Archive for September, 2008

Changes to Immigration Legislation

Friday, September 19th, 2008

Hi my name is Sarah,

I have currently worked for O2 for 12 years and over this time developed a passion for understanding Home and Immigration rule in line with my current role as Senior Recruitment Assistant.

I would therefore like to make you aware of some current and very important changes.

Businesses who use skilled workers from outside of the EU will need to pay between £300 and £1,000 from later this year, under new immigration rules

The Home Office’s Border Agency (UKBA) is launching a TV ad campaign alerting employers to immigration changes. The charges are part of a continuing and major overhaul of the UK’s economic migration system. Immigration chief Lin Homer said the changes would ensure only workers needed by the UK would be allowed in.Under the new rules, workers from outside the European Union will be subject to new vetting procedures, known as “Tier Two” of the points-based immigration system. Businesses which want to bring in skilled workers from these parts of the world will need a licence and will be obliged to sponsor the arrival of each individual.

This year the Home Office introduced fines for businesses employing illegal workers and has so far issued 450 penalties of up to £10,000 a time.

In June some 35 firms became the first to be “named and shamed” for employing a total of 56 illegal immigrants - almost all of them takeaways or restaurants.

The only official published estimate for illegal migrants in the UK puts the total as somewhere between 310,000 and 570,000.

Individual migrants will then need to go through a separate vetting process to see if they have the necessary points for entry.

The UKBA warns officials may take up to two months to deal with licence applications ahead of the scheme’s launch in November.

Under the points-based system, seen in other industrialised nations, prospective immigrants need to prove they have sufficient skills and qualifications to match gaps in the British economy. Most people within Europe are however allowed to seek work in the UK under the free-market rules that also allow British workers to go the other way. The UKBA’s advert tells businesses they need to jump over a number of hurdles if they want to bring in other skilled workers.

Immigration breaches

The Home Office says licences will be revoked if sponsors do not alert officials to immigration breaches, such as the disappearance of a worker.

I hope you find this information interesting and useful.

     - Sarah

Out with the old, in with the new

Monday, September 15th, 2008

Over the past 18 months I have been working on a new recruitment process for our Assistant Branch Managers and Branch Managers.  We’ve designed it so that it allows us to spend some quality time with you  and it also gives you a great experience and really good first impression of O2. We really want to WOW you when you come along to meet us!

It’s not just about us deciding whether we think you’d be right to work for us, it’s also about whether or not you think O2 would be a great place to work and somewhere you want to have a career. Changing jobs is a really big step to take and a decision that we know you won’t take lightly.

So, we now have a process which is fantastic for both you as a candidate and us as an employee. We hold what we call “A discover O2 Selection Event”. I held my first event last week at Leicester City Football Club, what a great location and the candidates loved it! The day is very informal with a relaxed atmosphere, we want to put you as a candidate at ease straight away so we can see you at your best! During the day you will take part in an interview, a coaching exercise and what we call “a great debate” - this is a new take on a group exercise which have found is far more realistic for candidates.

We know that “Assessment Centres” can be a daunting prospect for a candidate and quite a scary experience. We’ve worked really hard to make ours as friendly and welcoming as possible. The feedback we’ve had so far from those that attended is fab! They said it was a great day and that they really enjoyed it, the best they’ve ever attended!!

So what are you waiting for? Apply for one of our vacancies today and come along to experience a “Discover O2″ event.

Sonia 

 - Retail Recruitment Consultant

Fancy being a zoo keeper??

Monday, September 15th, 2008

Hello and welcome to O2!

I have been with the company for many years now and have been involved in some great changes and new propositions.  I’ve recently been on a trip to Prague for an  incentive I won just for doing my job!

I have also won other trips abroad for a job well done; one was a weekend in Madrid. It’s not just weekends away you can win - I had the amazing experience of being a zoo keeper for the day with my whole team which was an award for our Store delivering exceptional customer service!   The incentives are outstanding!

One of the great incentives at O2 are the tax free gift vouchers you can earn; I have kitted out nearly of most of my house furniture, TV’s, stuff for the kitchen - you name it!

I have had a truly great experience working for O2 and have progressed well over the years starting off as a 20 hour sales advisor; I am now a Senior Branch manager and have my sights set on becoming an Area Manager. The support, training and development I have recieved at O2 has been exceptional, it’s what has got me where I am today.

I have been involved in projects that are now used throughout the whole company which makes me feel extremely proud.

O2 truly is a great place to work and grow.  Don’t take my word for it; come and join the company and see for yourself!

Emma

Senior Branch Manager