A survey of over 500 businesses reveals that over half (51%) are still recruiting but only two fifths have a relationship with Jobcentre Plus.
The CIPD calculates the average cost of recruitment comes in at £6,125 for each vacancy but Jobcentre Plus offers a free vacancy advertising service.
Employers that take on people unemployed for six months or more through the Recruitment Subsidy scheme can receive £1,000 for each eligible jobseeker and access in-work training worth up to £1,500.
Jobcentre Plus claims it not only provides financial support but can save a business time. After a successful interview, employers can see if a candidate is right for the job through a work trial. This ensures both parties are happy that they are a good match and makes recruitment as risk-free and efficient as possible.
Ruth Owen, COO at the Jobcentre Plus, said: "Jobcentre Plus can help businesses where it matters most - the bottom line. We offer a bespoke service that matches the right people to the right job, saving employers time and money and helping people back to work as quickly as possible.
"No matter the size or sector, we have something to offer now and when employers prepare for recovery."
And David Garland, HR manager for furniture retailer The Range, said: "We value the expert recruitment service provide to us by Jobcentre Plus. We have recently placed 45 of their [candidates] into work trials - they all got jobs. As well as gaining some excellent new staff we saved an estimated £90,000 in recruitment fees and furthermore received £18,000 of financial incentives via the Recruitment Subsidy.
"Jobcentre Plus took the weight off our shoulders by screening all the applicants, organising recruitment days and dealing with all queries from applicants. The Range will certainly be using its services again."
