Businesses in the Highlands to benefit from new employer services team

8th April 2013

Anna Dawson and Derek Cairns on board to identify and advise on recruitment and skills needs.

Employers in the Highlands can now benefit from more direct support and advice to help them recruit and develop the skills they require in today’s competitive environment.

Operating on a regional basis across local authority areas, Skills Development Scotland (SDS) has announced the introduction of a new employer services team that will be on hand to offer advice as and when required.

The announcement follows the recent launch of Our Skillsforce, a comprehensive new employer web service which provides easy access to a range of public sector information and support services to help employers meet their future skills needs.

In Highland, Employer Engagement Adviser, Anna Dawson and Relationship Account Executive Derek Cairns will engage with local and regional stakeholders including Highlands & Islands Enterprise, Business Gateway, Highland Council and the local employability partnership. They will also work closely with organisations which represent businesses and employees, including the Federation of Small Businesses, Scottish Chambers of Commerce and the STUC.

Commenting on her new appointment, Anna said: “I am particularly keen to support employers and partner organisations in the Highland area, in order to promote skills and learning.”

Derek added: “Our roles will be an exciting challenge, bringing together all the key partners across the country in order to ensure that employers are fully informed of the support available for workforce development.”

Gordon McGuiness, Head of Industry and Enterprise Networks at SDS, said: “Continuing to support employers remains a top priority and the restructure and expansion of the team demonstrates our ongoing commitment to support employers across the country.

“We are thrilled with the calibre of excellence in the team, who will bring together support from appropriate public sector bodies to help make sure the right support is available to employers, regardless of size or location.”

For further information on the support available from the team, please call the SDS Employer Helpline on 0808 100 1090 or visit www.ourskillsforce.co.uk