StepStone is named as the most popular e-recruitment solutions

London, UK - StepStone has emerged as the leading provider of e-recruitment software for UK retailers. Thatís according to new research, published by consultants Hire Strategies, which reveals that StepStoneís i-GRasp is the e-recruitment application of choice for retailers.

Analysing the e-recruitment capabilities of 145 of the UKís large, medium-sized and small retailers, Hire Strategies has found that 32% of respondents have implemented an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) from a third party software vendor. 29% of respondents utilise their own bespoke ATS software, which typically was developed in-house. Another 16% stated that although they do not currently use any form of e-recruitment applications, they do intend to review such software in the next six to 12 months.

Of all of the options available in this space, StepStoneís i-GRasp emerged as the e-recruitment application of choice amongst retailers, as noted by 17% of respondents. i-GRasp enables both large and small companies to achieve a more structured and effective recruitment process by delivering employer branded web-based job listings; online application forms; the ability to better manage both permanent and seasonal workers; automated email correspondence as well as streamlined process management and reporting.

Commenting on this research, Peter Gold, Managing Director at Hire Strategies said: ìHuman resource staff in retail organisations have embraced e-recruitment in recent years and a significant proportion have already implemented a second generation of ATS software. We believe that there is likely to be even greater demand for e-recruitment applications in the future.î

He added, ìStepStoneís i-GRasp has emerged as one of the most popular applications for retailers and based on the feedback that weíve received, we anticipate that its share of this market is likely to increase significantly throughout 2006/7.î

Matthew Parker, Group Managing Director of StepStoneís Solutions business said: ìThe retail environment is a tough one. Price margins are low and competition is intense. In addition, the retail recruitment market is a very fluid one - a high level of staff turnover combined with large numbers of applications are daily realities of this sector. Therefore, the ability to effectively manage and automate elements of the recruitment process thanks to software such as i-GRasp is not only attractive from an efficiency perspective but can also be very cost effective.î

Sue Chatfield, Head of Resourcing at travel company, First Choice, testifies to the benefits of e-recruitment software: ìSince implementing StepStoneís i-GRasp we have reduced the cost per hire by 40%. We now offer a more enhanced and interactive candidate experience. In addition, we also benefit from a speedier recruitment process.î

StepStone has more than 460 clients across 14 countries and its e-recruitment solutions are produced in 10 languages. Other retail customers include Costa, Auchan, Beefeater, Fat Face, First Choice Holidays, Donna Karan, Harrods, Louis Vuitton and Kenzo.