Bournemouth recruiter's 'outplacement' service for redundant staff

Oyster Recruitment has started its outplacement service for companies which have had to let people go due to the economic impact of the lockdown.

The bespoke service – believed to be the first of its kind in Dorset – provides personal and practical assistance for employees to help them face redundancy and find new jobs.

It includes video calls and webinars with one-to-one and group sessions as well as advice on CVs, personal branding, mental and physical health, job searches, applications and video interviews.

Poole-based Oyster, launched in 2019 by two recruitment professionals, started the new service in response to demand from clients.

Karen Brodie, who founded the firm with Helen Purbrick, said: “It has become clear that employers have begun to feel the ripple effect of the lockdown.

“Sometimes redundancies are unavoidable but many employers recognise the value of helping staff work through personal hurdles and approach the jobs market with the skills to allow them to move to pastures new.

“Achieving positive outcomes in this way also helps maintain morale and the organisation’s culture within the remaining workforce.

“Outplacement has also been shown to protect a company’s reputation and reduce the risk of disputes as employees feel supported in their transition.

“Ultimately, the aim is to ensure those employees being made redundant leave in the strongest position possible with the right skills, a positive mindset and the confidence to apply when a new position arises.”

Bournemouth-based Trinity HR, which has collaborated with Oyster previously, welcomed the new service.

Director Janell White said: “Outplacement support can be life-changing. It can literally be the difference between an employee securing their next position relatively quickly or facing unemployment for several months, whilst simultaneously managing the mental health aspects such as depression, anxiety and stress.”