Electronics firm Sony has announced that it is preparing to cut 16,000 jobs worldwide. The Japanese firm employs 1,750 employees in the UK.
Elsewhere, mining firm, Rio Tinto, is cutting 14,000 jobs and Rolls-Royce has announced it is to cut 150 jobs in Scotland as part of the aerospace giant’s worldwide costs cull.
Volt Europe is opening new offices in the City of London in January. Stephanie Elliott, Volt’s managing director, told Recruiter: “At a time when our customers are calling for stability and value, having a presence in London gives Volt an opportunity to enhance our service with greater flexibility.
In a bid to seek out new business during the recession, a Milton Keynes commercial recruiter is offering clients one free placement every year over the next three years.
Jobseekers are prepared to change their accents to gain a competitive advantage over their competitors.
A survey, from hands-free innovation company Bury Technologies, shows that 16% changed their accent in an interview to help clinch the position, while 83% made their accent less pronounced or more neutral.
Top 10 accents for getting ahead in business
It may have been the worst snowfall in 18 years but temporary workers up and down the country still braved arctic conditions to turn up for assignments.
Liz Hancock, director at Chester-based recruiter Alexander Hancock, told Recruiter: “We did okay. We were very lucky. All our staff turned in and all our temps turned in. We sent them all home early though.”
Multi-sector recruiter Antal plans to spend upwards of £10m in a sustained programme of acquisitions in 2009.
Tony Goodwin, Antal’s global chief executive, told Recruiter: “We are planning a series of acquisitions to capitalise on our brand and goodwill - we are very well capitalised to take advantage of the market conditions.”
Social work job board Care Appointments has entered into an agreement with job search engine 1Job to duplicate all jobs posted on careappointments.co.uk to 1job.co.uk.
Monster has apologised for an email from one of its sales representatives which claimed recruitment agencies were charging employers “an inflated rate” to use certain recruitment tools.
The apology was sent to members of The Employment Agents Movement (TEAM) after the email fell into the hands of recruiters and created a furore when posted on an online forum.
Multi-sector recruiter Thorpe Molloy Recruitment has appointed Debbie Middleton as HR manager.
Middelton, who has 10 years experience in HR, was formerly employment development team leader at consultancy AMEC.
Shoe retailers Barratts and Priceless shoe group are to cut 2,500 jobs.
Administrators announced the closure of 220 stores. However, 160 shops have been sold, a move that will save 3,000 positions.