Rec Scale Up Podcast

In this episode, Neil Carberry, REC Chief Executive, talks to Hannah Slaughter, a senior economist at the Resolution Foundation. Hannah discusses labour market enforcement, its importance and how it can be improved to drive standards. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Why labour market enforcement is an important issue for both workers and employers. The strengths and weaknesses of the labour market rights which are currently enforced in the UK. The current landscape of labour market rights. The proposals for how labour market enforcement can be improved in the years ahead.

In this episode, Kate Shoesmith, REC Deputy CEO, talks to Josh Gitman and Miranda Ashley, both Co-founders of LGWS a US based provider of solutions for onboarding & paying contractors. Josh and Miranda discuss how to navigate expansion into the US recruitment market and what success in the US looks like. LGWS is a US based Employer of Record servicing international recruitment companies. In just a few clicks we onboard, pay, and manage compliance for your contractors and internal employees. In this episode, we explore: What do foreign recruitment firms need to be aware of when expanding into the US market? How do various laws and regulations differ from the UK to the US? What industries are hot in the US within the temp/contract staffing market? Key Quotes “The US is a huge market that's got huge potential, but it's also a huge country. There are 50 states almost operating as 50 separate countries. It's a bit like Europe and the expectation is that you would know the rules and regulati

In this episode, Neil Carberry, REC Chief Executive, talks to Mark Kieve, CEO at Pixid UK & Ireland. Mark discusses the challenges and opportunities that have arisen due to economic shifts, changes in employment trends, skills shortages and high inflation. In this episode, you’ll hear about: How the impact of the current UK contingent staffing landscape has shifted the recruitment sector. How staffing firms can leverage market conditions to provide tailored services to their clients. How recruiters can stay ahead of the curve by leveraging technology and industry networks. Key Quotes “Skill shortages are being heightened by a significant increase in the number of people out of the workforce due to long-term sickness. This includes, you know, mental health and long COVID.” Mark “Change of demographics of the foreign nationals constitute to 12% of the UK workforce... and the pool of all country nationals applying to come to work in the UK in 2022, there are a total of 423,000 work visas gra

In this episode, Neil Carberry, REC Chief Executive, talks to Helen Tomlinson, Head of Talent Development at The Adecco Group and the UK’s first-ever Menopause Employment Champion, as appointed by the Department for Work and Pensions. Helen shares her experiences of supporting women across the recruitment industry and how, in her new role as Menopause Employment Champion, she is working with employers to better support and retain women through perimenopause and menopause. In this episode, you’ll hear about: The importance of supporting women through perimenopause & menopause in the recruitment industry. How supporting women through perimenopause & menopause periods in their life is linked to retaining women in the workforce more broadly. How has Adecco developed their Women’s Health strategy to support their female workforce? Key Quotes ”I've lost count of the number of women that I've spoken to who had really senior roles in the organisation and felt that they've got no alternative but t

In this episode, Neil Carberry, REC Chief Executive, interviews Chris Fletcher, GM LSIP and Policy Director at the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce. They provide an insight into how the local skills improvement plan is being implemented in the Greater Manchester area, what the local skills improvement plan enables and how it’s different from previous plans. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Why the current local skills improvement plan (LSIP) is different from other skills plans and how it enables the local economy to flourish. What work has been done so far in the Greater Manchester area and the plans that they have going forward. How the LSIPs fit with the Greater Manchester Devolution Deal and the Mayor’s plan for an integrated technical skills city region. How the learning gained in Greater Manchester can be applied elsewhere.

In this episode, Neil Carberry, REC Chief Executive, interviews Sarah O'Connor, Correspondent and columnist at the Financial Times. They discuss how technology, wellbeing and the impact of freedom of movement have created challenges for the workforce and employers. In this episode, you’ll hear about: The top challenges facing individual employees and businesses in today's workforce. The innovative approach that can be prioritised by the government, opposition, and anyone looking to foster a positive and supportive work environment. How businesses can successfully navigate industrial relations to improve employee satisfaction and productivity Key Quotes “There is video technology used in order to interview candidates... where no human will review the video either and artificial intelligence will decide whether that person is a good fit or not for the job based on the words they say, sometimes even on their tone of voice or their facial expressions!” Sarah “There's a little bit about m

In this episode Neil Carberry, REC Chief Executive, interviews Dr. Fiona Aldridge, Head of Insight and Intelligence in the Economic Delivery, Skills and Communities Directorate at West Midlands Combined Authority. They discuss the biggest challenges associated with local and regional skills shortages. In this episode, you’ll hear more about: The Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) implemented by the West Midlands Combined Authority. How the collaboration between businesses, education providers, and policy stakeholders can help to address this skills issue. How additional funding for skills boot camps will benefit the local community and businesses in the region. The biggest challenges facing local and regional approaches to skills development. Key Quotes “The vacancies we have at the minute aren't skills shortages they're labour market shortages” Fiona This is your opportunity to show that recruiters who are deeply embedded in the areas … are a part of how we address candidate supply and

In this episode, Neil Carberry, REC Chief Executive interviews Steve Johnson, Growth Leader of Commercial Workplace Savings at Mercer Marsh. They discuss the key requirements needed by employers to retain, engage and motivate employees. In this episode, you’ll hear more about: The challenges being seen by SME businesses and the need to adapt to change, including the impact of the great resignation The specific issues/shifts being seen around the attraction, retention and motivation of employees. How the benefits package offered is relative to employee physical and psychological well-being. How salary exchange and employee benefits education can help businesses support their employees without breaking the bank. Key Quotes “Running into the pandemic, it was much more about the psychological and employees wanting recognition and what we're finding now is all about the well-being agenda.” Steve “I think as employers we're going to start thinking more about well-being and what’s the wel

In this episode, Neil Carberry, REC Chief Executive interviews Suhail Mirza, Non Executive Director at Newcross Healthcare and a global speaker and coach on inner wellness. They discuss wellbeing in the workplace in high pressured roles, the need to step back and assess how to maintain healthy practices and how to help individuals to flourish. Tune in to hear about: * The challenges and opportunities that we are now facing post pandemic * How to promote and facilitate a better culture in the workplace, and the need to eliminate toxic working cultures, micromanagement and the stigmatisation of those facing mental health challenges * Working smarter so that individuals are maintaining wellbeing in an environment where we’re adapting to the fast-paced nature of the workforce.

In this episode, Neil Carberry interviews Samantha Beggs, our very own Campaigns and Government Relations Manager at the REC. They discuss the politics, economics and labour market drivers that will be informing Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt’s Spring Budget announcement on 15 March. In this episode, you’ll hear more about: The challenges the Chancellor will face around how to balance the books in light of reduced government spending, while boosting growth and providing support. How we obtain growth in the UK economy and what we need to do to get there, and what levelling up really means for local communities. The solutions the REC are taking to Government on behalf of the UK recruitment industry, and how we go about positioning a market that contributes over £42 billion to UK GDP a year.

Guest speaker: • Ed Thompson, CEO and Founder, Uptimize Our recent research in partnership with neurodivergent training experts Uptimize revealed some astonishing findings about the state of neuroinclusive recruitment in the UK. We surveyed REC members to understand the level of awareness of neuroinclusive recruitment practices within organisations. Here are some key findings: • Only 30% of recruiters in our study have knowingly placed neurodivergent candidates. • Almost 80% of respondents said they had received no training on neuroinclusive recruitment and only 20% understood how to conduct a neuroinclusive interview. • 70% of recruiters believe there is high potential in untapped neurodiverse talent pool. So, what does it take to become a neuroinclusive recruiter? What practical steps can leaders take to drive the movement? We spoke to Ed Thompson, CEO of Uptimize to guide us through this unexplored area of recruitment which could hold the key to tackling the ongoing skills shortages. You'll hear about

Guest speaker: • Mark Thompson, Group Head of Sales, Sonovate As we navigate ongoing skills shortages and a cost-of-living crisis, how can you ensure your business stays attractive to top talent and clients? Gone are the days where the option of work from home was seen as a "perk". So what does it take to entice highly skilled workers and remain competitive? We spoke to Mark Thompson of Sonovate on the revelations in their latest Future World of Work report 2023 . "Flexibility “was a recurring theme and the report uncovers what this could means for businesses, clients and candidates including: • 64 % of respondents believe flexible working can alleviate the cost-of-living burden on their people • 67% of businesses believe flexibility is crucial when it comes to competing for the most sought-after skills. Hear Mark and Neil discuss the key takeaways from the report and answer some thought-provoking questions - questions you should be thinking about as you plan your workforce needs for 2023 and beyond: • T

Guest speaker: • Kate Shoesmith, Deputy CEO, REC Our latest Recruitment Industry Status report (RISR) demonstrates the huge role recruitment and staffing firms have played in driving the recovery from the pandemic. Our industry made 22.4 million temporary / contract placements and 540,000 permanent placements in 2021. However, ongoing skills shortages presents a big challenge for our economy, and could constrain growth. Our Overcoming Shortages report predicts that, without a strategy to address growing labour demand, UK GDP would fall by between £30 & £39 billion a year from 2024. In addition, we are in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis and one of the most turbulent periods in UK political history. But the outlook for 2023 isn't all gloomy, and the opportunities are out there for recruitment consultancies that get it right. So, what does it take to overcome the ongoing challenges and stand out from the crowd? Our final podcast of 2022 takes you through some of our predictions for next year - backed b

Guest speaker: • Richard Skellett, Founder of Globalution Group As we approach the end of this year, there is a lot to reflect on. But it's also time to think about what our market will look like in the coming years. Our annual industry status report 2021/2022 shows the vital role the recruitment industry has played in the economic recovery, at a time when businesses underwent significant change and workers reorganised. One of the major issues most companies have is around fixed costs. We spoke to future of work expert, visionary leader and Founder of The Globalution Group, Richard Skellett, to learn more about how businesses are reacting to market changes, how to manage the fixed cost to variable cost challenge and how recruitment businesses need to change to meet future challenges. Connect with Richard Skellett on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardskellett/

Guest speaker: • Paul Chamberlain, Partner and Head of Employment, JMW Solicitors LLP On 20 July 2022, the Supreme Court issued its long-awaited decision in the case of Harpur Trust v Brazel regarding the calculation of annual leave and holiday pay for employees with irregular working patterns. We spoke to Paul Chamberlain, Partner and Head of Employment of JMW Solicitors LLP, to take us through: • The facts of the case • Calculating holiday pay the right way • Key commercial aspects to consider as recruitment agency owners • Managing client relationships and arrangements • How agencies are reacting to these changes • What this might mean for working time regulations more generally Find out more at our holiday pay hub at rec.uk.com/holidaypay Check our JMW's latest blog on the Harpur Trust v Brazel case: https://www.jmw.co.uk/services-for-business/employment-law/blog/supreme-court-decision-practice-and-calculation-rolled-holiday-pay-harpur-trust-v-brazel

Guest speakers • Nicola Inge, Employment & Skills Director, BITC • Hayley Tatum, Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer from Asda Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) isn't a corporate craze that'll disappear in a few years. What can be missing is not realising the commercial benefits of being a truly diverse and inclusive organisation. Being an inclusive organisation improves your desirability as an employer which is crucial to talent attraction and retention. Who better to explain the impact of EDI in talent attraction and recruitment than Nicola Inge, Employment & Skills Director from BITC? Nicola led the 'Opening Doors' campaign which puts inclusive recruitment at its heart. As an Opening Doors Employer, Hayley Tatum, Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer from Asda, also joins us to share what actions they are taking to address the skills challenges and the work they're doing on EDI. Tune into this episode to hear about: • How can businesses attract and recruit talent in a tight labour

Guest speaker: • Vanessa Raath, Head Cheerleader A recruiter wears many hats during their career - from being a marketer building brands and deploying marketing strategies to source the best talent, to forging long-lasting relationships and partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders. As Global Talent Sourcing Trainer and renowned Keynote Speaker Vanessa Raath puts it "If you're going to be a recruiter for life, your partnerships and your relationships are golden." But how can you up your talent sourcing game? Are you relying solely on active talent to fulfil your clients' requirements or thinking outside the box to overcome the challenges posed by the ongoing labour shortages? In our latest podcast, Vanessa shares her wisdom on becoming a better talent acquisition professional. You'll hear about: • Why do we need to source passive talent? • Tools to source the right talent • Next steps once you have identified the right people • The importance of your online brand as a Talent Acquisition/Recruitin

Guest speaker: • Adeife Onwuzulike, Global Diversity Equity and Inclusion Director, Euromonitor International What does inclusion look like in your organisation? The theme for Black History Month this year is 'time for change: Action not words'. We were joined by Adeife Onwuzulike, Global Diversity Equity and Inclusion Director of Euromonitor International to talk about how recruitment businesses can champion this change by building strong partnerships with their clients and by acting as champions of inclusion in recruitment. In this thought-provoking discussion, Adeife and Neil will take you through: • A recap of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in recruitment • EDI forecasts for 2023 • How are recruiters and employers working together to ensure that middle to senior-level shortlists are truly diverse? • What recruiters and employers need to be adopting in 2023 and the impact of investors like Legal and General on organisations in ensuring a diverse pipeline • What does a truly inclusive recr

Guest speaker: • Scarlett Allen-Horton, Founder, Harper Fox Search Partners Recruiters are in a powerful position to influence businesses on their Equality, Diversity and Inclusion positioning and advise on practical ways to deploy successful EDI strategies. We spoke to our EDI Ambassador and Founder of Harper Fox Search Partners, Scarlett Allen-Horton, to understand what it takes to drive a successful EDI strategy. Tune into hear: • An overview of the importance of inclusive recruitment practices • How recruitment leaders can embrace EDI within their own businesses • How to push back when clients are non-inclusive • What can we do as an industry to educate clients? Find out more about the work of Harper Fox on EDI here: https://harperfoxpartners.com/ For EDI resources and advice from the REC, head to our EDI hub: https://www.rec.uk.com/about-the-rec/equality-diversity-and-inclusion

“We need to equip people with relationship-building skills, because when the market turns, every recruiter in town is going to have to get on the phone and do some business development, and they won't have the skills and clients won't want to talk to them.” Hear Greg Savage and Neil Carberry discuss candidate and client engagement strategies in the latest special episode of our Talking Recruitment podcast. Join Greg's masterclass in London on August 31 to learn more about: • Leadership imperatives for the new era • Revising your candidate acquisition and engagement strategy • Understanding ‘sustainability’ and building a resilient business • Margins, pricing, metrics, the benchmarks you need, and more! Sign up here: https://web.cvent.com/event/03ba3451-2fbd-4e67-b314-c825e0fe109e/summary