2009 Convention draws a line under a turbulent year
Last year’s Convention took place on the 26 November at the Honourable Artillery Company, near London’s Liverpool Street station, which provided an impressive backdrop to a day for the recruitment industry to mull over what REC chief executive Kevin Green described as a “turbulent and interesting year”.
In his introductory message, Green drew on some sobering facts for the sector: in the past 12 months the recruitment industry has lost 12% of its people; latest data shows an 18% contraction in recruitment business to the middle of 2009; and, possibly most worrying for recruitment companies, the fact that this year permanent recruitment has dropped by 20% in volume, but a staggering 40% in value.
But the dour start to the day soon gave rise to a sense of hope, with the news that the association’s latest 'Report on Jobs' was showing growth in placements in both the temporary and permanent work spaces in the past three months. Confidence, said Green, was starting to return; recruitment freezes were being lifted and companies were starting to plan strategic hires.
The REC also refuted government suggestions that unemployment would hit the three million mark in 2010, a standpoint given credence by its CBI backing. Green also highlighted that the association had spent this tough period enhancing its own proposition and investing in practical research and services to help members plan and build for the future.
This was underlined at the end of the day with the unveiling of the Youth Employment Workforce to be headed up by Baroness Prosser, with support from the likes of Channel 4, IBM, the RAF, Barrett Homes and welfare to work experts.
Other speakers contributed to the upbeat feel. Indeed, Luke Young, FT columnist and chairman of Channel 4 closed his plenary on the sentiment that the "unstoppable march of human progress means there is only one sensible emotion: boundless optimism for the future”.
Meanwhile, business strategist Richard Scase raised some compelling questions about harnessing the power of the iPod generation – the next step on from generations X and Y. This, combined with a range of breakout sessions covering everything from social media and recruitment through to lean transformation, meant there was plenty for everyone to take away.
Even those in the exhibition in the reception area seem to be benefiting, with headline sponsor Green Fields Technology reporting considerable interest right from the off. While delegates may have entered the room feeling the weight of a year-long recession, they left with a renewed sense of optimism for the coming 12 months.
2009 Delegates Comments
It’s been particularly good to hear some of the positive notes coming out, and I felt Luke Johnson was really trying to put some energy back into the system. The other high point was listening to Kevin Green; I think he represents our industry at the highest level and is doing a remarkable job.
FRAZER CURRIE, GROUP CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, QUALITAIR
The attendance at today’s event is a great reflection on the strength of the agenda and the panel. Kevin Green did a very good job in communicating everything the REC has done over the past year, although it was maybe a little bit of an over-extended commercial for the REC.
BRIAN WILKINSON, EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER, RANSTAD UK HOLDING
It’s been a really useful day. The break-out session has given me loads of ideas and I enjoyed listening to Kevin Green about developments at the REC.
LISA JARVIS, DIRECTOR, PERMANENT SOLUTIONS DIRECT
As a technical recruiter, it was a good opportunity to join up with others and discuss external issues that affect our clients.
LAURA MARKS, DIRECTOR, GREEN FIELDS TECHNOLOGY