All about: Hays Accountancy Personnel
Hays Accountancy Personnel, now known by the name Hays Recruitment, is a division of the global company, Hays plc. It specialises in the recruitment of finance staff at all levels, from accounts clerks to finance directors. Their recruitment team places registered candidates in businesses, on both a temporary and permanent basis.
Registration process
Hays advertise their jobs in newspapers and on various websites. They also have their own website at Hays.co.uk, which gives details of current vacancies and general information on a career in finance. While candidates can apply for any of the roles by submitting their CV, they will not be placed with a client until they've completed the formal application process.
In order to register, job seekers need to make an appointment with a consultant at their local Hays branch. Identification, such as a British passport or valid working visa is required, alongside a national insurance number. Candidates fill out an application form, detailing their qualifications and experience, and provide names and contact details of two referees.
Once the formalities have been completed, an informal interview follows.
Here, the recruitment consultant tries to find out more about the candidate, and identify any specific requirements, not outlined on the form.
Temporary work
Hays often places candidates with employers on a temporary basis.
They invoice the client directly for provision of the candidate's services, normally on a weekly basis. This rate covers the hourly rate they pay to the worker, plus NI contributions, and factors in their profit on top. Due to this, the rate paid to a temporary employee through Hays is significantly lower than the amount invoiced to the client.
Unlike some UK recruitment agencies, Hays often includes a percentage towards holiday pay in the rate, so bear this in mind before signing the contract. Contracts can last anything from a few days to over a year. Normally, the employer and the candidate can give a week's notice to terminate the agreement.
Temporary staff are paid weekly in arrears and Hays payroll make the appropriate PAYE deductions.
Permanent work
Employers, who don't want the hassle of advertising and short-listing applicants for interview, often turn to recruitment agencies.
After an employer sends a job description, a Hays consultant will email or fax the CVs of any registered candidates they think are suitable. If the employer likes a candidate's CV, they may arrange an interview. If they subsequently decide to employ a candidate, Hays will invoice the client for a percentage of the agreed annual salary.
There is often a trial period for both permanent and temporary employees.
If the employer is unhappy with the calibre of the candidate, they may not have to pay in full.