Job seekers see local newspapers as the best source of jobs information, according to a study into recruitment advertising.
A survey of 8,000 people, by research firm Human Capital, reveals that 51% would turn to their local newspaper as the first port of call when looking for a new job, nearly six times as many as second choice, Jobcentre Plus at 9%.
Almost a quarter (23%) of people had found their current or last job from their regional newspaper. This was second only to word of mouth (30%), whilst recruitment agencies had only helped 11% of people.
Overall, 47% of people had applied for a job advertised in their local newspaper over the past two years.
Tim Ewington, founding director of Human Capital said: “Regional newspapers and their online services have long been an essential meeting place for people to seek out local employers.
“Quite simply, 8,000 consumers have said that the local paper remains – overwhelmingly – their first point of call when they are looking for a new job and regional press-owned websites are their preferred online recruitment choice. “
The research, which was commissioned by the Newspaper Society, also shows that 54% of people are open to adverts for job vacancies, with 11% having just started looking, 11% saying that they are always looking to move, and 32% saying that they would consider a new job if they came across it.
