TESTIMONIALS from Nick Dover, Training Manager - ACAS Yorkshire & Humber Acas is running a series of Age Discrimination seminars for employers to take an early look at what they need to do in readiness for what we think the new law will require when it comes into force in October 2006. Viv has been able to add value to the delegates in these sessions by explaining her organisations experiences of the business benefits of employing a more diverse workforce. Her input has proven popular and interesting to delegates and helped them to think about the business case for enthusiastic compliance with the aims of the new law." from Peter Watson, Business Development Director "Regulations have gone a long way in an attempt to eliminate workplace discrimination on the grounds of gender, race, religion, disability and sexual preference, but the major area remaining is still age. Anyone in their fifties or even forties will tell you that applications for some jobs, for which they have ideal qualifications and experience, do not even yield an interview. We have all had bland replies saying that other candidates' background and experience were more relevant. This is why Encore's concentration on the over 45s is so praiseworthy. There is an enormous pool of talent in the 40s, 50s and 60s - people who are fit and active, and more importantly, hugely experienced, who could contribute greatly to the growth of the economy." from Don Stewart, Executive Director-People, Yorkshire Forward "Employers in Yorkshire and the Humber need to make use the skills of the entire workforce. Older workers are often passed over, and we welcome this initiative from Encore Recruitment, which will help change employer attitudes. There is much talk about the increasing need for employers to recruit older people. We are delighted to back this project as action which meets that need." from James Crosby, HBOS Chief Executive "At HBOS we aim to have the best and most highly motivated workforce. An essential part of our employment proposition is to ensure that colleagues remain confident that any promotion decisions within the organisation are competency based, development focused and consistently applied. It is important that colleagues are able to recognise a culture where everyone is encouraged to develop to their full potential, irrespective of their age. Our annual staff opinion survey, as well as a monthly tracking of views through questionnaires and telephone interviewing measures colleague motivation and advocacy. Retaining the best talent, irrespective of age, not only meets our business needs , but is consistent with our values of fairness and respect, which I believe keeps HBOS at the vanguard of leading-edge employers." from Tyrone Jones, Diversity Manager, HBOS Diversity Team "The diversity of our people, products and services is at the heart of our mission to be the new force in banking and is a critical factor in building colleague commitment and advocacy. One of the aspects we constantly stress is the business benefits of employing an age diverse workforce and how that will impact on our potential to generate sales. Today's demographics are tomorrow's business - so if we fail to reflect diversity in our workforce we risk alienating our customer base." from Karen Roberts, Fair Play Co-ordinator (Click to open website) "Older people have a huge contribution to make within the workplace, and Encore Recruitment will play a major role in demonstrating to employers the good business sense of recruiting from the over 45 year olds." from Joyce Green Communications Project Manager "This register is such a brilliant idea. I have passed it on to other people who may be interested, and now I have my 'Job Sharers Bible' which is truly superb". I have seen nothing that offers so much information for both employers and employees on Job Sharing. Very useful if you work in HR or are thinking about embarking on a Job Share. from Abby Oxley Senior National Account Manager "I have just forwarded my job share registration form from your web site. I would like to add that professional mums (and dads I'm sure) have been waiting for a service like this for a long time.I wish you every success and hope that it helps some of us achieve the life-balance we desire" from Shelley Hugill PA to Managing Director "Thank you so much for your personal response - a lovely touch in this day and age of E-communications!". from Jill Munnery Retail Manager "Just to say thanks for sending me the job share guide. It's going to be extremely useful to me and has helped inspire me to go ahead and look for a job share partner","I have found the service extremely helpful so far, especially the job share guide and the newsletter" from Sharon Smith Marketing Consultant "Like the personal contact - unusual compared to some recruitment services". from Marie Daley PA/Secretary "Very informative, personal approach, keeping a link between members - a feeling of belonging to an exclusive club!!!" from Stefania Manetti Translator "I have just discovered your service, but can definitely say that your politeness and promptness in replying have been highly appreciated" from Gayle Sturrock Customer Service Manager "I am really impressed. There are few places to go, to be able to maintain ones chosen career, when one is looking for flexible working hours. Most other agencies are not interested in me as I don't want to work full time, despite my career experience! The Client contact was personalised, I felt it had a special touch. Thank You" from L Trowsdale Head of Human Resources Yorkshire Forward Yorkshire Forward recognises that we all have different lifestyles and needs outside the workplace. We are looking positively towards being able to meet a variety of flexible working styles, including job share and part time working.This is from both aspects of the organisation-being able to effectively achieve our corporate objectives, live our values and meet the needs of our staff. www.yorkshire-forward.com fromDavid Payne I would just like to say how impressed I have been with Equals One Recruitment. At all times I felt valued as a client and was kept up to date with all stages of the recruitment and selection process. It is nice to work with people who are enthusiastic, honest, trustworthy and have a genuine interest and desire to help candidiates like myseslf find their ideal position. This is often a rarity these days. I would strongley recommend Equals One to both candidates and organisations alike. Thank you for all your valued help and assistance.