This of course is a commonly asked question to a recruitment consultant and one which is being bandied around even more readily in these strange and turbulent times.

Well at Asset Resourcing we can only answer that relative to our own experiences and it must be said, it’s been a busy few months. However, as with any shift in the economy, the effects aren’t always instantaneous and perhaps the picture will be a little different in the coming months, but only time will tell.

Certainly we have not had endless conversations with clients declaring a recruitment freeze due to the credit crunch, or even a deluge of Hedge Fund Managers applying for receptionist roles.

Putting it in the proverbial nutshell, it’s a smaller market, with companies a little more cautious, but at the moment at least, there are still some good jobs to be had.

If you are still not convinced, have a look at our current vacancies and get in touch if you find something of interest.

Then you could answer the question “how are you finding the market.”

Newsflash! We have just learnt that we have been recognised as a finalist in Rising Stars 2008 Bedfordshire & Luton Business Excellence Awards 2008. In particular we are being judged in the www.business category and this award is open to all companies, regardless of size or activity. We have been invited to a gala awards evening on Thursday 6th November because it has been seen that we have developed our business through the innovative use of online technology. We have shown evidence that our website has had a significant impact on the business, in terms of increased efficiency, flexibility and profitability. Thank you to all those candidates and clients whose regular use of our site has caught the eye of the panel of industry heavyweights. The event is held at Bedford’s Park Inn is hosted by Premier Newspapers Ltd and Learning and Skills Council Bedfordshire and we are to be entertained by Gyles Brandreth.

From 1 October National Minimum Wages rates will be increased. Workers aged 22 and over will be entitled to £5.73 per hour, workers aged 18-21 will be entitled to £4.77 per hour and workers aged 16-17 will be entitled to £3.53 per hour.

All pregnant women whose expected week of confinement begins on or after 5 October 2008 will become entitled to the same terms and conditions of employment when on additional maternity leave, as they are in respect of ordinary maternity leave. Similar regulations will apply to adoption leave. There is an exception in relation to pensions and employment related benefit schemes. These benefits will only continue for so long as the employee is receiving statutory or contractual maternity pay.

From 27 October regulations are expected to come into effect giving agency workers with contracts of three months or less, the same access to statutory sick pay (SSP) as other workers. The agency will be required to pay SSP where the worker is already working or has agreed an assignment and satisfies the other qualifying conditions for SSP.

Provided by Taylor Walton Solicitors neTWork e-Bulletin