UK Snaps up Social Workers

MEDIA RELEASE

8 December 2003

UK Snaps up Social Workers

Six experienced New Zealand social workers have been recruited to start work next year in an inner city London Borough.

A recruitment drive organised by 1st Contact had UK representatives visiting Auckland in October to recruit Kiwi social workers to work in the trendy North London Borough of Islington.

Despite concerns about a shortage of social workers in New Zealand, 43-year-old Diane Ferrel, one of the six social workers, believes that this opportunity to work overseas will re-energise her and greatly increase her skills and experience for her return to New Zealand.

“I see this opportunity as a kind of sabbatical which will give me new experience and an insight into how other countries deliver social services,” she said.

“Kiwi social workers are in high demand in the UK and opportunities exist to make excellent money, gain international experience and travel at the same time,” says Joanne Hill, a 1st Contact Recruitment consultant.

“This opportunity will not only allow the social workers to travel and work overseas without losing valuable time out from their careers, but also gain a whole new range of skills and experience,” she said.

A recent survey by 1st Contact shows that most Kiwis intend to return home to live permanently after going on their Big OE in the United Kingdom.

“83% of the 105 New Zealanders surveyed said they intended to return to New Zealand to live permanently after their time in the UK,” said Ms Hill.

Social workers with one year’s experience will be paid salaries of up to NZ $86,900 plus a relocation package of close to $6,000. These salaries are significantly more than social workers would earn in New Zealand.

ENDS

1st Contact

Assisting more than 750, 000 clients over the past 12 years, 1st Contact is one of the biggest providers of recruitment and immigration services to New Zealanders, Australians and South Africans in the UK.

1st Contact focuses on providing recruitment (medical, teaching, and social work) and banking facilities, as well as tax consultation, financial management, visa/immigration issues, money, shipping and telecommunications services.

1st Contact was established in 1990 by New Zealander Mike Kaye and South African Reg Bamford; has offices in New Zealand, Australia and South Africa and employs more than 250 staff in its central London offices.

http://www.1stcontact.co.uk/nz

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