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HR recruitment: July 2009
HR News |
10/07/2009
The opening lines of the Rudyard Kipling poem 'If...' might not be etched on the wall of every HR professional across the country right now, but it is likely that those famous words have a particular resonance with such workers during times of economic strife. Figures released by a number of professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), indicate that a steady stream of HR people have been contacting helplines and asking for guidance as their firm prepares to make redundancies. This, combined with the prospect of a raft of new equality legislation and some significant rulings from the House of Lords, no doubt makes for hectic times in the sector. So while they are concentrating on keeping their heads, might HR professionals be taken unawares and find that they have lost their jobs? If so, what are their chances of finding a new one? And how likely is it that those looking to move on to bigger and better things will be able to realise their dreams?
Like most sectors of the economy, HR is currently in flux - but to a greater extent. The Ashdown Group Job Index has revealed that over the course of 2009 the decline in the number of vacancies for jobs in personnel has been bigger than any other area.
Despite this, it seems that even during these challenging times employers are still unable to access individuals with the abilities they need. A study by the CIPD revealed that firms see a lack of individuals with the required skills as the main recruitment problem they face. Perhaps the question HR staff should be asking themselves is "can I take advantage of this situation?"
According to the Confederation of British Industry, it is likely that innovative ideas such as short-time working and increased flexibility will remain a part of working life even once the recession is over. This shift in the employment landscape could mean that, once the recovery gets underway, it will be HR professionals who possess the talents needed to help firms sow the seeds of success. Might this mean that now is the time for forward-looking firms to grab battle-hardened HR staff while they have the chance? Rebecca Clake, organisation and resourcing adviser at the CIPD, is certain what lies ahead for the profession.
She said: "It's important that HR people develop a skill set which equips them to deal with the challenges of the current economic environment and for preparing their people and business for the future."
With the latest Report on Jobs from KPMG and the Recruitment and Employment Confederation suggesting that this month might see an increase in the number of permanent placements being made in the UK, July might be the time for employers to snap up HR professionals with these vital skills before a competitor does.
Posted by Jon Aspinell.
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