Surrey-based rec-to-rec and training firm The Fresh Approach has launched Career Confidence, a new company aimed at helping recruiters deal with the effects of the recession.

“There’s been a huge increase in the volume of candidates. Agencies cannot cope with the volume of candidates at the same time as they are trying to develop new business,” says Anita Whiting, who has set up the company with fellow director Jo Brandon.

“The candidates are pretty much unskilled in looking for work in this market and agencies can’t give candidates the time they need.”

In response, Whiting is running as series of  jobshops for candidates, covering areas such as effective job hunting and proactive networking techniques.

Whiting says she hopes recruiters will send her their candidates who she hopes to return in better shape to compete in today’s tough jobs market.

The next jobshop is on 14 May and is free. After this candidates will pay £25 an hour for a two-hour session. The jobshops are aimed mainly at middle managers.