Recruiters and business leaders join forces on skills and employment in Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce

Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) have joined forces to help members address the most pressing labour market challenges in the Greater Manchester region.

Speaking about the partnership agreement, Clive Memmott, Chief Executive of the Chamber, said: “Greater Manchester is a hub for a number of key sectors, including technology, IT, life sciences and the digital and creative industries.

"Skills gaps and shortages in these industries are making it increasingly difficult for businesses to find talent.

"This partnership agreement with the REC will enable our members to access relevant labour market data and work with high quality providers to resource the right talent for them.

"Organisations coming together and sharing knowledge for the benefit of our respective members is the way forward.”

Kevin Green, chief executive of the REC, added: “We are delighted to be building a partnership with the largest chamber in the UK. We see this as an important relationship through which our members will be able to work with other businesses in Manchester to address skills shortages, ensure workforce strategies are effective and create job opportunities for young people.”

The Chamber and the REC have agreed to collaborate on a number of areas of mutual interest. Two examples are gender diversity and supporting careers guidance within local schools and colleges. Both of which are important ways of employers accessing the necessary talent to grow and diversify their businesses.

The initial focus for joint activity will be:

• Providing opportunities for members to develop their businesses through shared networks 
• Ensuring employers have the tools to benefit from good recruitment practices 
• Sharing expertise and research on the labour market relevant to both parties 
• Collaborating on key policy areas impacting the region including youth employment, skills development and the growth in flexible working arrangements.