A new set of recruitment campaigns will help councils match their vacancies with people looking to return to their careers, the Local Government Association has announced today.
The LGA, which represents councils in England and Wales, said the three Return to Work campaigns – focusing on ICT, planning and legal – will identify and provide skilled professionals with free training or resources, so they can restart their highly-valued roles and support councils with their COVID-19 recovery strategies.
Councils who sign up to the free programme will be given the chance to connect with a carefully selected pool of participants to discuss job vacancies.
As local authorities look to recover from the coronavirus pandemic, it will complete the recruitment of professionals so that councils can focus on the response to the pandemic until a suitable time to interview and select one of the candidates.
With funding provided by the Government Equalities Office, the campaigns aim to support those who have taken extended career breaks to care for someone. The programme will also consider applications from ICT, planning and legal professionals who have caring responsibilities and have become unemployed due to COVID-19, or who have been in long-term unemployment.
Cllr Peter Fleming, Chairman of the LGA’s Improvement and Innovation Board, said:
“We know that returning to work after a period away can be tough for many people.
“Our expertly created programmes will support people to gain the skills, confidence and knowledge they need to work in ICT, planning or legal professions, and to shape the areas where they live.
“As councils look to lead communities through the coronavirus pandemic, there has never been a better time to work in these professions. These campaigns offer the opportunity to match councils with candidates ready to return, for the benefit of local residents and businesses.”
Minister for Women, Baroness Berridge said:
“Returning to work at this time is more important than ever. By supporting hundreds of dedicated workers, this recruitment campaign will help bolster the economy at a time when we need it most – securing the right talent and, creating a confident, competent and collaborative workforce.”
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