Public sector staff hit by job cuts are to be helped move into private sector employment under a project to be launched in the region next week.
The West of England Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), which covers Bath and North East Somerset, has teamed up with national recruitment experts Resource Solutions Group (RSG), based in Bristol, and Hays to create the CHOICES Guide and website – an easy-to-use guide and website providing those facing redundancy with detailed guidance and support about the next steps in their career.
Topics range from finding work in the private sector to how to approach redundancy, starting a new business and embarking on further education.
The scheme, which also highlights to private employers the broad range of transferable skills and experience across public sector workers, is launched in response to more than 54,000 public sector job losses across the South West last year and a further 86,000 are expected over the next five years.
LEP chair Colin Skellett said: “The prospect of redundancy is always a daunting one, but we hope that this guide will go some way to helping those faced with the prospect of redundancy make the right decision on what to do next.
“It’s widely recognised that a huge amount of talent exists in the public sector – skills that the private sector would benefit from greatly. For example, highly marketable skills that are gained in the public sector include – but are not limited to – the management of multi-million pound budgets, compliance with complex regulatory or legislative requirements and the management of complex, highly political stakeholder relationships.
“While these skills are transferable to other roles elsewhere within the public sector, those who find themselves at a career crossroads may take the opportunity to look further afield, be it by joining the private sector or setting up their own business or consultancy.”
Hays public services director Andy Robling said: “Our research shows the vast majority (87%) of private sector employers believe candidates from the public sector need to better identify and convey their skills to potential employers. Employers say candidates from the public sector lack sufficient market insight and are unrealistic about the differences between the two sectors.
“We recognise that it isn’t an easy time for people facing redundancy and individuals need to do all they can to stand out. The CHOICES Guide will provide job seekers top tips and advice to help them secure a new job.”
RSG chief executive Mike Beesley added: “In the wake of widespread job losses, we believe that encouraging the transition of public sector workers into the private sector is vitally important for the local economy. This guide contains some encouraging examples of people who have made the move with enormous success, and we hope it will go a long way to challenging the perception of public sector workers amongst private sector employers.”
The CHOICES Guide will be launched to business leaders next Tuesday at Bristol City’s Ashton Gate Stadium.
Speakers at the event will include Mr Skellett, Mr Robling and Marlene Morley, head of DEandS Co-Location.
