I launched Masson Appointments in 2003 in The Office Building on Gatwick Road, Crawley. However, after a few years being closer to home, on the South Coast, I have made the decision to return, to where it all started. This is because I have a strong client base in and around Crawley, London and South East so, by being more central, client demands can be met faster and with a larger catchment of candidates.
Even Patch is happy in his new office!
Healthy people are happier, more engaged and more productive. Employers across the UK are acting now to support the wellbeing of their people and create mentally healthy businesses. Stress, anxiety and depression are the biggest cause of sickness absence in our society. Mental ill health alone, is responsible for 91 million working days lost every year.
The Centre for Mental Health has found that mental ill health costs UK employers an estimated £34.9 billion each year – the equivalent of £1,300 for every employee in the UK workforce. Broken down, that’s £10.6 billion in sickness absence, £21.2 billion in reduced productivity, and £3.1 billion in replacing staff who leave their jobs for mental health-related reasons. According to the Centre for Mental Health, simple steps to improve the management of mental health in the workplace will allow employers to save 30% or more of these costs – at least £10 billion a year.
So, there is exciting news, that today (Thursday 17th Jan 2019) the issue of Mental Health First Aid in the Workplace will finally be debated in Parliament. Luciana Berger of Labour, Norman Lamb of the Lib Dems and Johnny Mercer of Conservatives are sponsoring the debate and more than 60 MPs have supported the debate, triggered by the online petition of Change.org
“I stand with #WheresYourHeadAt demanding more should be done to protect mental health. Today parliament is debating a change to law which would mean ALL workplaces make provision around #mentalhealthfirstaid.
Make it compulsory to have a mental health first aider at work #wheresyourheadat
A trained Mental Health First Aider in your workplace can start productive conversations about mental health, be a role model for how to manage mental health, promote greater understanding of the importance of mental health, and play a significant part in ending stigma and discrimination around mental health in the workplace. Upon completing the course, students will become certified mental health first aiders in the workplace and can help colleagues with a mental health issue receive the support they need to recover or manage their symptoms. Both public courses and workplace training are available.
We are currently working with a number of clients, who employ large numbers of EU nationals. This is for a number of reasons and the implications of Brexit are a very hot topic right now, for employers and those looking for work in the UK. Especially given, that 7% (2.2 million) of the UK workforce is made up of EU workers and 15% of roles are low-skilled.
As members of the REC (Recruitment and Employment Confederation), we actively take part and enjoy the research that is conducted on behalf of the recruitment industry and the government. There are many recommendations for employers and agencies, on how we can engage workers to get the best opportunities in roles that are becoming increasingly difficult to fill, with many EU nationals not seeing the UK as a viable option.
The following article will be of interest to those who hire low-skilled workers in light of the Brexit negotiations:
https://www.rec.uk.com/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/395487/Ready,-willing-and-able-Can-the-UK-labour-force-meet-demand-after-Brexit-2017.pdf
What a great initiative for employees within the Arun region!
If your employees wish to improve their lifestyle, the Council’s wellbeing team can assist! The team work with any workplace, organisation or business within the district. They offer a free and confidential 30 minute assessment of health and wellbeing to discover factors such as body mass index, fat %, hydration level and metabolic rate. A 12 week plan can be put in place to assist in a healthier lifestyle. They provide advice and support with a further test provided after 3 months to track progress against goals. Further details can be obtained from www.arun.westsussexwellbeing.org.uk
I hope you all had a fabulous Christmas and New Years’ break? Now that we are all back at work, along with resolutions, I’m sure that many people are reviewing their careers and wondering about change. I recruit for a superb multi-award winning organisation where morale is extraordinarily high, but this is due to how they look after their employees. I have today received feedback from a Manager that I have recently successfully recruited for and his new employee only started last week:
“Jon’s doing very well and is a welcome addition to the team. I think he’s already keen to get started on our project!”
Another message from a temporary PA who has been supporting a Business Development Director for the last 3 months, within the same company:
“You’ve been a star choosing me for this great position, it’s been lovely working here and representing Masson Appointments.”
I’m lucky to work with professional individuals who represent Masson Appointments so beautifully. Thank you.
So, if you are looking for that fresh, new start, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
Wishing you every success for this New Year!
This is a really interesting article, compiled by the Glassdoor website, where employees rate their employer! This gives a great insight into roles, so if you are thinking of a new career, or just to see if your role is ranked in the top 25, please click and read:
As a member of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, we are regularly kept up to date with the ever changing issues surrounding employment and the law. I thought it would be of interest, for you to see their Press Release following today’s exit from Europe.
Responding to today’s announcement that the UK has voted to leave the European Union, Recruitment & Employment Confederation Chief Executive Kevin Green says:
“The vote to leave the EU is likely to usher in a challenging period for British business and for the UK labour market in particular. Our data has shown a slowdown in hiring as we approached the Referendum. We expect to see this period of uncertainty continue.
“Nothing will change overnight. There will be a prolonged period of renegotiation and readjustment. During this time government needs to do everything possible to help businesses to grow and create jobs.
“That involves outlining a timetable of renegotiation to help organisations make informed strategic decisions. We call on policy-makers to set out the plan for implementing changes to employment regulations such as the Agency Workers Directive and the Working Time Directive.
“We need to ensure that British businesses continue to be able to get the people they need to fill the jobs available. Access to talent is absolutely vital to sustainable economic growth and prosperity. In sectors such as healthcare, education, hospitality, construction and manufacturing, workers from the EU are vital and any change to our immigration system needs to recognise that.
“We hope that today’s Referendum result leads to a step-change in the way we prepare current and future jobseekers in the UK, so that new entrants to the jobs market are better equipped with the skills and attitude that employers need. Employers, educators and government must seize the initiative and create a pipeline of talent so that individuals and businesses continue to thrive in the post-EU era. Over the coming weeks we will be consulting our members so that the recruitment industry is ready to play its part.”
One of the many reasons I love my job.
Yesterday, I went to visit a candidate I had recently introduced to a company and who was successful in securing a management position. When I asked him, how he was settling in and if it was what he had expected, he hugged me and said “I couldn’t be happier, thank you”. I told him he could never know how much that meant to me. Kevin is working as a manager and has forged excellent working relationships within weeks. My client is delighted with his attitude and immediately they’ve struck up a great relationship. It’s fantastic catching up with candidates once they have started in their new roles and hearing the success stories! I’m so lucky to work with and meet such fantastic people, feeling humbled.
Excitement in Arundel!
A feature film is being filmed in Arundel tonight and tomorrow, on the High Street by the Norfolk Hotel. There is lots of buzz around the town today and they are using our offices to film and also store some of the props! Look out for the film later this year, it’s called “The Old Boys” and some is being shot at Lancing College. Photo’s to follow!
