The simple answer to whether you can hire someone during Covid-19 is yes. With reports that effects of recessions have the biggest impact on students and graduates, providing jobs and work experience where possible is an important step in helping the recovery of our economy, and assisting the next generation to reach their future potential.
It is well-known fact that covid-19 has had a devastating impact on businesses in the UK. With the UK economy taking a huge blow, job vacancies available are at the lowest level since 2001, with the unemployment rate at 3.9%.
So what things as an employer recruiting during this time should you consider?
Taking the Recruitment Process Online
Virtual career fairs and recruitment processes have started to become the norm thanks to Covid-19. Online recruitment provides several benefits to both the candidate and employers, including:
- Less people coming into the office/factory for interviews
With the option of holding interviews online it limits the number of people coming into the office or factory helping to deter any possible transmission of covid-19 - Time saving
The internet can speed up the whole hiring process. From advertising, screening, interviewing to hiring, the internet provides the ability to process more applicants within a day. - Lower cost
Online recruitment typically costs half as much as more traditional job advertisements and with social media, job sites, and online platforms providing the opportunity to communicate at our fingertips, online recruitment is now easier than ever. - Can reach a wide audience easily
With 96% of all job seekers using the internet, your job position has the potential to reach a much greater number of candidates than more traditional methods
Making the Workplace Safe For All of Your Employees
Guidance suggests that employers put measures in place to keep all staff safe in the workplace. To do so the government have provided 5 steps for employers to follow:
- Carry out a Covid-19 risk assessment
Before resuming work, it is important to make sure the workplace is safe for employees. Carry out a risk assessment in line with HSE guidelines and communicate with your staff. - Ensure cleaning, handwashing and hygiene procedures
It is important to reduce the risk of transmission through encouraging people to wash their hands more frequently and disinfecting objects and surfaces that are touched a lot. - Help people to work from home
If people are required to work from home, it is important as an employer to support them in any way possible. This includes discussing arrangements, making sure they have the right equipment to do their job and looking out for their physical and mental wellbeing. - Maintain social distancing where possible
It is important to maintain 2m distance where possible by putting up signs or installing floor tape to remind staff, creating a one-way system and avoid sharing workstations. - Manage transmission risks if 2m distance is not possible
Where it is not possible to keep 2m distance, consider whether certain activities are crucial for operation, use screens, masks or visors and introduce staggered arrival and departure times.
Make the Most of Government Schemes and Funding Available
As mentioned previously, with students and graduates set to be greatly affected by covid-19, the government has been updating funding available to employers to help get young people into work.
So what’s available?
Apprenticeship Funding
The government is set to introduce new funding available to employers who hire an apprentice. To find out more visit our sister site Employing an Apprentice.
To find out more information on the benefits of recruiting a student or graduate, funding, and local assistance available, visit our Developing a Student employers resource hub. Be sure to also checkout our services page for information on advertising on our specialist jobs board, creating a company profile, and more!
