Hays, leading specialist recruiter, has stated that the government’s
plans to secure a brighter future for school leavers amid the rising
tide of unemployment, has led to an increase in demand for support
workers.

\"We are experiencing a steady demand for social housing
jobs, particularly for support workers to undertake varying assignments
with the 16-25 age group and this requirement is expected to increase
as government grants for supported funding become available\" said Matt
Lewis, Business Director at Hays Social Housing. Support workers
typically assist individuals in hostels and refuges with their lives
and the transition back to work. This means the skills employers are
looking for include proven experience with client groups and an ability
to undertake support plans.

In line with the government
initiative, Hays Social Housing has been partnering with social housing
providers to offer careers advice to tenants and youngsters that are at
risk of being made homeless. \"We’ve been running a series of workshops
with a focus on how to create a winning CV and how to conduct yourself
during an interview. The sessions have had a positive impact, helping
to break down some of the barriers that are preventing individuals from
fulfilling their true potential\" explained Lewis.

The
recession, which has brought hardship to many families, has also
fuelled an increased demand for specialist help for those at risk of
having, or who have had, their homes repossessed. \"The demand for
housing advice officers has increased significantly over the past few
months. Salaries have remained stable given the increased competition
for skills to attract the best applicants, as pressure for these
services continues to increase\" continued Lewis.

Due to the
changing regulatory framework, one of the key trends has been the
increased focus of housing associations on their customer service
provision, which has led to a requirement for tenant and community
engagement, neighbourhood involvement and inclusion. In addition the
Decent Homes Programme continues to fuel tenant liaison opportunities
with organisations such as contractors, building and utilities
companies’ officers. Meanwhile, there is also a demand for housing
policy roles that focus on strategy and commercially-minded individuals
who can drive efficiencies and generate new business.

\"Housing
associations are looking for individuals with transferable skills to
work as leasehold officers, liaising with private landlords and
carrying out risk assessments\" added Lewis.

Two of the key
requirements for individuals in social housing jobs are a solid work
history and an ability to hit the ground running. While CIH
qualifications are important, particularly for senior roles, these are
not usually a pre-requisite. The demand for social housing
professionals is likely to continue given the pressing need to increase
the supply of affordable housing, as highlighted by the government’s
commitment to build new homes, which is a continuing sign that the
sector remains buoyant.

-ends-

Note to Editor:

About Hays Social Housing:
Hays
Social Housing is part of Hays plc, specialising in a range of social
housing jobs including housing benefit jobs and supported housing jobs.
It is market leader in the UK and Australia, and one of the market
leaders in Continental Europe. The Group employs 8,294 staff operating
from 380 offices in 28 countries across 17 specialisms.

For further press information please contact:
Alexandra Tucker
Hays Plc
Charter House
13 - 15 Carteret Street
London
SW1H 9DJ
020 7630 4282
www.hays.com