It is imperative that recruiters do not neglect their CSR initiatives in the face of soaring unemployment levels and an increasingly tough economic environment.

With unemployment forecast to reach 3m by the end of the year, recruiters are helping firms manage staff during a downturn by getting candidates back into work, at the same time as continuing to support local communities to ensure that people find and keep their jobs.

Despite the recession, CSR is still of importance in choosing a career. According to the recent Top Employers Oxbridge Students Career Survey, working for an ethical company is a key factor for graduates considering potential employers. Ethical criteria are ahead of other factors such as brand reputation, salary, international focus and training opportunities. These results give a clear indication of what the new generations entering the job market expect from companies today and should not be overlooked.

Giving back to the community is one of Randstad’s key goals, and is instrumental in our mission to shape the world of work.

Our two-year relationship with charity Tomorrow’s People demonstrates our commitment to the business and social community in which we work. Randstad shares its skills and expertise, thereby helping it engage with the hardest-to-reach people, enabling them to find sustainable employment. Tomorrow’s People has changed the lives of over 400,000 people across the UK who, without their support, had been resigned to long-term unemployment and welfare dependency. On average, 76% of individuals helped by Tomorrow’s People are still in work one year after starting their new career

Making a difference to society is what this partnership is about. We strive to give easy access to our competencies so that local communities, who need our help to find people gratifying and stable employment, can create a happier, better- functioning and more balanced society.