Everything You Need To Know About Human Resources Jobs In The UK

Human resources jobs are galore in the UK right now. Every industry has human resources jobs and there are aplenty in the public sector as well. Human resources jobs require specializations and are indeed a niche. However, it is quite possible to start as a fresher with no prior experience and then to scale up the ladder within the ambit of human resources. It is not necessary to have a master in business administration with a major in human resources to apply for such jobs. But such qualifications help and can provide a fillip to the profile, thus increasing the chances of getting hired and securing a better package.

Here is a comprehensive guide to human resources jobs in the UK.

The Job Description

The exact job description will depend on the industry, company and the scope of operations. But regardless of that, human resources officers or personnel would work on recruitment, development of personnel working in an organization and ensuring that their welfare is taken care of.

Typically, human resources jobs involve hiring people through advertisements, job portals, walk-in interviews and using various other mediums including referrals and job fairs. The job also includes planning the requirement of staff, ensuring that an organization has enough manpower and one must work with managers of every department to hire the right kind of staff that is needed for the particular job.

In addition to hiring or recruiting, human resources jobs entail keeping records of employees, coordinating development and training programs, ensuring that the company policies are adhered to, facilitating the accounting process pertaining to wages and benefits, counseling the staff as and when needed, instilling practices that would ensure the workplace is fair and conducive, addressing complaints and employees’ grievances, working with management to better the working conditions and to ensure the safety and health of workers.

From ensuring equality at workplace to avert bullying, misdemeanors and other nuisances at workplace, human resources jobs entail a holistic upkeep of all staff and working conditions.

Eligibility for Human Resources Jobs

Human resources jobs are usually fulltime but there are part-time opportunities as well. Typically, one would work on weekdays and put in about forty hours in a week. The job is essentially an office based one with rare traveling. There is almost no field work or outdoor activity. Should an organization have outdoor operations, occasional visits to the site may be necessary.

For anyone to be eligible for human resources jobs the ideal qualification is a bachelor or master in business administration with a major in human resources or one should be trained in human resource management by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

Assistant or entry level human resources jobs don’t always require relevant training or experience. One can be a graduate in any discipline, apply for an entry level job if other generic skills are not a hindrance and one can opt for CIPD Level 3 Certificate in Human Resources Practice while working. There are many colleges and universities offering similar courses and one can sign up for any of those as well.

Requisite Skills for Human Resources Jobs

Aspirants of human resources jobs must be friendly but also professionally stringent. They must be tactful in their approach of dealing with people. One must have good interpersonal skills. Human resources staff must be eloquent or at least very lucid with their communication. They must be able to look at everything objectively and should make pragmatic choices. They need to be fair, respect discreetness or confidentiality of information, should be good at managing time and keeping things organized, should be driven and must be able to remain calm while working under pressure. General administration skills and computer knowledge are also essential.

Facts about the Sector

• Human resources jobs usually pay around £15,000 for entry level professionals or assistants. The salary can be around £19,000 for those with relevant training and experience. Human resources officers can easily make anywhere between £18,000 and £25,000 in a year. Managers typically make northward of £25,000. It is not uncommon for human resources managers to earn more than £50,000 in a year.
• The sector is one of the most promising and rewarding. Job opportunities exist in almost every industry, from public sector organisations like the NHS, local authorities and education to almost all private companies. One can also start an HR consultancy or recruitment firm.
• According to reports published by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) and the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the median income for human resources jobs is £32,327 whereas the median across industries in the UK is £27,017. Contrary to popular perception, there are more males in human resources jobs than females. Males constitute about 56% while females constitute the rest. The sector has around 30% vacancies not met due to shortage of aspirants with relevant skills and experience.

 

 

Human Resources Managers Job Description