REC News Updates

SEARCH IS NOW ON FOR THE ONE IN A MILLION AWARD STARS OF 2007

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) has now embarked on its annual quest to find its One in a Million, the UK's top temporary worker.

This year, there are 14 sectors in the contest with the winner of each a serious contender to scoop the prestigious award.

Nominees could be currently working as locums, drivers, nurses and interim managers or have made the successful transition from being a temporary to full-time worker.

But their eventual success will be down to recruiters across the UK in bringing qualities and achievements to the attention of the REC.

The One In A Million Award is the highlight of National Temporary Workers Week, the REC's flagship event now in its seventh year, which runs from June 4th -8th in 2007.

A perfect example of how temporary workers make a significant difference not just to the UK workforce but also the people with whom they work is Deborah Wilson, the current One In A Million Award winner, who is giving her total support to finding her successor.

Deborah, a supply social worker in the London Borough of Southwark, won the Agency Social Worker of the Year.

Her commitment and dedication to working in an area which has the country's highest incidence of youth offending - and ultimately helping to improve the lives of its young people - singled her out as the most outstanding of all the One In A Million Award sector winners.

Lucy Geldard, the REC's Strategic Marketing Director, said:

“Deborah embodies the spirit of One In A Million and demonstrates how important a part there is to be played by temporary workers at all levels within their particular sectors.

She has been the perfect ambassador for the award and we hope her example will inspire both recruiters and their temporary workers to enter the award and really shout about what they have been doing.”

The One in a Million Award winners also have an impact on the companies and businesses where they work on contract or temporary work.

Interim Performers Ltd placed Susan Graham, winner of the 2006 Interim Manager of the Year Category at England Netball with the highlight of her role there being the netball team winning the bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games.

Of her achievements there, England Netball said: “All of these changes which she implemented have resulted in a leaner business which as well as being better able to deliver successful performances at competition level, is now financially and commercially viable to an extent that has never been the case in its history.

Everyone agrees that Susan's contribution to England Netball has left them in a much better position to go for gold in the competitions ahead!”

Another One in a Million Award category winner was Lukasz Sztuka, who was this year's Agency Industrial Worker of the Year.

Lukasz, who only arrived in England from Poland in October 2005, made such an impact with his leadership qualities and hardworking approach, that HBPO, one of the companies for whom he worked on a temporary basis, took him on in a permanent role.

Nigel Scott, HBPO's Production Manager said: “Lukasz has been invaluable to us as an organisation during this very hectic start-up situation and if we could clone him, we would!”

This year's awards will include two new categories. The Diversity Plus Award is being presented, in conjunction with Jobcentre Plus, to the temporary or contract worker, who, in the opinion of the judges, has challenged the stereotypical or traditional view of the type of person who would suit a particular role. This reflects the current changing face of a diverse workforce representing different ethnic backgrounds, religions, disabilities, sexual orientation and age groups.

The other is the Stepping Stone Award, which will recognise an individual who has secured a permanent role on the strength of their excellence and ability in a temporary job.

Other sector categories remain the same as this year, namely Agency Driver, Agency Office Worker, Agency Industrial Worker, Interim Manager, Supply Teacher, Locum, IT Contractor, TEC Contractor, Agency Nurse, Agency Social Worker, Agency Child Care Worker and Agency Care Worker.

To register for a priority entry form, visit the National Temporary Workers Week website at www.tempweek.uk.com. Entries for the award must be received by the REC by the end of March.

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For more information, call Alison Henderson, Press Manager, the REC, 020 7009 2157.

2.02.07

E-mail: administrator@recruitmenttimes.co.uk