New employees club launched by Future Work

People working in the marketing industry are being invited to join the FUW club to help them prepare for the new world of work in the pandemic economy.

by Nick Band

The initiative is the brainchild of Future Work – a new recruitment company specialising in the marketing and digital sectors.

The FUW club will be offering free weekly webinars exploring different aspects of marketing and running virtual open days where employers can showcase their businesses. The webinars are hosted by the virtual agency network Pimento which has more than 200 members in the UK.

Club membership is free and open to anyone who works in the marketing sector regardless of whether they are actively seeking a new role.

In addition to the webinars, members will also get generous discounts on travel through the online booking site Ultimate Travel Club.

Club secretary Nick Band said: “Since the pandemic, there has been a huge powershift from employers to employees who now hold all the cards. It is no longer a question of “will I get a new job,” but rather “what job do I want.”

FUW, he added, is designed to help employees make the right choice for their next move.

“There is so much choice and such strong demand for talent, that deciding where to move is not that straightforward. You have to weigh up salary against some of the softer benefits which have become more important, such as working from home, company purpose and attitudes towards D&I and the environment.”

Future Work is the result of a merger between Premier Consultants and the specialist Freelance recruiter Pimento People. It will specialise in recruitment for the marketing sector, both brand and agency side which, like the rest of UK industry, is facing a shortage of talent.

“The world of work is changing and there are thousands of jobs chasing just a few candidates,” said director Russell White.

Research by Future Work reveals that around 30% of those working in marketing are looking to resign within the next three months.

“It is clear that Covid 19 has had a profound effect on attitudes towards work with a greater emphasis now being placed on home life and having a meaningful job,” said White.

As a result, more candidates are looking for flexible working so they can spend more time working from home. They are also seeking out roles with organisations with a clear sense of purpose and a commitment to diversity and the environment.

Future Work has made four senior appointments for launch: Russell White and Antony Perry from Premier Consultants and Nick Band and Stephen Knight from Pimento People. Knight is also founder and CEO of the independent agency network Pimento which will be delivering the webinar programme.