Redundant .... but not out!

We all know somebody who has, or is about to be made redundant – unfortunately, nobody is immune. 

Many of the candidates we have registering with us have been ‘victims’ of redundancy and would much rather adapt to their newly found situation by decreasing outgoing costs and finding alternative ways of sourcing their income, ie undertake temporary work, rather than register for unemployment benefits. 

Temporary work, either on a full or part-time basis can be a good way of keeping motivated as well as avoiding a gap on your CV.

Many excellent jobseekers are ready and available for work regardless of the level of work offered. Whether it’s on a temporary or a permanent basis – they want and need to continue to be useful within the business community.

From a potential employer’s point of view, these candidates offer fantastic value for money – not to mention a positive approach and a willingness and desire to put in a good days work again. 

Clients are sometimes unnerved when they’ve asked for a temporary filing clerk, or a data entry person and we send them a recently redundant buyer or a secretary or an accountant!  If the role is only short term why let their background cloud your decision on who to take on? Filing is filing after all and if they are capable, keen and willing then you’re onto a winner!  You never know, they might also be able to help out in other areas for you and offer additional advice and support you weren’t expecting.

Realistically, the chances of them being interested in undertaking this type of role forever is pretty remote, but in the short-term they are certainly prepared to commit themselves until ‘mission is accomplished’!  It’s often said that finding work is easier when you’re already working which is why people are keen to keep working, regardless of what it is.

Undertaking temporary work as a stop gap is just what’s needed to help keep people motivated and “work ready” until a more suitable permanent position comes along. If they manage their time well, they should be able to strike a good balance between earning money and career planning as they hunt for a more permanent role.

That said, on the flip side candidates are sometimes genuinely looking to take a step back from the level that they were working at previously – got the tee-shirt, read the book, don’t want the stress any more etc – but are keen, and more importantly happy, to undertake work at a less senior level… all they need is the opportunity.