Company Profile

Jill Barnes set up her recruitment agency, 40 plus, with just a vision and a little help from her bank manager in 1996. Her business is busier now than it ever has been with over fifteen hundred people on her books.

Jill brings a wealth of expertise to her current role, having herself forty years experience in the recruitment industry. In particular Jill gets a great satisfaction from placing older people in particular - which was the main focus of her business when she started - though her business caters for all ages and backgrounds.

Believing people ought to be judged on their ability not their age, Jill takes time to understand exactly what those abilities are. With so many years in the business, "sussing people out" this is second nature to Jill. Placing a lot of emphasis on understanding what makes her candidates tick, what their strengths and skills are, as well as the needs of her clients, Jill finds the best fit for both candidate and client.

Judging by feedback from clients, Jill is aware that the benefits that older candidates can bring are widely appreciated. Experience and the ability to work hard are two of the advantages that Jill cites. Clients often go to Jill because they know that she can provide them with candidates who have specialist skills required for dying trades, rarely found among younger people. Mechanical engineers and wiremen can be hard to find these days, and are often aged over 50, so for clients looking for these people, 40 plus can be a natural port of call. Also, although some older people may not have the direct experience required for a particular role, Jill recognises that many have transferable skills.

Feedback received from her satisfied clients demonstrates how older people can be an asset to a company, and these happy clients will come back when they want their next new employee.

Jill recently had an interview on Radio 4 early morning on the effect of the recession, also appeared on television, has been featured in The Guardian and was awarded an Age Positive Award by James Purnell, Minister for Employment and Pensions in recognition of her work with the mature age group.

Jill would always be interested in talking to anyone who would be interested in opening a 40+ branch in their area but they must have the commitment and willingness to commit themselves to the concept.