IF anyone can claim the title of Britain’s best jobs adviser it is Jason Davis.
The employment support officer specialises in finding work for the most challenged jobseekers — and boasts an 80 per cent success rate.
3
Jason, who works for Plymouth housing charity Clarion Futures, helps the long-term unemployed along with people having limited basic skills and mental health issues.
Now, the ERSA — an umbrella organisation for job-finding services — has named him Adviser Of The Year at its annual awards ceremony.
Jason, 47, said: “I struggled at school due to undiagnosed dyslexia and dyspraxia so finding my place in the world of work was a challenge.
“After trying my hand at everything from childcare to bricklaying, I discovered my passion for education and completed the qualifications to help get me to where I am today.
“The best part of my job is building relationships with our residents and helping them to realise their potential.
“Working with people to help them overcome challenges and achieve individual goals is what gets me out of bed in the morning.”
He was presented with his award by Brad Coombes from sponsor Alderwood Recruitment at the ceremony in London.
Jason was praised by Employment Minister Alok Sharma, who said: “Projects like these are making sure we spread opportunity and provide vital support to those looking for work.”
How to get back to work
JASON’S top tips for finding a job:
- ASK FOR HELP. It is always the best first step. Overcoming barriers to work can be daunting and scary. Speak to someone with the appropriate knowledge to help you plan a way to move forward.
- BREAK IT DOWN. Removing barriers to getting into work can be overwhelming, so don’t think of taking the leap. Instead, think about creating a path. This could be doing some soft skills courses, volunteering or, more importantly, asking for help.
- KEEP AN OPEN MIND. If you’re not sure of what you want to do, or could do, for work, start exploring job opportunities in your area to identify something that may be of interest to you, then access some support in securing the role.
jobspot
ROOFING contractor Russell Trew wants to employ “high-quality” operatives. Please call 020 7511 2611 for more information.
Fashion choice
3
CLOTHES chain H&M has 800 jobs on offer at its new logistics hub in Milton Keynes.
Perks for successful applicants include an on-site gym, a subsidised canteen and discounts on all H&M brands.
Logistics manager Rachel Wells said: “We believe in our people, and we hope to find a host of new colleagues who want to build a long-lasting career with us.” Interested? Apply now at career.hm.com.
Dress-down code
ONLY one in eight UK workplaces still enforces a smart dress code, research for fashion search site Lyst reveals.
Half of workers now follow a casual or smart-casual code at work, allowing for jeans.
Three-quarters also believe workplace attire has become more casual in the last decade.
jobspot
BP STORES has more than 200 jobs at petrol stations and Wild Bean cafes around the UK. See bpretailjobs.co.uk
Summer of love
INSPIRED by the likes of Joe Wicks and Mrs Hinch, one in three young people wants to work in a “passion profession” where they follow their interests.
But 70 per cent say they lack the skills to get started, according to research by hiring app JobToday, which is running free summer schools to help millennials find a job they love.
Courses include fitness, art and online content curation. App co-founder Polina Montano said: “We want to remove the worry young people face when they try to land that summer job with no experience. We’re partnering with some amazing brands to give jobseekers experience so they can explore their passions and potentially get a job.”
Happier holidays
SCHOOL’S out for summer – but will you get the holiday dates you asked for?
Managers are under no legal obligation to accept requests which don’t suit the company.
3
Alan Price, from BrightHR, explains how firms should allocate time off.
- Prioritising requests from certain employees, such as those with a family, could damage staff morale. Firms must always allocate fairly.
- Employ a “first-come, first-served” policy to holiday with everyone given notice for the date holiday booking begins.
- Consider allowing parents of young children flexible hours during the summer to help with childcare and they may need less time off.
- Your employer must, at some stage within the annual leave year, allow you time to use up your leave entitlement.
- Repeatedly had your holiday dates rejected? If you feel that your employer is refusing your request unreasonably, you might consider whether it is discriminating against you. If you can show that other people have been treated more favourably, you may be able to complain of a breach of the Equality Act 2010.
