Employment Pages 339

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1 May - 14 May 2015 / Issue 339 www.employment-pages.co.uk Emplo ment Pages FREE! Lake Road, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 0DW Indoor Plants Team Leader An excing opportunity to join our dynamic family owned Company as Indoor Plants Team Leader has arisen. A proven track record of working in a supervisory role with strong organisaonal, communicaon and interpersonal skills is essenal. Retail experience and an interest in Indoor Plants along with their associated products would be an advantage. • Aracve salary based on experience • 40 hours per week • Weekends and bank holidays on a rota basis • Staff discount and Company Pension • Free transport to and from work (selected areas) For an Applicaon Form and Job Descripon please contact Gaynor Marshall on 015394 33434 or e-mail [email protected] Closing Date: Monday 18 May 2015 Lake Road, Bowness on Windermere LA23 3BJ Second Chef We are looking for an enthusiastic Chef to assist in the running of our small but busy kitchen. Would suit a Chef de Partie looking for a step up. 5 day week permanent position. Waiting Staff Also required - Full or Part-time. Email: [email protected] Tel. 01539 447447 Cumbria View Care Services are one of the leading providers of Home Care Services in the South Lakes and Bay area. In order to grow our business further we require flexible, caring, compassionate, friendly and reliable people to make a difference to the lives of our clients. NIGHT TEAM SUPPORT CARERS Based in Kendal Working in a team of 2, between the hours of 11pm and 7am, you will be providing care and support to client’s within their own homes in the Kendal and Windermere area helping to maintain their independence, dignity and safety; it is therefore essenal that you are a car driver. Experience is not necessary; a caring nature and a willingness to provide quality care and support, and actually look aſter people, is much more important. You can work anything from 2 nights up to 5 nights every week and these posions are permanent. We offer a compeve rate of pay, generous mileage rate, holiday pay, uniform, mobile phone and on-going training programme. For further details or an applicaon pack please call Joanne or Lisa on 01539 735694, or e.mail us at [email protected] All posts subject to enhanced DBS disclosure checks (previously CRB check) Cumbria View Care Services Providing quality care to clients in their own homes Kendal Windermere Grange-Over-Sands Carnforth ADMINISTRATOR FULL-TIME, PERMANENT We require an Administrator to support our Holiday Park operation at Longlands at Kirkby in Furness. The person appointed will support our Holiday Park Manager and be responsible for the entire administrative function at Longlands covering staff records, sales activity/recording, customer records/enquiries and relationships with suppliers. Some knowledge of the holiday parks industry is desirable but not essential. The candidate we require should be highly numerate, possess strong literacy and IT skills, be capable of acting on their own initiative and take pride in their work. A job description can be provided. Please apply in writing to: Keith Logan – Holiday Parks Manager Holker Estate Parks, Old Park Wood Caravan Park Cark-in-Cartmel, Grange over Sands, Cumbria LA11 7PP Or Email: [email protected] Closing date for applications is: 15th May 2015 Require both Casual & Part Time Drivers Must be reliable with a pleasant disposion and full driving licence. Must have a flexible atude, as unsocial hours and weekend work will be required. Requires a full driving licence, PCV licence useful, although not essenal. CRB clearance required, or must be completed prior to commencement of work. Applicants to apply with cv to 60 Mintsfeet Rd South, Kendal LA9 6ND or email Mr Birke: [email protected] Tel 01539 724658 Airport Services Uk & Lakeland Coaches Arnold Greenwood Solicitors and Estate Agents - Kendal Cleaner required 8 Hours per week during evenings. For applicaon form please contact Brian Barnes on 01539 720049 Closing date 12 May 2015 pages of local jobs & many more...

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Latest jobs from the South Lakeland & North Lancashire area

Transcript of Employment Pages 339

Page 1: Employment Pages 339

1 May - 14 May 2015 / Issue 339 www.employment-pages.co.uk

Emplo mentPages FREE!

Lake Road, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 0DW

Indoor Plants Team LeaderAn exciting opportunity to join our dynamic family

owned Company as Indoor Plants Team Leader has arisen.

A proven track record of working in a supervisory role withstrong organisational, communication and interpersonal

skills is essential.

Retail experience and an interest in Indoor Plants alongwith their associated products would be an advantage.

• Attractive salary based on experience • 40 hours per week • Weekends and bank holidays on a rota basis • Staff discount and Company Pension • Free transport to and from work (selected areas)

For an Application Form and Job Description please contact Gaynor Marshall on 015394 33434 or e-mail [email protected]

Closing Date: Monday 18 May 2015

Lake Road, Bowness on Windermere LA23 3BJ

Second Chef We are looking for an enthusiastic Chef to assist in the

running of our small but busy kitchen. Would suit a Chef de Partie looking for a step up.

5 day week permanent position.

Waiting StaffAlso required - Full or Part-time.

Email: [email protected]. 01539 447447

Cumbria View Care Services are one of the leading providers of Home Care Services in the South Lakes and Bay area. In order to grow our business further we require flexible, caring, compassionate, friendly and reliable people to make a difference to the lives of our clients.

NIGHT TEAM SUPPORT CARERSBased in Kendal

Working in a team of 2, between the hours of 11pm and 7am, you will be providing care and support to client’s within their own homes in the Kendal and Windermere area helping to maintain their independence, dignity and safety; it is therefore essential that you are a car driver.

Experience is not necessary; a caring nature and a willingness to provide quality care and support, and actually look after people, is much more important. You can work anything from 2 nights up to 5 nights every week and these positions are permanent. We offer a competitive rate of pay, generous mileage rate, holiday pay, uniform, mobile phone and on-going training programme.

For further details or an application pack please call Joanne or Lisa on 01539 735694, or e.mail us at [email protected]

All posts subject to enhanced DBS disclosure checks (previously CRB check)

Cumbria View Care ServicesProviding quality care to clients in their own homes

Kendal • Windermere • Grange-Over-Sands • Carnforth

ADMINISTRATORFULL-TIME, PERMANENT

We require an Administrator to support our Holiday Park operation at Longlands at Kirkby in Furness. The person appointed will

support our Holiday Park Manager and be responsible for the entire administrative function at Longlands covering staff records,

sales activity/recording, customer records/enquiries and relationships with suppliers.

Some knowledge of the holiday parks industry is desirable but not essential. The candidate we require should be highly numerate,

possess strong literacy and IT skills, be capable of acting on their own initiative and take pride in their work.

A job description can be provided.

Please apply in writing to: Keith Logan – Holiday Parks Manager Holker Estate Parks, Old Park Wood Caravan Park

Cark-in-Cartmel, Grange over Sands, Cumbria LA11 7PPOr Email: [email protected]

Closing date for applications is: 15th May 2015

Require both Casual & Part Time DriversMust be reliable with a pleasant disposition and full driving licence.Must have a flexible attitude, as unsocial hours and weekend work

will be required.

Requires a full driving licence, PCV licence useful, although not essential. CRB clearance required, or must be completed prior to

commencement of work.

Applicants to apply with cv to 60 Mintsfeet Rd South, Kendal LA9 6ND or email Mr Birkett: [email protected]

Tel 01539 724658

Airport Services Uk & Lakeland Coaches

Arnold Greenwood Solicitors and Estate Agents - Kendal

Cleaner required 8 Hours per week during evenings.

For application form please contact Brian Barnes on

01539 720049Closing date 12 May 2015

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Page 2: Employment Pages 339

Hotel & Catering

TEBAYSERVICES

HOTEL

Hotel Manager£35,000 - £45,000 per annum

We are a successful 50 bedroom hotel, forming part of the well-knownTebay Services, which has built a national reputation for its innovation,

commitment to its locality and celebration of local food.

We are looking for a Hotel Manager to lead the team.

You will have experience either as a Hotel Manager or Deputy or mayeven come from a relevant but non-hotel background. Experience inrevenue management and conference business is a particular advantage.You will be enthusiastic about our business and how we differentiateourselves, enjoy leading teams and working alongside colleagues inHead Office, and be a hands-on manager with high standards and a

keen eye for detail.

This is a position which has the potential to grow in our business.

Apply today!

If this is you, email your CV and a covering letter [email protected]

We are seeking applicants for the following positions:

Senior Chef De PartieTo assist with the daily operation of our restaurant and busy

conference & banqueting department. The successful applicant will be dynamic, and creative with a

flair for modern British cuisine. Experience in a similar position will be an advantage.

Contact Ian Flitcroft – Head ChefTel: 01539 733559 [email protected]

Part Time Night PorterTasks include ensuring the highest level of service, safety and security for the guests, function set ups, indoor pool

maintenance, reception and switchboard operation, cash handling, bar service and general cleaning

as well as other routine tasks.

Will also be required to cover our full time night porter’s annual leave. 11pm – 8 am Saturday & Sunday.

Food and Beverage AssistantFull & Part Time available

Experience preferred. Hours to include weekends, early / late shifts

Must be flexible, customer focused & reliable.

Stonecross Manor Hotel, Milnthorpe Road, KENDAL LA9 5HP

Tel: 01539 733559 [email protected]

Miller Howe Hotel and Restaurant, Rayrigg Rd, Windermere LA23 1EY

Sous Chef, Chef de Partie & Commis Chef

Exciting opportunities to join our new Head Chef Kieran Smith. We require highly motivated team playing

individuals with a passion for food.

Competitive salaries based on experience. 2 rosette experience preferred.

To apply call Nigel or Kieran on 015394 42536 or email your cv to [email protected]

Grasmere Garden VillageRequires the help of a Hard Working, Motivated and

Friendly Team Member to work as

General Assistant in our Potting Shed Café. Full or Part Time

considered. The post is till the end of October, but may have the possibility of leading to a

permanent position. Good Rates of Pay, Free Car parking, Lunch and

Uniform Provided.

Call Mark or Christine on 015394 35255 or email your CV to [email protected]

Red Dragon PubKirkby Lonsdale

Experienced & enthusiastic

Chef required for busy Market

town pub in Kirkby Lonsdale. Excellent conditions and rates of pay for the right

person.

Please contact Keith or Sonja on

015242 71205

JobsJobs Jobs

We are looking for passionate and professional people to join our growing team of excellent staff, delivering a unique and inspiring experience. Our current vacancies are:

Reception/Reservation Manager Restaurant and Banqueting Manager Pastry Chef Chef de Partie Receptionist Food and Beverage AssistantWe offer the very best in training and personal development and look forward to hearing from people who believe they can contribute to the success of this beautiful hotel.

To apply, please send your CV to: [email protected]

Laura Ashley Hotels - The BelsfieldKendal Rd, Bowness on Windermere LA23 3EL

T: 01539 442 448

Page 3: Employment Pages 339

Say you saw it in Employment Pages

Hotel & Catering

Four star, 2 AA Rosette Signature restaurant | GrasmereKey to our success is the recruitment of skilled professionals who are career driven. Whether you’re fresh out of college or a seasoned professional, we want to hear from you. The great team spirit we foster along with an active training and development programme is why so many of our staff have been with us for so many years.

We’re also one of only a few hotels in the UK that provides our team with a fully interactive online training portal that provides the team with everything required to do develop your career with us. The ‘Wordsworth Hub’ contains hundreds of pages of training videos, departmental best practice, HR policies, online testing and a fully integrated communications solution.

All staff who work with us enjoy the following benefits: Live-in (Optional) - 28 Days Leave - Use of the Leisure Facilities - Uniforms - Meals on DutyDiscounts on hotel and group dining and accommodation - Structured induction programme

The opportunity to work in one of the most beautiful locations in the UK.

Positions available are:

Spa TherapistFood & Beverage Assistants

Housekeeping AssistantsPastry Chef

Chef de Partie (Main Kitchen)Kitchen Porter

Please contact Geraldine [email protected]

Oxley’s Health Spa, UnderscarWe are looking for a reliable, friendly and motivated person to join our existing team here at Underscar, Keswick.

General AssistantWorking 2/3 evening shifts in Oxley’s Bistro 5pm – 10.30pm. Must be flexible and able to work weekends. Duties will include taking orders, waiting on tables, serving hot & cold beverages and some light cleaning duties.

Applicants must be over 18, no experience necessary as training will be given. £7 an hour plus excellent staff benefits. Apply in writing with CV to: Operations Manager, Oxley’s Health Spa,

Underscar, Applethwaite, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 4PHEmail us on: [email protected] or telephone

017687 71500 and speak to Liz or Beccy for more information

SENIOR SOUS CHEF We are looking for someone who is passionate about

food and produce, who will work closely with the Head Chef on all sections to maintain our high standards,

take control of the running of the kitchen in his absence, train junior staff and ensure that all standards

are maintained.

In return we offer an excellent salary, the option of accommodation, a state of the art open kitchen,

plus incentives.

Please telephone Stephen Dodd or Jonny Watson on 015394 36347 to arrange an interview

RECEPTIONISTWe are looking for someone who has a genuine desire to look after customers, provide a first class level of service efficiently and have a natural enthusiasm for this very important role. Excellent telephone manner

essential. Experience of online booking systems preferable. Excellent rates of pay. Staff incentives.

Please telephone Stephen Dodd or Mary Maughan on 015394 36347 to arrange an interview

To get your job advert in Employment

Pages please call 015394 44965 or

email: [email protected]

Ambleside Parish CentreVicarage Road Ambleside LA22 9DH

Men In Sheds Co-ordinator6 hours per week for first 12 weeks, 4 hours per week once the

group is running, £10 per hour, 12 month contract.

As our Men In Sheds Co-ordinator you will promote, set up and run our new Men In Sheds group

You will have experience of setting up new schemes, and working with different organisations and groups. You will be proactive and able to use your initiative. It would also be an advantage if you have DIY or practical skills and experience.

For more information and an application form email [email protected] or contact the office on 015394 34172

For more information about the centre visit www.amblesideparishcentre.org.uk

General Vacancies

ChefField Studies Council

Castle Head Field Centre, Grange-over-sands, Cumbria LA11 6QT

Salary in range of £15,274 - £17,429 based on a notional average of 40 hours per week.

For further details and an application form please visit:www.field-studies-council.org/vacancies.aspx

email: [email protected] call Castle Head Field Centre on 01539 538120

Applications will be considered upon arrival and interviews arranged accordingly.

We often have vacancies for Kitchen, Cleaning & Laundry Assistants, some based at Sedbergh and others at Casterton

(Sedbergh Prep School). If you are keen, reliable and hard-working then we would like to hear

from you. Please contact Shirley in HR on 015396 20303 or [email protected], or download an Application Form from

our website at www.sedberghschool.org.Sedbergh School is committed to safeguarding & protecting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks

with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Domestic Staff RequiredCompetitive rates of pay

Staff Benefits PackageContributory Pension Scheme

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Page 4: Employment Pages 339

General Vacancies Visit our all new site at www.employment-pages

.co.uk

To get your job advert in Employment Pages please call

015394 44965 or email: [email protected]

Are you looking to embark on a career in the Health Care Sector or simply fancy a change?

Gain knowledge and experiences expected by the teaching bodies with us!

Who do we care for?We care for younger adults with a wide range of complex medical conditions including brain and spinal injuries, and long-term medical conditions.

Our ongoing training and support programme does give you the ideal opportunity to gain knowledge and experience whilst making a difference to individuals needing your help!

Care Assistant (Residential Services)Location: Holehird, Windermere Cumbria

Hours: Full or Part time and Occasional hours available

Holehird is a nursing home providing care for adults with an age range from 18 upwards who have complex health needs. You will work in a friendly and informal home set in beautiful surroundings.

You will be involved in working alongside a professional healthcare team in supporting people who use our services with all aspects of their daily living needs.

Previous experience is desirable but not essential as we offer comprehensive training with support. You must be willing to undertake mandatory training. We also support and encourage individuals with their personal professional development plan and further education and training is available. The home and organisation both provide excellent opportunities for career development

You will be required to be flexible to a weekly rota.

You will also have empathy with Leonard Cheshire Disability’s ethos and value base.

Leonard Cheshire Disability welcomes applications from all sections of the community. A satisfactory disclosure check is required for this post.

To apply please visit www.leonardcheshire.org/jobs and search for reference number LCD3925.

If you do not have internet access, please contact 01902 792060, quoting the reference number.

Closing date: Ongoing

www.leonardcheshire.org

Customer Sales Advisor ecatering are one of the fastest growing suppliers of commercial

catering equipment to the trade throughout the UK. Our customer base includes restaurants, schools, bars, hotels, cafes etc.

Due to continued growth, we are expanding our office based sales / customer service team and are looking for a confident individual,

with good telephone manner to join us.

The role covers sales & customer service calls on the telephone, and processing of online and telephone orders. Based in our office near Cark In Cartmel, you will join a small team and gain experience of all aspects of the business. Essential skills required for the role are:- good telephone manner, computer skills and familiarity with word processing along with the ability to empathise with customers and

have a willingness to learn.

Starting salary is dependent on experience and will be between £15,000 - £17,000 per annum plus sales bonus. 4 weeks holidays plus

statutory days. Hours of work Mon – Fri 9.30 to 5.30.

Please send applications via email including CV, covering letter / application along with a contact telephone number to

[email protected].

Closing date for applications is 15th May 2015.

Reception, Instructors &

Asst. Manager needed

www.treetoptrek.co.uk

for expanding high ropes attraction.

Full time and part time positions available, including

weekends and School Holidays.

Full training included so no experience required.

Must love the outdoors,be comfortable at heights and

have fantastic customer serviceskills.

Send CV and covering letter to [email protected] call (015394) 47186

Do you need extra admin support in your business, either remotely or at your premises?

I have many years experience working as an Organiser and PA with excellent IT and communication skills and can

provide help with office admin, audio typing, transcriptions, arranging events/travel, Internet research, sourcing gifts…..

and much more.

Benefits to you: No overheads; efficient admin support; flexibility; reliability and total confidentiality & discretion.

Contact Isabel Thomas on 07775.943725 or Email:[email protected]

Do you have a couple of hours a week to spare?Are you caring, compassionate and a good listener?

Could you work with people in your community experiencing mental and emotional health issues?

We also need volunteers in other areas, including fundraising and governance.

Contact: Freddie van Gulik01539 740591 / 07565 919 256 / [email protected]

Wanted: Befriending VolunteersSay you saw it in

Employment Pages

Page 5: Employment Pages 339

General Vacancies

LAKES ACCOUNTANCY CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS11-12 Church Street, Windermere LA23 1AQ

ACCOUNTS SENIORWe are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced person to join our friendly, dynamic and successful

small team.

For details and how to apply go to www.lakesaccountancy.co.uk/recruitment

We are a fast moving and forward thinking food wholesalers, based in the heart of The Lake District and are currently recruiting for the following positions:

Nightshift Order PickerThe role consists of picking orders and loading them on to our fleet of delivery vehicles for

next day delivery throughout the North West.

Warehouse Operative (Freezer)Part of this role is assembly and picking of orders from our freezer warehouse as well as

maintaining freezer stocks to enable all orders to be complete.

Cash & Carry Till OperativeMain responsibilities are operating the till and assisting customers in our busy cash & carry

shop as well as ensuring stock is replenished and rotated correctly. Candidates must be conscientious, have a very keen eye for detail and ideally come from a fresh fruit and veg or catering background. You must be able to work well under pressure

and be very customer focused.

3.5t / 7.5t C1 Delivery DriverWe are looking for candidates who have good geographical knowledge, experience in driving

and delivering. You will need the ability to work under pressure as well as being customer focused. Candidates must have excellent communication skills, an eye for detail and hold a current clean UK driving licence. It is essential the candidate applying for the 7.5t Delivery

Driver position has a valid C1 driving licence as well as 7.5t driving experience. All positions are available on a full time basis but part time can also be considered.

Please send your CV to [email protected]

Cumbria

An enhanced DBS disclosure is required. We are an Equal Opportuniti es Employer.

www.prem-care.co.uk

Covering the North & South Kendal, Kirby Lonsdale, Milnthorpe, Staveley, Natland & Oxenholme areas

Ulverston Offi ce: 01229 588 [email protected]

Premier Care is one of the largest independent providers of care in the community in the North West.

Covering the Barrow, Dalton & Ulverston areas

Kendal Offi ce: 01539 73 63 [email protected]

We are recruiti ng: Carers, Support Workers & Re-enablers• Excellent rates of pay• Full inducti on programme & ongoing training• Paid annual leave• Flexible hours to suit your availability• Friendly working environment

We will off er you:

Sedbergh School is currently seeking the following staff:

Senior Gardener Assistant• Salary £16,125 per annum.• Monday to Friday, 8am to 4.30pm (occasionally 5pm), with some Saturday mornings to be worked on a rota basis. 40 hours per week. Some flexibility required.• Gardening NVQ Level 3 preferred but not essential if candidate has good relevant experience.• Role involves supervisory duties. Detailed knowledge of plant and shrub types required.• Driving licence essential, with experience of tractor driving. • Working on both sites (Sedbergh & Casterton).

General Gardener• Salary £14,248 per annum.• Monday to Friday, 8am to 4.30pm (occasionally 5pm), with some Saturday mornings to be worked on a rota basis. 40 hours per week. Some flexibility required.• Gardening NVQ Level 3 preferred but not essential if candidate has good relevant experience.• Driving licence essential, with experience of tractor driving. • Working on both sites (Sedbergh & Casterton).

Staff Benefits Package & Contributory Pension SchemeSee www.sedberghschool.org for Job Descriptions

Application Forms can be downloaded from the School website at www.sedberghschool.org or obtained from the Bursary by ringing 015396 20303. We are unable to consider CVs. Please return completed forms to the HR Department: in email ([email protected]), by post or by handing in a copy at the Bursary Reception.

Closing Date: Friday 15th May 2015 (Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible, as interviews may take place before the closing date).

Sedbergh School is committed to safeguarding & protecting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks

with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

We wish to recruit a

SITE FOREMAN ideally with a joinery background, but possessing a wide practical

experience to join our established team, to work on, & lead projects throughout Cumbria and Lancashire.

Although previous supervisory experience is not essential the successful candidate will have excellent communication

and customer liaison skills, with the ability to work with minimum supervision.

Also required

SITE JOINERApplications by e-mail only to: [email protected]

Visitor Experience Coordinator Part Time (3 days per week)

Salary: £15,839 pro rataTo coordinate and assist in the front of house operations at

our sites in Kendal and Windermere. Ensuring high standards of service and presentation to our visitors, you will be hands

on both in catering and the reception desks. Includes weekend working.

Closing date: 15 May 2015

For further information please visitwww.lakelandarts.org.ukor telephone 015394 46139

Abbot Hall Art GalleryBlackwell, The Arts & Crafts HouseMuseum of Lakeland Life & IndustryWindermere Jetty

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Page 6: Employment Pages 339

General Vacancies cont’d...

4 x Business Administration ApprenticeTemporary – Up to 2 years 37 hours per weekApprentice rate of £2.73ph increasing to National Minimum Wage on completion of first year of ApprenticeshipAn exciting opportunity has arisen for four Apprenticeship posts within the Council to provide an effective and efficient professional business administration service across all directorates of SLDC. The successful candidates will contribute to the achievement of targets, aims and objectives of the service whilst working towards gaining a level 3 or 4 BTEC qualification in Business Administration. Starting level well depend on previous experience.

The successful candidate will: • Have computer skills and be keen to develop these further • Have effective communication skills • Have the ability to work accurately and with attention to detail • Be an ambassador for the Council in work and beyond • Have the willingness to learn

The minimum educational requirements for these positions are five GCSE’s, grade A-C or equivalent, ideally including English and ICT.

Closing date for applications: Monday 11 May 2015

For further information including the job description, person specification and details of how to apply please visit us at www.southlakeland.gov.uk/recruitment

Human Resources Group,South Lakeland District CouncilSouth Lakeland House, Lowther Street, Kendal LA9 7UQ

Tel: 01539 793298 / Email: [email protected]

‘Recruiting talent; Developing skills’South Lakeland District Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer

• We have been successfully providing a cost effective means

of recruiting staff for over 10 years in the South Lakeland and North

Lancashire area

• The way we focus towards a readership in the employment market has helped us build a reputation for attracting a wide range of applicants

for our advertisers

• Our rates could save you up to two thirds of your recruitment budget

• We distribute 15,000 free copies every fortnight throughout South

Cumbria & North Lancs

Get in touch to place your advert: 015394 44965

[email protected]

We keep it Simple and get Results

Don’t miss our next issue...

Out 15th MayAvailable online & free from

hundreds of outlets throughout the area - for a full list of

stockists see www.employment-pages.co.uk

What’s the Rule about Rules?In the past I’ve got all hot under the collar about too many signs telling us what to do the whole time, but these days there’s a discernible trend the other way - first of all the number of organisations doing away with appraisals and Richard Branson jumping on the “unlimited holidays” bandwagon. It feels like we’re swinging from one extreme to the other without anyone noticing there’s any middle ground.

Inflexible draconian rules and regulations that treat people more like machines than human beings are rarely good for business, but a free for all really isn’t the answer either. One assumes (hopes) that behind the headlines there is a little more substance to this and a robust performance management system that will a) catch the skivers and b) ensure the workaholics take enough time off.

The problem is that while some organisations will think and plan long and hard before implementing big changes like this others, looking to keep ahead of the market and adopt the latest trend or perhaps seeing it as a quick fix for flagging staff morale, will bring it in far too swiftly and most likely abandon it as a bad idea at the first sign of trouble - with the finger firmly pointed at the concept rather than poor management of the implementation. (And it probably won’t be the first time they’ve had to abandon an ill thought through plan either)

Unlimited holidays are not necessarily a bad idea, but they’re not automatically a good one either and, as with any major change, each organisation needs to think carefully about how they would implement it.

Stories like this are great for stirring up debate about how we treat people in the workplace but they’re not great for faddy leaders chasing down the next quick fix - if there was one simple way to manage people there would be one book on the subject and we’d all read it - and life would be very dull indeed.

Beth Pipe is a Learning and Development Professional and freelance writer. You can find more of her professional work here:

bellislearning.blogspot.co.uk

You can also follow her at @cumbrianrambler on Twitter.