Protest in the City

Posted by - 21 Nov 2011

I have some sympathy for the protesters camped out at St Paul’s.  Billions of pounds have been poured into our defective banking system, yet bankers continue to enjoy high salaries and large bonuses. 

 

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Supporting – Not Squeezing – Small Businesses

Posted by - 17 Nov 2011

Small and medium-sized businesses will be the engine of Britain’s long-delayed economic recovery. With the public sector hammered by cuts, and the banking and finance sector in retreat, we need to give more support to UK’s small businesses.

 

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Axe to Fall on Public Sector Jobs

Posted by Simon Broomer - 09 Jun 2010

It is clear that the new government is going to make significant cuts to the public sector and do what Gordon Brown did not have the inclination or the courage to do. The job pages, which over the past year have been kept full by pubic sector appointments, will now be looking a bit thinner. At CareerBalance we are already offering consultations to public sector employees whose jobs are at risk. There will also be downward pressures on public sector pay, which has risen very strongly for some roles at both local and central government level. The previous option of moving to another government department may no longer be there for many. Individuals who have spent their entire careers in the public sector will have to look at new careers in the private sector. We are also seeing a spill-over into organisations in the charitable/ not-for-profit sectors which are dependent on government funding. Some public sector employees may need to radically rethink their career plans, and possibly re-train for new occupations and industries. Those who can adapt to this new career landscape and have an eye out for where new opportunities will be created will succeed in landing new roles.

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Choosing an Outplacement Provider

Posted by Simon Broomer - 09 Jun 2010

Choosing an outplacement provider can seem like a daunting prospect – and often needs to be done in a hurry. You’ve got to find someone who can deal with all levels of people from junior executives to senior managers and someone with some knowledge of your business and sector. If you engage a provider right at the start of the consultation process you’re less likely to experience problems later on, and can get their guidance in handling sensitive issues and staff who react badly.

 

Unfortunately lots of companies don’t handle redundancies and downsizing very well and are poor in communicating with the people involved. Making someone redundant is not something that anyone enjoys doing. In these circumstances, having a neutral and experienced provider to offer a bit of guidance and support can be a big help. Lots of HR people are quite rightly terrified of being taken to an employment tribunal, and we understand that job cuts need to be carefully thought through.

 

Redundancies can affect existing staff just as much as those who are leaving. You’ve got to leave a good impression. Some people have worked for the business for many years and have been loyal and committed employees. Others may have been enticed away from other jobs and are now in a role that is now being made redundant. In these sorts of cases, it’s really important to handle employees with sensitivity and give them the right career guidance and job-hunting help to find another suitable role.

 

We have six main consultants with experience in a number of different industries, such as law, banking and publishing and we offer expertise in lots of different areas in the form of one to one counselling & coaching sessions or small group workshops.

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Organisations our clients have joined:
  • HSBC
  • Virgin
  • easyJet.com
  • accenture
  • Herbert Smith