2 minute read
14/04/2018
Many people who put their careers on hold for a time, often to care for loved ones, find transitioning back into work challenging – but there’s a lot that employers can do to help.
The potential pool of talent is huge. There are 2.1 million people in the UK currently out of the labour market caring for their home or family members, and almost 90% are women. Many are seasoned professionals with years of experience, who are looking to return to work at the right level.
But returning to work after an extended career break can be daunting. In the digital age, finding a job isn’t just about polishing your CV and searching online for a suitable role. These days we also need to think about our digital footprint, and how best to present our professional selves on social media. People returning to work often worry about whether their skillsets are up-to-date, and if employers will value their work experience and the talent they still have to offer.
To help large businesses, SMEs and other organisations set up their own returner programmes, we've partnered with the Government Equalities Office and the Women’s Business Council to create Returners: A toolkit for employers.
Based on guidance from Timewise and Women Returners, this toolkit contains best practices on developing returner programmes, with advice on topics such as:
The toolkit also includes insights from employers that run returner programmes, such as our own company, Vodafone, Golin and Enfield Council, as well as advice from returners themselves.
Helen Lamprell, General Counsel and External Affairs Director at Vodafone gives a brief introduction to the toolkit in a blog published by the Women’s Business Council.
Watch the video from the event here: