Christine Powers Global talent engagement, Liquidnet Europe

“We’ve tried not to be too rigid in contingency planning for the unprecedented number of Bank Holidays taking place in consecutive weeks. The reality is that it will be a slower time for both trading volumes and for business in general. In January we asked our people managers (PMs) to be aware of the holiday requests coming through for their teams. We’ve asked each of our PMs to balance honouring holiday requests over this period, with ensuring that we have enough cover in place to keep the business running smoothly.”

Russell Adams Director, AdMore Recruitment

“As recruiters specialising in the retail and hospitality sector, our clients are very focused on what is for many of them a critical trading period. Consequently, for many clients recruitment is on the ’back burner’ until early May. As a predominately permanent recruiter, assignments and activity will not be lost. Timescales have just been pushed back. We have encouraged our employees with their requests for time off, which is understandable as three days’ holiday converts to a 10-day break. From a planning perspective, we are totally prepared for this period, and post ’holiday’, to ensure activity is back on track.”

Paul Jacobs Chief talent officer, Hudson UK/Ireland and Middle East

“Hudson is wholeheartedly committed to providing our colleagues with a vital and essential work-life balance. The Bank Holiday season presents a wonderful opportunity for us to invite our people to enjoy a well-earned extended break following our great start to 2011. We have been well aware of this series of Bank Holidays for a considerable time, and we are totally satisfied that the operational plans deployed to support our clients, contractors and temporary staff are entirely adequate and comprehensive. We fully expect that our colleagues will return fully refreshed with batteries charged, ready for a continuing outstanding year for Hudson!”