UK Training Industry Press Releases

But beware the six-month shelf-life...

New research from the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) has revealed that recently redundant workers only have a six month window to get back to work before the stigma of being unemployed kicks in.

Bouncing back - attitudes to unemployment, based on a survey of over 1,000 managers, shows that unemployment doesn't initially carry the stigma that those losing their jobs might fear. 84% of managers responding said the employment status of applicants is irrelevant as they don't consider it an indicator of ability or performance in the current climate of redundancies.

However, after six months out of work the picture changes, with over a quarter (28%) of employers becoming less likely to hire someone they consider to be long-term unemployed. With more people chasing fewer jobs this limited shelf-life will come as a concern to anyone recently made redundant.

The research identified a number of positive initiatives individuals can undertake to boost their employability including:

• studying for a relevant vocational or academic qualification
• keeping up-to-date with industry developments
• undertaking voluntary work

Unfortunately, those considering jetting off to escape the doom and gloom should think twice, as taking a gap year to go travelling or volunteering overseas were rated as unattractive to potential employers.