News Update- August 2010
Current work situation
August is always one of those strange months when you could believe that the whole world is on holiday – even driving into Winchester at prime time at the moment is easy! Having been in the recruitment business for over 21 years now we have survived and weathered three recessions. One of the trends that we have noticed is that the downturn always hits this area about six to nine months after the affects have been felt in London, and likewise when the recovery comes we are behind by the same amount of time.
We are optimistic about an upturn and planning for a busier end to the year. However, because public sector cut backs are obviously going to have a big impact on all areas of business we have to be realistic. We do a tremendous amount of work with the NHS and albeit that the Government have ‘ring fenced’ NHS budgets this doesn’t mean that there will be no financial constraints. The local NHS Trusts with whom we do business are under tremendous pressures; to reduce headcount, to be more efficient, to redeploy staff where possible, and at the same time see more patients and ensure that service levels are extremely high at all times. A tall order for any business in any climate.
In all the talk of recession, government cut backs, upturn, and unemployment figures there is the general assumption that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of fantastic candidates for every permanent job just waiting to begin work. This might be the case in some areas of the country but here in Winchester and Southampton it certainly isn’t. Our experience is that people are tending to hold fire and stick with what they know, and those good candidates on the market are being snapped up quickly for permanent roles.
Temping is slow at the moment but this isn’t necessarily a true reflection because of prime holiday time and lots of students working direct for companies. September will be a much better indicator as to the true picture ………. I believe busier and more positive!
London Marathon Update
A bit late with the news but we did it! Bryan and I did the London Marathon in 5 hours 56 minutes and 7 seconds! The most amazing experience and one which we will relive for years to come. The encouragement and support from all the spectators was incredible together with sweets, fruit and Mars Bars given to us all along the route by children and adults alike. All our family, including our two little Granddaughters, were at mile 24 to cheer us on and share in the celebration with us – so emotional that I was crying as we went down the Mall. The other amazing achievement was that we raised just under £8000 for Christian Aid – thank you to all our wonderful friends who were so generous and supportive.
Two weeks after the Marathon, with the perceived fitness to help us on, we left for Scotland and climbed another 16 Munros – Scottish Mountains over 3000 feet. In fact, rather than being as fit as we thought we were, we were in fact quite tired and the first week was particularly hard especially as we were battling snow and wind. Nevertheless we got on with it and came home with our total now at 142 – exactly half way – there are 284 in total! So now we need to focus on getting the other half done. I think I remember starting the February Newsletter with the word ‘Challenges’ …………….
From all the Team at White Knight we hope that you have had or are having a good holiday and we look forward to working with you in the coming months.
Sandy
