I have been asked a few times recently, when is it really a good time to make a move to another organisation? Well, like most things, there is never really a bad time to move. There is a misconception in the market that considering a move before Christmas is not a good idea. Well this isn’t true and I’ll now explain why.

Firstly, Christmas brings cold weather, longer lunches and generally good spirits which coincides quite well with hiring managers scrambling to fill head count before year end! Therefore, there is a good chance you will find yourself a good role with very good reward as a result. Secondly, by moving before the New Year, you miss the bonus rush, so you avoid creating unnecessary competition for yourself. Come Q1/Q2 when bonuses are paid, the percentage of employees searching for new opportunities naturally increases considerably. Therefore, by looking early, you give yourself a competitive advantage!

For those who argue they would rather receive their bonus first before considering a move, you must consider that not only will new organisations consider buying out your bonus, but some are beginning to be more flexible with start dates. For example, some employers will be prepared to wait two or three months for a new permanent employee to join their team.

Finally, by starting a new role in January, whilst most businesses run a January – December financial year, this means that you are able to work a full 12 months and be eligible for a full quota bonus. The other issue with starting half way through the year is that you may only be considered for a pro-rata bonus based on the time you join the new institution.

Therefore, to summarise, now is as good a time as any to look for new opportunities in the market. If you have any questions relating to the above, or are keen to speak to specialist consultants regarding new opportunities, please don’t hesitate to call Morgan McKinley on 0207 557 7222.

christmas, December, Hiring, jobs, Morgan McKinley

Whilst the Prime Minister is taking his annual summer holiday, Nick Clegg the deputy PM will be heading to Bristol this weekend in order to meet local people, an event hosted by Heart FM. The event is to be held at a secret location, with 300 people in attendance.

Clegg last came to Bristol when the three party leaders of the Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrats came head to head for the second televised election debate. At the time, we did not know that we were heading towards a coalition government and two of the three leaders would unite to run the country.

Whilst the event is still very much a secret, the Deputy PM is likely to receive a range of questions from the 300 strong audience.

With out doubt a variety of topics will be discussed and debated, including the budget and economy. Post budget, Clegg now speaks strongly and passionately that this is very much a “Coalition” and not a Conservative budget. Some may say that it may create a “double dip” in terms of the recession; they say they had no choice to take action in this way.

We have seen a turn in the Bristol and the South-West market in terms of a renewed confidence in hiring and the number of clients opening their doors to us. That said, we have not seen the uplift as quickly as we would have liked and we are still preparing ourselves to see how the rest of 2010 evolves. It will be interesting to see if anyone poses questions to Clegg in terms of any trends within employment and hiring.

His visit brings excitement to the Bristol community as we see the return of the UK Government to the West Country.

Bristol, Double dip recession, Employment, Hiring, Nick Clegg, South West market, UK Government, West Country

It’s no secret that over the last few months every man and his dog has been hiring. Institutions clearly cut too deep during the recession period and are now having to compete heavily to bring on board talent.

What I have noticed within the financial services sector is how much base salaries have risen in a short period of time. Whilst companies are doing their utmost to keep hold of recently resigned employees, by throwing copious amounts of money their way, they are also distorting the pattern of their own internal wage structure.  One could argue that the market could eventually follow the traits of the footballing world.  Similarly, there are businesses who are prepared to break the bank to bring on a particular skill set.  Question is how long can this continue and how high can they go?

On a separate note, and slightly off tangent, World Cup starts this Friday!!!!  Come on England……

England, Football, Hiring, recruitment, Salaries, World Cup