Suggestions Please!

[Alps]

Hi, I am looking to take on around 5 new members of staff. I don't need skilled workers, just reliable honest people who will turn up to work 3 hours a day, Monday to Friday on a long term contract. They will need to be able to get a DBS Check. I would really like to find ways to employ those not normally seen as employable. I know the DBS requirement is a bit of an issue but it is essential.

Does anyone have any suggestions where to start looking? It would be ideal for people who want to get back into work and remain under the 16hr/weeks threshold and although it can be quite physical at times it doesn't require any particular skills. We're paying above minimum wage.

Thanks

 

[Mark T Jones]

Job Centres would be a starting point.

 

[Alps]

Job Centres would be a starting point.

Thanks - we've tried them but got sent about 3 applicants who very obviously didn't want the job, and another 2 that we took on but went off sick within 2 weeks! I was wondering more about agencies that specialise in getting people into the workforce and giving them some independence who maybe have learning difficulties or similar? it's a very friendly place to work and we are willing to make changes wherever possible to accommodate the right people.

 

[intheTRADE]

What type of people are you classing as not normally employable?

 

[Stas Lawicki]

A couple of things spring to mind:

1) Manage an ad yourself via totaljobs or another online portal - pros: reasonably cheap, far reaching, no skills to setup or administer. Cons: you are likely to get a million and 1 applicants who may or may not have read your job descriptions; it will require time to filter through. There is the occasional diamond in the rough...

2) Ex-services personnel. Plenty of bright, smart, trustworthy folk looking for work. Not sure how unskilled the work you are offering is but not everybody wants or needs an academic career!
Try various charitable organisations such has help for heros or serve on for more info. No reason to think ex-services people are unemployable but certainly an undervalued section of society imo.

3) Uni and school leavers - loads of different sites and options to find folk newly out of education.

have a look at this too:

https://assets.publishing.service.g...ganisations_who_support_vulnerable_people.pdf

All sorts of organisations and charities for disadvantaged groups.

 

[Alps]

What type of people are you classing as not normally employable?

Please don't take my wording to be offensive, I am not on the front line of PCness and always worry about using the wrong terms! Reading around it seems there is a group of "core unemployed" that the majority of employers overlook when it comes to interview as they have gaps in their CVs, may be illiterate, don't have basic school leavers qualifications for various reasons whether it's circumstance or ability. I would like to give an equal chance to potential employees based on their individual strengths.

Again, I'm probably using all the wrong phrases and risking offending lots of people, it isn't my intention and I hope you can see where I'm coming from!

 

[Alps]

A couple of things spring to mind:

1) Manage an ad yourself via totaljobs or another online portal - pros: reasonably cheap, far reaching, no skills to setup or administer. Cons: you are likely to get a million and 1 applicants who may or may not have read your job descriptions; it will require time to filter through. There is the occasional diamond in the rough...

2) Ex-services personnel. Plenty of bright, smart, trustworthy folk looking for work. Not sure how unskilled the work you are offering is but not everybody wants or needs an academic career!
Try various charitable organisations such has help for heros or serve on for more info. No reason to think ex-services people are unemployable but certainly an undervalued section of society imo.

3) Uni and school leavers - loads of different sites and options to find folk newly out of education.

have a look at this too:

https://assets.publishing.service.g...ganisations_who_support_vulnerable_people.pdf

All sorts of organisations and charities for disadvantaged groups.

perfect that is exactly what I am after, thank you so much!

 

[The Byre]

This sounds like a shoo-in for older people who have a pension that they would like to add to. They are fairly interested in local news, so on-line and/or paper advertising with the local rag would be my best bet. You might also try leafleting areas known to house larger numbers of older people.

Ex-servicemen are much sought-after and will want a full-time position that provides security and pays properly.

 

[Alps]

Yes that would be worth a look - I agree ex servicemen may not be ideal. Well they would probably be ideal but I don't think they'd want to work low hours and not use their full potential!

 

[Stas Lawicki]

Yes that would be worth a look - I agree ex servicemen may not be ideal. Well they would probably be ideal but I don't think they'd want to work low hours and not use their full potential!

Don't believe all ex-services are highly sought after - it's not true! They should be more than they are, but sadly far too many are not considered for roles or positions or struggle due to mental or physical injury. I've met plenty of them! I wouldn't assume they don't want the low hours or lesser commitment - it might be exactly what they are after!

 

[The Byre]

I am an ex-serviceman and of the former ordinary squaddies in my recruit platoon, one went on to become an Olympic coach, one created an air-transport company, one became production manager for a distillery, one went on to head up security operations at a large international airport, I could go on and on. Yes, some were failures in life, some went on to the SAS and from there, founded companies or got good corporate positions, but all those who were normal and decent people and looked for decent jobs found them.

Of course, some pin-head who gets thrown out of the Pioneer Corps or the Catering Corps is going to struggle in life and no doubt will blame post-traumatic stress disorder for his subsequent drug use, but the world is full of losers who blame their misfortunes on anything and everything except themselves.

 

[Mr D]

Please don't take my wording to be offensive, I am not on the front line of PCness and always worry about using the wrong terms! Reading around it seems there is a group of "core unemployed" that the majority of employers overlook when it comes to interview as they have gaps in their CVs, may be illiterate, don't have basic school leavers qualifications for various reasons whether it's circumstance or ability. I would like to give an equal chance to potential employees based on their individual strengths.

Again, I'm probably using all the wrong phrases and risking offending lots of people, it isn't my intention and I hope you can see where I'm coming from!

Some of those 'core unemployed' do not want a job and will make your life hell at work if you give them one.
Give the best people for the job an equal chance - just don't be surprised if they don't share your values.

What you are offering suits someone who wants that amount of work. There isn't a benefit for long term unemployed who would be the sole wage earner in the house unless you paid high wages. Say £500 a week for part time work. 15 hours a week
Whereas someone who cannot get much benefit (if at all) may well be willing to get some extra money for the household as a 2nd income.

 

[Stas Lawicki]

Yes, yes - I know you're ex services. And yes, there are many ex service men and women who are and have achieved great things since leaving. There's no argument about the skillset and potential of many. If only more businesses recognised that... I am however talking about the many for whom the transition into civi life hasn't gone to plan. They're not all snowflakes or melts, some simply haven't had the opportunity or support to make the adjustment. The problem therefore is a human one - plenty need help identifying their skills and talents and haven't had the opportunity to shine. This is true of all sorts of people from all sorts of backgrounds.

 

[Mr D]

I am an ex-serviceman and of the former ordinary squaddies in my recruit platoon, one went on to become an Olympic coach, one created an air-transport company, one became production manager for a distillery, one went on to head up security operations at a large international airport, I could go on and on. Yes, some were failures in life, some went on to the SAS and from there, founded companies or got good corporate positions, but all those who were normal and decent people and looked for decent jobs found them.

Of course, some pin-head who gets thrown out of the Pioneer Corps or the Catering Corps is going to struggle in life and no doubt will blame post-traumatic stress disorder for his subsequent drug use, but the world is full of losers who blame their misfortunes on anything and everything except themselves.

Some of those who served their country, who were well regarded in their unit, once they leave they are left to rot.
Disabilities, mental health issues, homelessness etc.
Way too many ex military among those. Partly as a result of their training and lifestyle?

PTSD does not just affect ex military. And does not affect all involved in an incident the same way.

 

[Stas Lawicki]

P. S. There are a million and one reasons why talented people would settle for a low-commitment role.

 

[NickGrogan]

I don't need skilled workers, just reliable honest people who will turn up to work 3 hours a day

What do you want them to do?

 

[Alps]

What do you want them to do?

Housekeeping (not private houses)

 

[Bushman]

Try homeless charities, the homeless are often considered unemployable.

 

[Mr D]

Try homeless charities, the homeless are often considered unemployable.

Not just considered. Some are unemployable.
And again whether the employment is suitable.

 

[alan1302]

Not just considered. Some are unemployable.
And again whether the employment is suitable.

Some people who are not homeless as unemplyable as well. What is your point?

 

[Bushman]

Not just considered. Some are unemployable.
And again whether the employment is suitable.

Yes, some are totally unemployable, but some have just fallen on hard times and would benefit from a "leg up"

 

[Alps]

I would consider a homeless person but the issue would be getting a DBS check, I don't think it would be possible unfortunately.

 

[Chris Ashdown]

As a Ex military, I do think the work ethic of many ex forces is far higher than often found on the shop floor, most have been taught man management skills far in excess of life in civvy street, some fit round holes some square ones, but in general they seem to be good workers

Many of all people have problems you cannot put it all on the forces

Back to the question, I would try and make the hours from 09:30 to 14:00 so that parents of school children can work and still take kids to school and back, even grandparents who also often do this duty

Advertise it that way in your local paper or hand notice out at school leaving time to parents at a likely school