COUNTY-WIDE recruitment agency New Appointments Group (NAG) has launched a unique book to help managers and other senior level staff cope with a change of job or redundancy.

Breaking Barriers to Employment is written from first-hand experience by author Jack Harland, who found himself thrust from his City job into life as a farm labourer.

Harland, who now runs his own company Career Support Solutions Limited, said: "After the shock and upheaval of moving from a well-paid City job to agricultural labour on the minimum wage, I have rebuilt my professional life and it is more fulfilling than ever. But with more support the journey could have much easier."

The manual combines Harland’s personal experience with his professional expertise in management development, training and outplacement support. It aims to help managers get back to work quickly, and assist those who want to change careers.

Breaking Barriers to Employment is full of practical advice on issues such as how to create an impressive CV, prepare for interviews and network effectively. Uniquely, it also deals with the psychological impact of redundancy and how people can pick themselves up and build a new life.

Harland says: "Firms thinking of making people redundant rarely handle the situation well and may not have the resources for specialist counselling and advice.

"This book is a cost-effective way to help any staff facing or experiencing redundancy to make the best of the situation."

The book contains nine detailed modules, each with a page of learning points at the end summarising key elements or topics such as effective networking.

Gerry Cassell, managing director of NAG, added: "For more than 25 years we have been helping people look for new jobs, and the one thing they all have in common is the need for personal support. While there are plenty of guides to job seeking, I wanted something new and user-friendly.

"Breaking Barriers to Employment meets that objective and provides people with comprehensive support through its mix of psychological encouragement and practical advice.

"Jack’s personal experience coupled with his professional expertise in management development, training and outplacement support makes him uniquely placed to give job seekers the help they need to achieve their goals."

For more information about the guide, which costs £100 inc Vat with discounts for larger orders, contact NAG Sittingbourne on 01795 416600 or email nag@newappointmentsgroup.co.uk.