Myths over redundancy

According to Jobsite's latest research report, 'Recessional recruiting' (www.jobsite.co.uk/recessionreport) one in three workers '“ 9.9 million people - (34 per cent) believe in the myth that potential employers look badly on candidates who have been made redundant.

Yet the report reveals that one in three companies (35 per cent) are in fact actively targeting candidates who have been made redundant by rival firms.

Based on research among 4,000 workers and 500 HR managers, the report finds that many candidates are reluctant to move jobs, as one in eight (12 per cent) believe in the myth that employers take a "last-in, first-out" approach to redundancy.

However, HR Managers' approach to hiring is the opposite to candidate perceptions, with one in three (35 per cent) looking to hire specific talent now to help see their companies get through the downturn and enjoy rapid recovery as the economy improves.

More than half (53 per cent) are also still engaging in general recruitment, including replacing exiting members of staff, with 80 per cent looking to fill permanent, full time roles.

In spite of this, more than a third of candidates (34 per cent) are not confident in the jobs market, and many speculate that there are no jobs available.

Keith Potts, CEO of Jobsite.co.uk, said: "Job losses are dominating the headlines, but not all companies are shedding staff or freezing recruitment. It's easy to see how job hunting myths can come to fruition when candidates are under increased stress."

"However, our research shows that in this difficult time, many businesses need talented, committed employees more than ever. We would recommend candidates who are unhappy in their current roles look before they leap '“ researching their perspective employers thoroughly. At the same time we would also encourage people to have the confidence to follow their career aspirations. Even in a downturn, there are excellent opportunities out there."

Jobsite's report on hiring in an economic downturn, 'Recessional recruiting', discusses this and many other relevant issues and is available to download for free at www.jobsite.co.uk/recessionreport