Sheffield boss blighted by job interview no-shows has record month with new recruits

Boss Nick Murphy was left wondering if unemployed people in Sheffield actually wanted work after half of applicants to a role with his firm failed to show up for interviews.

But after contacting The Star about his plight, Nick, managing director of HS Direct, a health and safety assessment company based near Meadowhall, was inundated with applicants and has now has seven new sales staff.

Nick said: "We have taken on seven new staff members who are brilliant. In fact, it's been a record breaking success – the company's had its best month trading since we launched in 2004.

"It's safe to say that my faith has been restored in Sheffield jobseekers now. We had such a great response after The Star's article and I'm really pleased with how the new staff are settling in and how well they're doing."

Following the article, Nick said he received so many calls, he decided to hold two open days at his Sheffield office, which were attended by more than 30 people.

Now Nick is so happy with the new recruits, he might even take on a few more

He said: "We thought our offices were about full, but I think we can take on at least two more staff members, which would take this office up to 80.

"If I can squeeze somebody into a role with the firm and get them off the dole, then I will. Anything I can do to help people get into work, which lifts the city, then I'll do it."