The SME challenge: Top five questions

Apr 3 2007 By The Journal

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) need help and support to ensure they have access to all of the support services available to them. Through consultation with employers and business support organisations, Jobcentre Plus has adopted new approaches to help this happen, but it is clear that many directors and HR managers are still not aware of the range of support we can provide.

In my role as North-East SME manager for Jobcentre Plus, I work very closely with companies of all sizes. The questions I am most commonly asked are:

QHow much do I have to pay to use Jobcentre Plus services?

A The service is free at the point of delivery.

QWho do I contact to discuss my recruitment needs?

A A labour market recruitment adviser will be happy to advise about all Jobcentre Plus services. Further details can be found at www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/employers

Employers can also contact a service called Employer Direct 0845 601-2002 to discuss Jobcentre Plus services (lines are open 8am-8am weekdays and 10am-4pm Saturday)

QAre there any financial benefits for me?

A Jobcentre Plus may be able to offer wage subsidies for new employees for a period of time through the New Deal programme.

QI've previously had problems when recruiting staff as they have not been suitable for the job. How can Jobcentre Plus help resolve my problems?

A A programme called Work Trial allows employers to try out a person for up to 15 days to assess their suitability for the job. No wage is paid as the person remains on benefit for the duration of the trial.

QJobcentre Plus only deals with people who have been unemployed for years so why should I use your service?

A This really isn't the case at all. We deal with a wide range of people, some of whom may have recently re-entered the labour market for lots of different reasons and many have very recent experience of work. Of course, some people have been unemployed longer, but this certainly doesn't mean they don't have the skills. In any event, through programmes such as Pathways to Work and the New Deals, and by working closely with the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), we are constantly trying to help people improve their skills and personal competitiveness in order to meet employer needs.

Jobcentre Plus advisers have a very keen understanding of local labour markets and can offer advice on a range of services that can help employers. The best way to find out is to try us and judge us by what we actually do.

In the future I will be covering various topics that impact on SMEs and also highlighting how Jobcentre Plus can help employers with such matters.