Shaping careers with Future Steps
A brand new business has been launched to help employers support staff who are facing redundancy.
Future Steps is a new package offered to companies who regrettably have had to take the decision to make a number of staff redundancies. It consists of a redundancy counselling service delivered to individual members of staff on a one-to-one basis and assists them to make informed decisions about their future working lives.
Established by careers specialist Sarah Newcombe, Future Steps will provide a bespoke service to the client company and the affected employees to explore job opportunities, compose CVs, complete job applications, prepare for interviews and maintain a positive outlook throughout. A planned programme of activity will be set, run over a clearly defined period of time before the employees are actually released.
Sarah comments: "The service is unique in the sense that it provides bespoke counselling and assistance on an individual basis, rather than offering group support or workshops. Every person affected has their own experiences, concerns and ambitions and therefore the service can only be effectively delivered on the most personal of levels."
Future Steps will be of particular benefit to staff who have worked for the same company for many years, and may not have ever written a CV, attended a formal interview or had the presence of the internet to help with job searches. Sarah will be able to advise on all aspects of seeking employment, as well as providing guidance on alternatives such as setting up a business or re-training in a new field of work.
Already running a well established and successful recruitment agency, Sarah is able to draw upon her knowledge and experience within the careers industry to provide the very best service. She explains: "It was becoming apparent that a number of existing clients were being forced to streamline their operations or downsize their business due to the strong economic forces currently at work. Following extensive market research and the launch of Future Steps, there will now be a service in place to help them whether they are looking to recruit new staff or reluctantly let people go.
"Redundancies are extremely difficult for the employer as well as for the individuals concerned, and many want to do everything they can to support the people they have been forced to let go. It is also important for the firm to act responsibly on a corporate level and to maintain a positive image as a caring employer."
The new business is set to develop over three key phases – firstly by initiating contact with existing contacts and potential new clients, secondly by launching a comprehensive marketing campaign with new branding and website, and thirdly by approaching support organisations for referrals and to signpost potential new clients. In turn, Sarah will work with other local agencies, referring clients to specialist advisors in areas such as claiming benefits, taxation and personal finance.
For further information on Future Steps, please email Sarah Newcombe at sarah@future-steps.co.uk.
