James Huntly blog: agents wonder about quitting the business

News Category: Industry News

Chancellor George Osborne is set to deliver his emergency Budget at 12.30 tomorrow. We wait in anticipation as to how it will affect the property employment marketplace.

The Budget will be one of the most important in a generation as the coalition Government sets out its detailed plans to tackle the £156bn public sector deficit.
 
Property could be hit hard by a mix of tax rises and reduced spending for development in areas including housing and large infrastructure projects.
 
We anticipate this to have an effect on the number of candidates and applicants wishing to stay within the property market. Last week, I had several candidates inquire about posts outside of the industry, and part of this was a result of the worry surrounding the Emergency Budget.
 
On top of all this, the Government’s cutbacks, including its abolition of the UK’s regional development agencies, will add to existing unemployment. We’re already close to 2.5 million unemployed people in the UK, which is hardly beneficial to the economy.
 
The good news and possible solution is that, as EAT reported last week, we are now hearing of a scheme to attact new people into the property industry. Apprentices will shortly be able to study in a structured fashion, supported by employers and with funding from the Government, towards a qualification in lettings and estate agency.

I sincerely hope this idea comes good and that we see the quality of applicants rise as a result. Perhaps it should become a prerequisite when taking on staff new to the industry?
 
What do you think?
 
 
* James Huntly is director of property recruitment specialists Dove & Hawk


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