Recruitment News

An alternative Christmas message

The 1993 film Groundhog Day stars Bill Murray as an arrogant TV weatherman who finds himself in a time loop, repeating the same day again and again. For the fifth year in a row yours truly has sat writing his Christmas message saying the same thing over and over again; it’s been tough, but I am sure next year will be better.

In the film Murray’s character indulges in hedonism (sadly lacking from financial services recruitment for some time) and numerous suicide attempts (it hasn’t been that bad, has it?) before he begins to re-examine his life and priorities.

In financial services the forthcoming Retail Distribution Review has led some to the brink, with the comments sections of industry publications awash with unhappy IFAs. However it has also meant a complete re-appraisal for some firms and will make for a most interesting 2013.

IFA jobs have been sadly down this year, with it clear that the RDR was forcing practices to focus on getting their model right and planning for the new regime, rather than looking at recruitment. Given the complete change in direction this will represent for many businesses, it is only natural that the last thing on their minds was investment in new staff members with them more concerned about protecting their existing income/employees.

So whilst there are many challenges ahead, human beings, whilst also having a long tradition of resenting change, are naturally robust, intuitive and often ingenious animals, and we remain convinced that most practices will thrive under the new regime. Sure, some firms won’t and it will be terribly sad to see any long-serving, ethical adviser decide to leave the industry, but being honest it is apparent that some will, to add to the many who have done so already. But the remaining businesses and their staff will hopefully operate in a more sustainable way with the client genuinely at the heart of the service they provide. And hopefully, as companies do better than they expect, thoughts will turn more bullish and onto investment, and ultimately, ongoing recruitment.

For further advice on getting the right role for you, please contact Andy Taylor or Robert Perry regarding IFA jobs, investment manager jobs or employee benefit consultant jobs, and Leanne Fairhurst regarding admin jobs or paraplanner jobs.

Enjoy the forthcoming festive period and celebrate 31st December for more than one reason this year!

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