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HR recruitment - November 2009
HR News |
06/11/2009
From the gender pay gap to worries about the Christmas party, HR workers must feel they have enough on their plates at the best of times. While a recession would not be on anyone's business wish list, those who have to pick up the pieces of day-to-day business mishaps have extra reasons for dreading an economic decline. Aside from having to face the pitfalls of things like unfair dismissal and pay freezes, job losses can often mean that HR professionals have to cope with increased workloads with fewer colleagues to support them. Fortunately, it seems that the cavalry is at last on its way.
After four months of largely slow growth, the latest Ashdown Group Jobs Index has revealed a surge in the number of HR vacancies on offer during October - an 11.28 per cent increase on September's figure to be precise. The rise is perhaps even more surprising given the 4.26 per cent decline recorded last month.
According to John Lynes, director of the Ashdown Group, although some of October's increase can be put down to a market correction following a poor month, there is no doubt that the increase signals the start of real growth.
He said: "The results of October's study are the most positive of the recession and I would like to think signal the end of a difficult year. 11.28 per cent growth in the HR jobs market suggests businesses are gearing up to re-employ."
And the good news is not limited to HR. If it was, it might be possible to argue that the rise was nothing more than a flash in the pan. However, a 10.28 per cent rise in the number of marketing jobs on offer indicates that businesses are gearing up for a sustained recovery and want to ensure they have the talent they need to thrive.
Andrew Mayo, president of the HR Society, agrees that things are looking up when it comes to recruitment in the sector after a tough 12 months.
He said: "HR is a natural choice for the cull in hard times and this has been happening over the last year. Nevertheless there is often more HR work to be done than less when organisations are contracting."
Even if the growth in vacancies weakens slightly, Mr Mayo believes the latest figures are "encouraging signs of recovery" and at worst will form part of a steady upward trend. Of course, firms that wait for this trend to solidify risk missing out on the brightest talent. Their speedier competitors on the other hand will no doubt be looking to ensure they are fully prepared for the recovery by recruiting now. This should give business leaders something to think about, especially if they want to avoid being shunned by an overworked HR team when the Christmas party does roll around.
Posted by Jon Aspinell.
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