Businesses now offered free jobcentre recruitment support to fill vacancies – DWP

UK businesses have been offered no-fee specialist recruitment support to fill vacancies with the rollout of a national campaign, launched today, 3rd November. 

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reported that only one in five businesses engaged with jobcentre support over the last year, while more than half (53%) of employers were unable to find the right candidate. 

The average cost of filling a vacancy is around £6,125, with many businesses missing out on support that could save thousands.

The campaign is targeting sectors with high vacancy rates, including manufacturing, logistics, retail, hospitality, health and social care, and construction. 

Jobcentre Plus offers work-ready candidates, bespoke training, shortlisting of CVs, free advertising, expert advice from a dedicated account manager, and guidance on employing people with disabilities and health conditions.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden, said: “We’re encouraging businesses of all sizes to get in touch with their local Jobcentres to make the most of their expertise in getting Britain working. 

“These partnerships are crucial to our Plan for Change, helping us break down barriers to growth and creating more opportunities to help people into good, secure jobs.”

Kiera Hope, talent acquisition specialist at Starbucks, said: “Over the last six to eight months, our partnership with the DWP and local Jobcentres across the UK has been incredibly beneficial to Starbucks.