Fund-raising drive RecAid is to extend its remit to help beleaguered recruitment advertising workers, according to Jon Dobinson, chair of the RecAid commission.

RecAid’s initial aim is to raise £100,000 for colleagues who lost redundancy pay when recruitment advertising agency Barkers went into administration recently before its sale to Penna. The drive has so far raised £10,000.

“Although inspired by Barkers and what happened there, partly because of the issues facing the industry, it is bigger than just one agency,” Dobinson told Recruiter.

“We want to create something: it’s not just about what happens this year, but that plays a long term role,” Dobinson added.
RecAid has partnered with the National Advertising Benevolent Society (NABS), which will administer the money. Forms to request assistance are available on the RecAid website.

In July, a fundraising party held at the Paramount Club in London’s Centre Point attracted 150 attendees and raised £8,000 on the night. Future events include a treasure hunt and a quiz in September as well as an early Christmas party in November. At least one event per month is planned from now until the end of the year.

Dobinson said: “It has been fantastic. One of the most important things is not just to raise money, but to say to people that have been through horrific experiences that the industry cares about you and has not forgotten about you. A lot of people that have suffered have said ‘Thanks very much for doing this, it has meant so much in terms of giving us the enthusiasm and belief in terms of going back into the industry.’