Local Employment Partnership proves to be just the job for Travelodge

Travelodge has found two-thirds of its new recruits this year using the Local Employment Partnership (LEP) programme.

Since January 2008, the hotel chain has employed 130 of 192 (67%) staff through LEP - the initiative where employers pledge to give job interviews and work placements to unemployed people specially trained by Jobcentre Plus. This figure is well above the 25% target it set for itself for LEP recruits.

Travelodge HR director Chrissie Herbert told Personnel Today: "I can't recommend LEP's highly enough. If you consider the cost of advertising versus the cost of using LEP's you can see why. We are saving thousands of pounds on the cost of recruiting in a time when every company is reviewing its spending,"

However, despite the success, Herbert said she would not revise the 25% target for LEP recruitment for 55 new hotels along the British coast.

"The calibre of candidates this year has been high, but that isn't guaranteed. With this in mind we feel 25% is realistic and attainable target."