Advice to Employers Looking to Hire in 2021/2022
September 24th, 2021
Advice for Employers who are Recruiting in a market where there are a limited numbers of candidates! Vardey Recruitment recently met up with Rebecca Clayton at R Human Resources to discuss the current labour shortage challenges!
Rebecca
“We recently read an article that mentioned that new research showed 9 in 10 recruiters are concerned about the labour shortage and that they are worried it is putting economic recovery at risk. In addition, there was a record breaking 1.66 million job openings at the end of last month, this reflects a rise of over a third (35%) in the space of three months. Vacancy numbers are far higher than pre-pandemic and it is taking much longer to fill them. On average pre-covid, there were 11 applicants per advert, now there are 2!
Clare
“Yes, I do completely agree, in the finance and accountancy sector we are seeing a drop in application numbers and also the quality of applications have decreased across the board regionally as well as locally. Talking to my peers in the industry we have found a common consensus that it’s also taking slightly longer than normal to fill those vacancies due to the skills shortage exacerbating this problem.
My recommendations:
- Simplify the recruitment process, maybe cut down a 2-stage interview process to a 1- stage.
- Introduce a video interview as a very quick way of meeting potential candidates.
- Increase starting salaries and benefits (if possible). Bench mark with other local companies ensure that you are competitive.
- Implement and offer a hybrid flexible working policy.
- Promote from within the company, is there someone who will move across departments and re train? This is a massive cost saving as well as great for staff morale!
- Use a specialist recruiter who will already have contacts in your sector who can help sell your opportunity.
- Introduce apprenticeships Programmes eg. ACA Level 7 programmes (government funded), details can be found here Link
Personally, I’m not sure this problem is going away, so these changes could help in the meantime!"
For support with your HR practices and how to introduce a flexible working policy, please contact Rebecca Old MCIPD or Rebecca Clayton at R Human Resources info@rhumanresources.co.uk.
If you are looking to hire an accountancy or finance professional or an apprentice contact Clare at Vardey Recruitment we will be delighted to hear from you.
Clare@vardeyrecruitment.com 07816 873747
By Clare Dear and Rebecca Clayton
September 2021
Photo by istock - qunamax