27 March 2020 | Herpreet Kaur Grewal
Recruitment firm Xenon Group is offering free training to FMs who have lost their jobs because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Chris Morris, director of Xenon Group, said offering a helping hand to FMs in need "could hand a lifeline to facilities managers who have fallen victim to the economics of epidemics".
This would include free qualifications for the unemployed, relaxed payment terms and support from Xenon's recruitment division.
Morris said: "Training and qualifications may seem low on the priority list right now, but for some they could be a lifeline. Far too many people have lost their jobs already. Far too many others fear for their ongoing security. A professional qualification could give people the edge when it comes to finding a new role or securing their position with their current employer. At the very least, studying for a qualification may give people a sense of purpose and a feeling of control over their own destiny at a time when everything seems to be changing so fast it's difficult to keep track.
"That's why we're offering anyone who has lost their job as a result of the coronavirus pandemic the chance to study for an IWFM qualification for free.
He added: "Our recruitment division is all set up to offer guidance and advice to those looking for new roles. And for those who are still in work but who also want to get the benefits of study, we've relaxed our payment terms so that anyone funding their qualification themselves can split the payment over 18 months whilst companies paying to train their staff can make two payments over three months to alleviate any cash flow concerns.
"We're hoping that by making it easier for people to enrol on and study for an IWFM qualification, by giving people the sense of purpose and focus that comes from taking control of their own career, perhaps we can bring a little bit of light to these dark times."