Headlines: October 20th, 2000

Automation of the public sector recruitment process has been given a boost with the launch of job4publicsector.com. The new service offers recruiters and jobseekers a fast track to a better match of job profile to CV. It is also claimed that by automating the whole process it will cut the cost of recruiting by 50%. Advertising accounts for some 12% of the recruiting bill with the processing of applications making up the remaining cost.Jobseekers can post up to five CVs and they are notified by e-mail when a suitable vacancy is posted. This facility also benefits recruiters because it facilitates head hunting. The service currently covers central and local government and the health service with over 250 vacancies on display. The jobs on offer range from a special needs assistant in South Yorkshire to a senior auditor in Somerset.

For the launch period up to 1 December, public bodies can advertise jobs without charge.

The service is provided by European Career Systems which was set up in April 2000 as a joint venture by Public Sector Information Group Ltd and Cityjobs.com plc.