A guide for smaller businesses

Searching for the right person for your business has always been a challenge – time-consuming, costly, sometimes frustrating.

Now Local Employment Partnerships (LEPs) are here to help you find the right person for the right job. There are no complications, no bill to pay, no risk and plenty of support.

There are many people with real potential whom you simply can’t reach by traditional recruitment methods like newspaper advertising or word of mouth. Local Employment Partnerships connect you with them.

Local Employment Partnerships involve Jobcentre Plus and employers like you working together to unlock the talent available in the local community.

Find out more about how Local Employment Partnerships can benefit your business  (913KB).

What has it already done for other businesses?

The numbers of Local Employment Partnerships are growing rapidly as hundreds of employers sign up, work with us, and experience the benefits for themselves.

Employers who are seeing these benefits in action tell us that Local Employment Partnerships are simple, effective and save time and money.

SNO!zone operate three popular indoor ski slopes. Zoe Fenner, Operations Manager said:

“We wanted to build our links with the local community in the Castleford area and to give something back.

We’ve been extremely pleased at the way the Local Employment Partnership has worked out. The key is that Jobcentre Plus has sent us carefully selected people who are realistic candidates.”

Melanie Baker, Tulip Cleaning Services Managing Director said:

“Adverts in the local press were expensive and not producing results. Jobcentre Plus suggested setting up a Local Employment Partnership, and it’s working really well. They select serious candidates whom we interview for work trials. The trials enable us to assess whether the individual is right for the job, and allows the candidate to judge whether this is the right work for them. Building a relationship with the Jobcentre Plus team has been great.

They’ve helped us understand what the labour market needs and how we can become more appealing to potential employees.”

Three small businesses who have committed to a LEP share their experiences.

Why not join them and open up the same opportunities and benefits for your own business?

For more information or for a no-obligation discussion call 0845 600 8192. A textphone service is available for customers with a hearing impairment: 0845 601 2002. Telephone lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm.