Five years have passed since the banking crash and this September is a whole lot more upbeat than its recent predecessors. There hasn't been any major dirt pulled out from under the financial sector's carpet, unemployment continues to fall, driven down by a strengthening economy in the south east, and GDP growth figures are above expectations, writes Clive Jefferys, JMA Network.
However, people in work are loath to contemplate moving employer, not just yet anyway. A friend in Ireland has taken to recruiting people from Spain and Greece to fulfil tech roles in Dublin. Apparently local people just slam the phone down if you suggest discussing their career choices. A crazy world indeed if you can't even offer to improve someone's lot in life without them taking umbrage!
Well I'm glad to say that UK recruitment is not that tough. We are hitting our targets, and our bank manager is happy. He invited himself round the other afternoon and hung about so long talking to our staff I had to throw him out eventually, with a smile of course. He's been a good friend so I don't begrudge his pop-in meeting for his stats, and the extensive range of pension and life assurance information that magically appeared on our desks.
I've been on the road too, visiting clients across the UK. Last week my roadshow headed north and one major employer gave me the whole afternoon. I think I met practically everyone, brought into sales meetings, and greeted by the people we had placed there over the last two years. I even met the big boss himself. I was flattered and proud that we had made such a positive impact on this major corporate.
Elsewhere companies have invited us in and talked enthusiastically about the future, their staffing plans and even offered higher rates to get to the front of the queue for staff. A widespread feeling of confidence is returning to businesses within JMA's world. Of course visiting clients is a little like fishing for compliments, but in today's brave new world... they are only given if well deserved.
So the rub...my personal positivity survey has returned good results. If you are a telecoms job seeker reading this, it's now your turn to step forward and be counted too. There are some great new jobs out there if you ask for them.