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Timpson Blog
Job creation schemes can see a business lose its buzz
Q The Government has repeatedly said that business must create more jobs to get the country out of this patchy economic recovery. Are there any incentives that would encourage you to create jobs? For instance, if companies received directly the unemployment benefit of an individual for the first three months of his or her employment with you, would you be more likely to take on extra people?
A I have yet to find a government subsidy that is provided without strings attached. Three years ago we searched for a formula that would allow us to receive support for our apprenticeship training.
We discovered that funds would only be offered if we changed our training to conform with government guidelines and the subsidy could only be claimed through a training agency.
After 18 months it was clear that the training agencies didn’t understand the way we do business and that their process was more important than our apprentices. So we filed all the papers and forgot all about it.
Although we were promised up to £1m a year, I would rather pay for the privilege of doing things our way
So would we employ more people if a subsidy came with no onerous conditions? Probably not. We will only take on the people we need as an overstaffed business loses its buzz. It may sound strange but we have often found that by increasing the number of colleagues in a shop we reduce the turnover.
Q I am 24 years old and have a retail sales job that I love. I must now move on as the company has no progression opportunities. Can you advise me when seeking a new job the order of priority I should give my pay, the training on offer, the strength of the company and to my future prospects?
A If you don’t see a long-term future at your present employer I can understand your impatience, but you are young enough to spend as much time as it takes to find the ideal job.
Pay is important. You must have in mind a minimum in mind – fall below that and you risk stress that will affect your performance.
Be realistic, no job is perfect, you seldom see the pitfalls before joining the payroll. But, bearing in mind the points that have put you off your present job, list the things that matter to you.
Ask your friends about their jobs – one may be able to introduce you to the ideal company. Or do a bit of research – if you want to stay in retail you can find out much about possible employers simply by shopping in their stores. If you have the ideal company in mind apply for a job. Don’t wait for them to advertise, offer your services in a confident and innovative way.
You probably will need plenty of patience and a lot of luck. Don’t expect the perfect position to appear straight away.
And while you are hunting, hang on to your current job.
