More than 30 Vitebsk employers are vying for the title of best in the city competition

More than 30 employers in Vitebsk are vying for the title of the best in the city competition, as reported to a BELTA correspondent by the economics department of the Vitebsk City Executive Committee.

The authorities note the interest of the city's economic entities in holding the first annual city award "Best Employer of Vitebsk 2012", and in this regard, have extended the application deadline to December 5.

Organizations of any form of ownership that have been operating in Vitebsk for at least three years are invited to participate in the competition. Depending on the size of the workforce, four nominations have been established: from micro-organizations with no more than 15 employees to large enterprises with over 250 employees. At the same time, only those organizations that have had no cases of industrial injuries during January-September, and also have no arrears in salary payments, budget payments, and payments to the Social Protection Fund of the Population can participate in the competition. The evaluation criteria will include the salary level, staff turnover rates, expenses for professional training and skill development of employees, and the availability and variety of the social package. Employers can earn additional points for an active advertising campaign and even for organizing employee leisure activities.

The activities of employers will be evaluated by an expert jury, which will include representatives of city authorities, trade unions, and public associations of entrepreneurs. Winners will be recognized as participants who take 1st place in each nomination, depending on the points received. Laureates will be participants who take second and third places in their nominations. Winners and laureates will be awarded commemorative signs and diplomas. They will also receive the right to display the badge of distinction "Best Employer of Vitebsk 2012" on their corporate websites, advertising, and informational materials.

The founders of the competition are the Vitebsk City Executive Committee, the public association "Association of Employers and Entrepreneurs" of the Vitebsk region, and one of the city's online job resources. According to the Department of Labor, Employment and Social Protection of the Vitebsk City Executive Committee, in the regional center, there are about two vacancies per unemployed person, approximately 80% of which are blue-collar jobs. City enterprises are experiencing an acute shortage of seamstresses, workers of all construction specialties, cooks, and salespersons.

Diana Kurilo - BELTA