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Work Programme can offer new opportunities for recruiters

The Government’s new Work Programme can give recruiters an opportunity to play an integral part in assisting those once furthest away from the labour market back into work, the REC's Diversity and Inclusion Forum heard this week.
 
Now that some 40 successful bidders for the Work Programme have been announced, the REC is working with providers to identify how recruiters can successfully work with them to meet labour market needs.
 
The Forum heard about the Work Programme's latest developments from Anthony Lengden and Ravi Kumar, Serco’s Employment Relationship Managers for Greater Manchester and the West Midlands, and Philip Curry, Policy and Communications Manager for the Employment Related Services Association (ERSA).

Key points included the role of providers to act as a mentor and adviser to those who may have been away from the workplace for many years, and a new 'black box' approach which allows providers to deliver services in the way they see fit, rather than via a prescribed approach.
 
Commenting, Sarah Gordon, Chair of the REC’s Diversity and Inclusion Forum, said:

"While the Work Programme is a new national welfare-to-work model that will take time to bed down, we are encouraged by early discussions with prime contractors about how recruiters can work in partnership with them for mutual benefit.
 
"Whilst the providers offer tailored support to get people prepared for work, recruiters can use their market expertise and client contacts to place work-ready candidates into jobs. This will help build a talent pipeline and enable employers to reach a broader pool of candidates -- a win-win outcome for jobseekers, welfare to work providers, recruiters and employers.
 
'As the Work Programme kicks off this summer, recruiters should seek to build partnerships nationally, sectorally and regionally with providers so that all those taking part are given the best possible start back into the world of work.”