There is a lack of understanding among organisations in terms of how to get the best from freelance consultants, according to Emma Brierley, head of a UK recruitment agency for consultants
There is a lack of understanding among organisations in terms of how to get the best from freelance consultants, according to Emma Brierley, head of a UK recruitment agency for consultants. Some believe that freelance consultants should be totally self-sufficient and require no direction at all, she said. However, irreversible structural, social and economic trends mean that freelance consultancy is here to stay and is the principal route to the best talent. It is important that businesses adapt to this shift and officially acknowledge the positives that freelancers can bring to their organisation and write them into their HR strategy, she said.
Strong focus on skilled migration essential
Chronic skill shortages, particularly in the traditional trades, cannot be satisfied by existing training levels and are exacerbated by the ageing workforce, according to Heather Ridout, chief executive of the Australian Industry Group. For many companies facing an urgent need for skilled labour, she said, the migration program can be an important part of a short-term strategy to meet their immediate employment requirements. It is also important to ensure that the composition of the skilled stream reflects the nature of the shortages and that appropriate weighting is given to skilled trade categories where the shortages are the most severe, Ridout said.
Australian families struggling to keep up with care costs
There is ever increasing financial pressure on those who provide care for children, the elderly and those with a disability, according to a recent report. The lack of quality and affordable care means that carers are finding it more difficult than ever to remain in the workforce. This has a direct impact on the financial wellbeing of Australian families now and into the future, according to Juliet Bourke, chair of the Taskforce on Care Costs. “We’re not adequately meeting the changing needs of Australian carers and this reduces labour force participation rates. We need to be able to give carers choice,” she said.
