Recruiter News - October 2023

In this issue: Autumn Careers Fairs |National Living Wage to rise Chancellor confirms | Future Fit Innovation: Sustainability with Amazon Web Services |Future Fit Innovation: Data Security with Amazon Web Services | Future Fit Innovation: AI with Amazon Web Services | SW Cyber Resilience Centre| Recruit Now |

It's rather spooky how each year seems to whip by, and we find ourselves again at the start of an academic year, attending careers fairs, seeing graduate schemes open and getting into the swing of another graduate recruitment cycle. Gradsouthwest has been supporting employers to recruit graduates in the region since 2001 - so after 22 years I think you can say we enjoy helping link recruiters with the employees they need to fill their vacancies. Here's looking forward to another year.

Autumn Careers Fairs

This year Gradsouthwest will be at the following University autumn Careers Fairs:

• 4 & 17 Oct - Exeter
• 11 Oct - Bristol
• 17 Oct - Bournemouth
• 18 Oct - Penryn, Cornwall
• 24 Oct - Cardiff Met
• 2 Nov - Bath
• 7 & 8 Nov - Plymouth

Let us know if you want us to promote any of your roles at any of these events.

So far we are seeing huge interest from students for jobs that enable them to remain in the South West - and hundred's of them have already signed up with us at Gradsouthwest.

National Living Wage to rise Chancellor confirms

The national living wage is the lowest amount workers aged 23 and over can be paid per hour by law, and is currently £10.42/hr. There are lower rates for younger workers. It is set to increase to at least £11/hr from next April, the chancellor has confirmed in a Conservative Party conference speech. The government's target is for it to reach 2/3rds of median hourly pay by October 2024.

The rates are decided annually by the government, based on advice from the Low Pay Commission (LPC), an independent advisory group. The LPC's recommendations are normally accepted by Ministers.
The LPC has not yet confirmed its' recommendations for next year, but it estimates the rate needed to meet the government's target should be between £10.90 and £11.43.

This month we are showcasing 3 webinars from Business West, a long-term partner of Gradsouthwest:

Future Fit Innovation: Sustainability with Amazon Web Services

FREE WEBINAR SERIES - 31 October 2023

Embracing sustainability is not just an ethical choice; it's a strategic one that opens the door to growth and innovation opportunities. Pursuing sustainability and digital transformations together can unlock new value creation, future-proofing your business whilst meeting customer and shareholder expectations, achieving competitive advantage, and building resilience.

➡️Find out more

Future Fit Innovation: Data Security with Amazon Web Services

FREE WEBINAR SERIES - 7 November 2023

Security should be a key foundation for all modern software development and projects. It can mean many things, protection from threats outside, but also from within and allowing for consistency in investigation, audit and compliance. From small projects to Enterprise-wide deployments, a logical and consistent approach to security will allow you to more easily face future challenges.

➡️Find out more

Future Fit Innovation: AI with Amazon Web Services

FREE WEBINAR SERIES - 14 November 2023

Artificial intelligence is transforming how businesses operate, unlocking new opportunities for efficiency, personalisation and innovation. Yet only 8% of businesses engage in core practices that support the widespread adoption. Generative AI takes this even further, with models that can generate new content, insights and recommendations.

➡️Find out more

SW Cyber Resilience Centre

And finally this month, we have been looking at our Cyber Resilience, and wanted to share this amazing resource with all of you.

Directly funded by the Home Office and regional policing, the SWCRC helps South West-based businesses and charities just like yours. Cyber resilience can feel complicated, expensive, and unmanageable. It can be hard to know where to start, or how to improve. They’re here to help you, and much of what they do is absolutely free.

Their core offer includes

• a starter pack of guidance compiled by national experts, setting out the simple changes that make a huge difference to your digital safety
• A twelve week, bite-sized email programme to walk you through the essentials
• A free consultation (if you wish) to talk you through anything you’re struggling with
• A continuing monthly update on the latest threats, so you know what to look out for
• Regular webinars and podcasts on essential topics – like how to check your website is secure, or how your social media can be used against you.

➡️Find out more