The REC has had to postpone an upcoming workshop about improved recruitment practices in the public sector due to the flight disruption caused by the Icelandic volcano.
For the last 5 days, no flights have been coming into, or going out of, the UK because of the fear that the volcanic ash cloud could harm jet engines.
The workshop was scheduled to take place yesterday in Edinburgh but has now been put back until 20th May.
The specialist event aims to provide recruitment firms with expert advice on how to win tenders for public sector contracts. It will be headed by one of the industry’s leading bid managers, Jeff Brooks, who will explain the various stages of tendering to delegates.
Whilst workshops can be delayed, essential communication has to continue and more and more people have been turning to online teleconferences to conduct matters.
Skype reports an increase in video calls over the last few days, and it seems that not only business people are making use of the service. One couple who were stuck in Dubai conducted their wedding ceremony via Skype video so that they could include guests in London.
Cisco has also reported a massive spike in usage. They launched a Fly Free program that allows governments and businesses with stranded personnel to use their telepresence rooms free of charge.
The eruption might have caused great inconvenience to air travellers but it promises to add momentum to the business world by encouraging them to use internet technology that saves time and expense.
One idea floated in the online forums yesterday, was for umbrella companies to conduct a web based video call with each and every contractor it employs, as part of their induction to the company and to also firm up on right to work matters. At present, firms such as Crystal Umbrella visit each and every contractor in person, regardless of where they are based in the UK.
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