New government good for jobs, say business leaders

News Article - 06 May 2010
Category: Business

A recent survey of senior executives found that almost two thirds of business leaders think a new government will improve the job market, which took a significant hit during the economic downturn. 37% felt the Tories' manifesto had the potential to give jobseekers the most positive support, with Labour second (30%) and the Liberal Democrats third (19%).

The survey revealed a number of policies that senior leaders wish to see the winning party pursuing. 47% of respondents think funding for businesses to recruit workers over 50 is essential, whilst 41% want temporary tax relief for employers hiring to fill new roles. 36% want the Government to invest in schemes that help employers hire the long-term unemployed.

Revitalising the job market is one of the biggest challenges facing the new government. Hit hard by the recession and characterised by high levels of unemployment and benefit claims the job market has struggled to connect key talent with available positions resulting in dissatisfaction on behalf of both employees and employers.

Over the three months to February 2010 unemployment climbed to 2.5million, the highest figure since the latter half of 2004. In addition the number of people working part-time because they were unable to find a full-time job hit 1.05m, the highest on record since comparable data began to be collected in 1992. However there are positive signs for the job market as a whole. Unemployment fell back to 1.54m between February and March and claims for benefits have been continuously falling since December.

Industry confidence in a new government's ability to deliver positive change to the job market should be welcome for small businesses that may have worried it would become increasingly difficult to fill available positions. However, whilst the Government can invest in the job market and make it easier to find the most appropriate candidates, it is important businesses have the necessary recruitment and retention capabilities in place to make the most of a good marketplace. Without these, key talent can easily be lost to competitors.

Access HR software strengthens the recruitment process and helps identify the most appropriate candidates for the role. Powerful recruitment records management software gives companies the ability to organise applications by key criteria such as salary expectations, and help ensure shortlisted candidates are suitable for the role offered. Analysing recruitment costs also helps businesses track the financial impact of recruitment and make sure the process followed is cost-effective in the long-term.

For more information, please call Access on 0845 345 3300.

Article keywords: economic downturn, new government

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