Stoke-on-Trent City Council has joined forces with recruitment specialist Grad Central to tackle unemployment in the region head-on by encouraging local businesses to think seriously about taking on graduate talent.
The scheme, which is specifically designed at kick starting graduate employment opportunities, is offering any small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) based in Stoke and the wider North Staffordshire area a wage subsidy of £1,000 for each full time, permanent graduate they take on. In addition to the subsidy, employers will also be able to benefit from free recruitment fees thanks to Grad Central’s unique funded service.
Joan Walley, Labour MP for Stoke-on-Trent North, commented: “The biggest challenge companies face when looking to recruit in the current economical climate is finding sufficient funding to expand on their existing workforces.
“However, Grad Central and Stoke-on-Trent City Council are giving local businesses a helping hand with this initiative so that they can discover the best in graduate talent from the region, with the added bonus of financial backing to grow, ultimately eliminating expensive recruitment fees. Schemes such as this are playing an active role in the recovery of the recession and helping to boost the local economy, as well as tackling unemployment head-on.
“This initiative is also a positive sign for graduates who are interested in returning back home to Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire. They can feel confident about securing a job in the local area upon completing higher-level education, as well as utilising their skills and knowledge to contribute to the successes of some of the region’s finest employers.”
Eligible businesses will have the opportunity to take on more than one graduate as part of the scheme and can claim the wage subsidy through Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
For further details, contact Grad Central on 01675 461500, visit
grad-centra/local_talent or phone Steve Lovatt at Stoke-on-Trent City Council on 01782 236632.