Determination Statements. There’s even the odd whisper that end-clients will continue to determine IR35 status; that blanket bans on using PSCs will continue indefinitely, and that HMRC will declare some sort of ‘amnesty’ on prior SDSs with ‘inside’ results. As interesting as they are, these really are only opinions at this stage and should be taken as nothing more.

So what can we do now? Every part of the contracting chain needs to use this time to analyse the effects on their own businesses and it is vital that all get up to speed with IR35 version one (2000). 

Keep watching the contractor press for developments (the contractor ‘press’ that doesn’t just stick a press release up!).

Decide what you want to do -- if you could.

Collect and keep all evidence including SDS outcomes, online IR35 status tool outputs, end-client correspondence, contract review results, and working practices changes/opinions.

Find out about your personal situation now, to see what the options and (above all else) the risks are, and if a change in your status is feasible.

Speak to your client and find out what their position may be come April 6th 2023, especially if you are contracting with an organisation that has banned PSCs.

Take advice from only those that, as impartial as possible, understand all the rules (from 2000 onwards), and ideally those with hands-on experience of successfully defending IR35 HMRC investigations.

This could be great news for professional interim and self employed workers, it could be great news for large private companies and the public sector to attract and retain key skills to help them deliver growth and it could be great news for those involved in the supply of these people. For now, keep up to date, get planning and be ready, April will soon be here…

Back-to-school should need not be reserved for September, nor should it be reserved for children. The number of people considering a career in teaching is on the increase, with over a third of people (36%) considering getting into teaching.  In the UK, the teaching profession is not limited to a degree choice or a single entry route. And it's never too late to train to be a teacher. But how and where do you start?  Teaching can be a challenging profession, but there are numerous benefits to this exciting and rewarding career.  Variety

A Respected CareerTeaching is now considered one of the most respected careers in the UK. According to a Teach First poll, 42% of those surveyed voted this way – with around half (47%) agreeing that people underestimate how much impact a teacher can have on a child. As a teacher you have the opportunity to become an integral part of the community, getting to know parents and other staff. If moving to a new area, teaching is a good way to meet new people. 

Lots of ChoicesThere is a range of options too, from primary and secondary schools to independent, boarding schools and international schools to teaching roles within Further Education (FE) and Higher Education (HE). There are full-time roles, part-time teaching jobs, as well as supply teaching options.  Every Day Is DifferentYou’ll work through a new syllabus and a changing curriculum, teach new topics, and work with new pupils each year. You’ll be able to make decisions about what’s best for your students and lay out your own lesson plans. Although you’ll need to follow certain standards in your curriculum, you have the opportunity to inject your own personality into your job. Job FulfilmentMaking a DifferenceThink about your career, dreams, interests, and ambitions.  You might be able to trace it back to a special teacher who inspired, challenged, or helped shape what you do today. Improving the lives of children and young people is the main motivator behind those who choose to become teachers.Teaching is one of the most rewarding professions and there are many reasons why teachers love their job. When our team speaks to teachers here at Morgan Hunt, teachers often say that seeing students finally understand something they’ve been struggling with is rewarding. Teachers get to feel the direct impact of their work on a daily basis. There are many different reasons why people teach. While some have a calling to impact the lives of students, others are drawn to the profession for its ability to make a difference in the education system.  The Little MomentsAt the end of the day, teaching offers more than just a salary, pension, and holidays.  Teaching is full of little joys you can’t quantify and don’t come along in other vocations. There are student birthdays, school events and trips, charity fundraisers, and comradery with other teachers. When teaching reception and primary, there are the funny things kids say without intending to be funny, their genius ideas and their sense of curiosity. These are what energise schooldays and make teachers excited about work. SalarySalaries for TeachersThere isn't a straightforward answer when it comes to teaching salaries. There are different teaching positions within schools. These include teaching assistants, early years teachers, supply teachers, special education needs (SEN) specialists, and teachers with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) backgrounds, to name a few. All these have varying salaries. The location also plays a part. Teachers in London earn up to £5,000 per year more than their peers across the rest of the UK. Recent Teacher Salary IncreasesTeachers across the country benefited from pay increases of between 5% and 8.9% this September. Pay for experienced teachers who have been in the profession for more than five years will rise by 5% in the next academic year – an increase on the Government’s initial proposal of 3%, in recognition of the broader economic context and the School Teachers' Review Body (STRB’s) recommendations. The rise is equivalent to an increase of almost £2,100 on the average salary of £42,400 this year. Government Backing The recent pay increase – alongside the free-to-access training courses available to teachers – is part of the government’s drive to make sure there is an excellent teacher in every classroom. Starting SalariesThe government is making good progress towards meeting its manifesto commitment for new teacher pay to rise to £30,000. The starting salary for teachers outside London rose by 8.9%, with salaries reaching £28,000 in the 2022/23 academic year. From September 2022, a new teacher will now receive over £2,000 more this year than last. The competitive new starting salary will help attract top-quality talent. Those in the early stages of their careers have also benefited from increases, ranging from 5% to 8% depending on experience. Additional Salary BenefitsOn top of their basic salary, teachers may receive additional payments. Qualified teachers of SEN pupils may get an additional (SEN) allowance of £2,270 to £4,479 per year. There are payments for those taking on more responsibilities within the role. These teaching and learning responsibility (TLR) payments range from £2,873 to £14,030 per annum. BenefitsBeyond the SalaryOther benefits of a teaching career include automatic entry into the Teacher's Pension Scheme and extensive holiday periods. Job SecurityWhile other jobs are being replaced by technology or robotics, there will always be a need for teachers. A career in teaching offers job security and is one of the most recession-proof jobs, according to CNBC News. Job growth is expected to see a steady increase. The DfE forecasts that secondary schools will need 15,000 more teachers before 2025 to meet a 15 per cent rise in student numbers. The DfE forecasts that primary schools will need to maintain teacher numbers over the next decade, by ensuring the numbers entering keep up with those leaving.  Holidays and Flexibility Despite teachers enjoying a 195-day working year, there is still work to be done during the holidays. However, the summer, winter, and Easter breaks alongside half-term holidays allow teachers time to recharge. And while there might be some work to be done, this paid time off outside of the academic year is a bonus for teachers.For parents, teaching provides convenient scheduling. If you have children, you will be on a similar schedule. Teachers may need to do marking and lesson planning after school, but this can often be done from home.The holidays are not only a break from the classroom, but they enable teachers to spend more time with their children or families. Personal ProgressionLife-Long LearningTeachers not only get to share their existing knowledge, but they research new topics and learn along the way. Teachers need to keep on top of new technologies and trends.  Transferable skills There’s a high degree of mobility within the education field. Former teachers can go on to a variety of careers both inside and outside of education.  A Global CareerIf you’re a qualified teacher, you’ll be able to work around the world. Whether it’s teaching English as a foreign language or a specialised subject, you can live and work abroad. International schools often look favourably upon teachers who have trained and qualified in England. Becoming a TeacherTeachers are the fabric of the school system, and it is their dedication and skill that ensure young people can leave school with the knowledge and opportunities they need to get on in life.Many teachers find great satisfaction in their work. Despite the everyday challenges teachers face, a number of surveys conducted among teachers indicate that the vast majority of them are satisfied with their role. If you are interested in embarking on a career in teaching there are different paths to qualification and training. You can also reach out to our Education Recruitment Team - they have over 100 years of combined experience. 

As we approach the start of the academic year, FE Colleges recruit staff at pace, to cover permanent gaps, sickness and respond to student enrolment. To help the community we’re releasing a two part series on temporary work in FE and how to find the right jobs and talent, the second in our series explores finding talent.

 

Understandably the start of the academic year is a busy period when it comes to hiring staff within Colleges, who need to recruit quickly. Similar roles and candidates are often needed simultaneously and now with job seekers being in higher demand they have more choices than in previous years, so you need to act fast if you want to hire the right talent for your College.

In this article, we’ll be looking at some of the ways you can help improve your chances of recruiting the right talent for your College. Whether that’s by getting the most out of your recruitment consultant or by implementing some tips for you and your staff. 

Hiring Manager Hints 

Hire at paceFor those managers who are hiring temporary staff in FE, both new and old, the best advice we could give to you for hiring staff from recruitment agencies is to move at pace.

Not managing to hire or hiring poor quality staff can have an incredibly negative impact on the outcomes of learners and morale amongst existing staff; and it's no secret that the FE and education sectors in general are facing huge challenges in recruiting and retaining staff, particularly at Lecturing, Support Assistant and Management level. So your College's recruitment process and strategy needs to be as efficient as possible if it is to be successful.

Sell the opportunityIt’s important to assess the candidate’s suitability for your vacancy, however it's also crucial that as a hiring manager you ‘sell’ the vacancy to the candidate and highlight the amazing opportunity to work in your team and at your College. Promoting the College's vision and values and providing first hand feedback on what it's like to work there will enable candidates to picture what life is like at your College.

The interview experience is an incredibly important factor for job seekers when considering offers; those who have had a positive experience and can see the passion and enthusiasm their potential new manager has, are more likely to be excited about the prospect of working there.

Act fastWe all know that a strong candidate will always have multiple job offers on the table and that they will be evaluating each opportunity on its own merits, so if you like the candidate and want to make them an offer, then act fast. Being responsive and proactive can often be the difference in successfully appointing a member of staff and not.

 

Making the most out your recruitment consultant 

The more detail is betterMake time to talk to your recruitment consultant, they are there to act as an extension of your HR recruitment team; it's crucial that they are able to fully articulate the opportunity within your team and in order to do that, a brief phone or video call (usually 10-15 minutes) can be the difference to successfully fulfilling your requirements and not.

Given the demand for good candidates in the education sector currently, job seekers are looking to establish as much information about the job and employer they are applying to in order to aid their decision making process. If you haven’t come away from a briefing call with your recruiter feeling slightly interrogated, then they probably haven’t done their job properly.

Set aside time for adminTo make sure your consultant can support you to the best of their ability, it’s best if you set aside some time to discuss appropriate timescales on how soon they can provide candidates for you to review, a time to discuss feedback and pre-booked diary slots for interviews. This will make the recruiting process go smoother, faster and your consultant will be able to advise how quickly they can confidently supply options.

 

Find your future staff

By applying the tips in this article, you’re sure to find the right staff for your College in no time. If you are looking to recruit new staff why not reach out to our Education Recruitment Team, they have over 100 years combined experience and are proud to be a key supplier of staff to FE. You can email our team at [email protected]

As we approach the start of the academic year, FE Colleges recruit staff at pace, to cover permanent gaps, sickness and respond to student enrolment. To help the community we’re releasing a two part series on temporary work in FE and how to find the right jobs and talent, the first in our series explores finding work.  

FE Colleges have a huge range of courses and learners available, so there are often plenty of part time and temporary positions available. Temporary work is a great opportunity for those looking for flexibility, who may have their own business, have child care responsibilities  or are semi-retired and want to continue to work part time in their industry area.

There are some do's and don'ts to finding temporary work in FE and some benefits you might not have realised. Read on to find more information on temporary work and some tips to improve your chances of landing the job you want and getting the most out of it. 

Finding the right temporary job for you 

Make the most out of agenciesRegistering with recruitment agencies may seem daunting at first and you may think it will require lots of work. However agencies will prioritise candidates they are working with on a more exclusive basis, and thus increasing your chances of finding the perfect role.

At first you may think registering at every agency you can find would increase your chances of finding a job, however it can be tricky keeping tabs on different contacts at multiple agencies, providing vetting information to multiple companies and having your referees contacted by multiple people. We recommend you choose one or two agencies; enabling you to build a good relationship with the agency and the agency’s staff, so that they can fully understand your requirements and match you with the College that’s right for you.

Be flexibleTry to be flexible in your requirements, your recruiter will try and find you the most suitable job based on what you are looking for, however the ‘perfect’ job doesn’t always exist. It may be you need to travel a bit further than you ideally wanted to, teach a broader range of levels, pick up an extra day's work or look at shorter term contracts.

You will likely miss out on opportunities if you aren’t receptive to needs, as temporary staff recruitment moves very quickly, as colleges do everything they can to accommodate their learners.

Be availableThis one may seem obvious, but being available is crucial when it comes to temporary work, as Colleges will recruit new staff quickly to cover sickness and student enrolment, you may miss out on job opportunities if you are not keeping on top of your correspondence. So make sure to keep your phone on you, keep on top of your personal emails and keep in touch with your chosen agencies.

Nail the basicsWith so many people competing for the same jobs it’s important to stand out from the crowd. So make sure you’ve got the basics covered, your CV needs to be kept up-to-date and it’s a good idea to brush up on your interview skills, so that when you’re applying for jobs, you’re confident and prepared. You can find extensive guides available here: morganhunt.com/career-advice

 

Now you’ve found temporary work  

Express your availabilityJust because you start a position on a part time basis, due to the size of some colleges provisions, you may find you are offered more hours after you start work, either in the same or different departments. So if you’re looking for more hours, make your manager aware you would be interested in picking up more work and they can try to accommodate you and introduce you to other managers who can utilise your skills.

Keep in contact with your agencyIf there’s no additional work available in the College you are initially placed in, make sure to ask your agency to keep you posted about work at other organisations that fit around your timetable. It's often hard for agencies to find someone who can work for 1-2 days per week, so knowing a candidate who is already working for them and looking for additional hours can work well for both parties.

 

Unsure about temporary work?

If you are newly qualified or have recently finished a permanent job and are ideally looking for a new permanent opportunity, make sure to keep an open mind about temporary work as this can often lead to longer term opportunities. 

Misconceptions in FE Temporary workTemporary teaching work in the FE sector is generally not the same as day to day supply teaching, most synonymous with schools. Generally, unless there is a very short gap to be covered, there is an expectation that temporary Lecturing staff in Colleges will complete and undertake lesson preparation and marking for their classes, which is usually included in the hourly or daily rate. A temporary lecture job in FE isn’t just about managing the class.

Benefits of FE Temporary workYou will be an integral part of the team when approaching a temporary contract in FE. You will be included in team meetings and often gain access to CPD opportunities, and will play an important role in the success of your department and the learners.

Possibility of permanentIf you’re ultimately looking for permanent work, make sure to find out from your agency about why there is a vacancy. If it is because someone has left a permanent role or they have been unsuccessful in recruiting for the permanent equivalent, then this creates a great opportunity for you to go in and demonstrate your skills and aptitude for the job to the College, putting yourself in a great position to be offered a permanent role.

 

Find your next job 

By applying the tips in this article, you’re sure to find the right job for you in no time.  If you are looking for a new role in FE why not reach out to our Education Recruitment Team, they have over 100 years combined experience and are proud to be a key supplier of staff to FE. You can email our team at [email protected] or why not explore the vacancies we’re currently recruiting for.