SITUATIONS Recruitment Agency is celebrating 21 years of observing the changing shape of the island’s employment market. When Pat and Patrick Lynch founded the business, the finance sector was in its infancy and the island was just casting off the legacy of a devastated horticultural industry.

Mrs Lynch said it was exciting to be a part of the island’s change of direction.

‘The large part of our work is placing people in the finance sector and that has developed over the years. I am really proud of the standard of business carried out here in our little island. We can match places 10 times our size.’

She is passionate about helping people to find jobs that will give them satisfaction and a sense of fulfilment.

‘That desire to genuinely help has always been there because the work side of life is so important. It takes up the biggest chunk of time in most people’s lives. If they are unhappy in their job, that affects every part of their life.’

While Mrs Lynch continues to take a keen interest in the agency, Jenny Mitchell and Melissa Campbell are at the reins on a daily basis.

The agency is experiencing its busiest year ever.

‘The finance sector appears to be in a very healthy position and its development means that a good number of businesses are crying out for extra staff,’ said Mrs Campbell.

When the pair joined, it was operating from offices in The Maze, Berthelot Street. Its light and airy premises at Market Street have proved ideal for the ever-increasing number of interviews being held each week.

The new directors claim Mrs Lynch’s early business ethos of going the extra mile when talking to client companies and candidates is still an important part of Situations’ approach.

While they help to ensure that candidates’ CVs are accurate and up to date, they also claim a friendly chat reveals more about preferences and personalities.

‘Everyone is different and although companies think that they all work in the same way, their environment and work practices can differ hugely. We have to find out a good deal about both sides to make sure that they are well matched,’ said Mrs Campbell.

Both directors have identified a strengthening over the years in the position of HR staff.

‘They certainly have far more influence and responsibility than when I joined Situations five years ago,’ said Mrs Campbell.

Other factors that have changed in its 21 years are the requirements for all the legal documentation that goes with employment.