Tag: employment

Over two-thirds of the Scottish workforce admit workplace unhappiness has impacted their wellbeing

  • 36% of UK workers are unhappy in their job, according to the world’s most comprehensive study on work happiness
  • Over two thirds (70%) of the Scottish workforce admit their workplace unhappiness has negatively impacted their physical and/or mental well-being
  • Education is the country’s happiest industry while workers in real estate are the unhappiest
  • Slough – the famed destination of The Office – houses the happiest workers in the UK, with Stevenage home to the unhappiest
  • The research marks the launch of Indeed’s Work Happiness Score – the world’s largest study of workplace happiness – developed by the global job site, Indeed, with guidance from experts from the University of Oxford and University of California 

More than a third (36%) of the UK workforce is unhappy in their job, according to the world’s largest study of work happiness.

Education stands out as the happiest industry, out as the happiest industry, followed closely by aerospace and defense, and government and public administration. While at the other end of the scale, real estate is the unhappiest, followed by management and consulting, and automotive. 

This data has been released from Indeed’s Work Happiness Score which currently displays data for over 1,800 organisations in the UK across 25 different sectors. The score reveals how people feel at work and why, measuring happiness by allowing current and former employees to rate companies on a scale of one to five based on a simple statement: “I feel happy at work most of the time.”

The score, which has so far had more than 170,000 UK responses and 6M globally, considers factors of Belonging; Appreciation; Inclusion; Support; Purpose; Energy; Learning; Achievement; Trust; Flexibility; Compensation; Stress Level; Satisfaction and Manager Support.

The Work Happiness Score was developed with guidance from Dr Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, Professor of Economics at Saïd Business School and Director of the Wellbeing Research Centre at Oxford University,and Dr Sonja Lyubomirsky, Professor of Psychology at University of California.

Supporting research of 2,000 British employees found the average worker spends a fifth of every year feeling unhappy in their role and more worryingly, one in 10 (11%) even start feeling unhappy less than six months into a new job.

But it seems unhappiness in the workplace isn’t restricted to 9-5 – it has a knock on effect on Britons’ personal lives too. In the survey, a fifth (19%) of the Scottish workforce admitted they struggle to find enjoyment in other aspects of their lives due to feeling unhappy at work, while one in five (23%) have taken work frustrations out on their partners.

Over two thirds (70%) agreed that their workplace unhappiness has negatively impacted their physical and/or mental well-being, with 37% losing sleep and 41% lacking energy. A third (33%) of unhappy workers have consequently experienced physical symptoms, with headaches and migraines (55%) the most common ailment and 53% experiencing insomnia.

But while the pandemic threw the jobs market into disarray, for some it was a time of great realisation. It gave a quarter (24%) a chance to reflect on their current career, find a new perspective post-pandemic (20%) and re-evaluate how happy they feel at work.

Prompted by the pandemic, over two fifths of workers (44%) now feel more motivated to make changes to their career and find more happiness at work, stating that a higher salary (28%), better work-life balance (28%), and more praise and recognition (15%) will be sought out during their job search. In fact, 89% who are planning to leave their current job believe happiness in their next role is important.

Proving why it’s so important, being happy at work can lead to a myriad of benefits including less stress and pressure (33%), improved mental health (30%) and experiencing more enjoyment out of life (29%).

LaFawn Davis, Senior Vice President, Environmental, Social & Governance at Indeed said: “Happiness should not be a privilege but when it comes to work, it’s a fundamental right. Measuring happiness is key to understanding employee experience and creating happier organisations, which is why Indeed worked with experts to develop the Work Happiness Score.

“It offers further transparency to help job seekers and employers make better choices and build a better world of work. For employers, this means taking a holistic approach to employee wellbeing, and our Work Happiness Score will make it easier for them to measure drivers of happiness to see where improvements can be made. For jobseekers, the feature provides key insights into work environments where they will be happiest.”

Dr Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, Professor of Economics and Director of the Wellbeing Research Centre at Oxford University said: “Happiness at work is critical to people’s wellbeing but it is also a driver of their productivity and success. So employers are well advised to get the emotional pulse of their organisation and have a frequent measure of workplace happiness.

“That’s why I’m thrilled to have been involved in developing Indeed’s Work Happiness Score to offer employers and employees robust measures of work happiness, and its drivers, that can be readily compared across thousands of organisations.

“As someone who has spent years of my career studying well being, I am excited to see how these publicly available survey results will change how people choose jobs and how employers build workplace cultures. 

“This is only the beginning and I’m so excited to witness the positive impact this score has on fostering happy and thriving workforces across the UK and globally”

Way to Work: DWP plans to get half a million people into work by June

A new target to move half a million people into jobs by the end of June launches today under UK Government plans to ‘turbo-charge’ our national recovery from COVID-19.

As we move out of the pandemic, with restrictions lifted and life returning to normal, the ‘Way to Work’ campaign will focus on getting job-ready people off Universal Credit and into work, rapidly filling vacancies which are at a record high.

Targeted predominantly at those in the intensive work search group on Universal Credit, Way to Work will support people back into work faster than ever before and filling vacancies more quickly. Latest figures from the ONS show that the demand for workers is there, with a record 1.2 million vacancies to fill, 59% higher than pre-pandemic levels.

To support people into work faster those who are capable of work will be expected to search more widely for available jobs from the fourth week of their claim, rather than from three months as is currently the case.

This clearer focus will ensure that, if people are not able to find work in their previous occupation or sector, they are expected to look for work in another sector and this will be part of their requirements for receiving their benefit payment.

For the vast majority of people who are already engaging fully with Jobcentre Plus, this could be the extra support they need to secure a job. However, for the small minority who do not engage, the sanctions regime will operate as usual.

They will be supported in this with more time spent face to face with a Work Coach to receive better, tailored support. We know work is the best way for people to get on, to improve their lives and support their families because people are at least £6,000 better off in full time work than on benefits.

Work and Pensions Secretary Thérèse Coffey said: “Helping people get any job now, means they can get a better job and progress into a career.

“Way to Work is a step change in our offer to claimants and employers, making sure our jobcentre network and excellent Work Coaches can deliver opportunities, jobs and prosperity to all areas of the country.

“As we emerge from COVID, we are going to tackle supply challenges and support the continued economic recovery by getting people into work. Our new approach will help claimants get quickly back into the world of work while helping ensure employers get the people they and the economy needs.”

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak said: “It’s important that everyone has the opportunity and support to find a good job to help them get on in life.

“That’s why we’re doubling down on our Plan for Jobs with this new campaign to harness the talent of jobseekers and support employers to fill vacancies, find work and create new opportunities.

“Together we will boost this country’s jobs-led recovery.”

Building on the ‘success of the flagship Kickstart Scheme’, DWP will work with a wider range of employers to cement positive relationships and show them the good quality of candidates coming through jobcentres.

This includes through direct engagement with employers across booming sectors like construction, haulage and logistics and social care, and over 350 jobs fairs mobilised across every region in the coming months.

Major employers including Balfour Beatty, Whitbread Group, TalkTalk, Bourne Leisure, Ocado and Kier are already throwing their weight behind the campaign.

Ian Nicholas, Global Managing Director, Reed said: We’ve been working closely with the Department for Work and Pensions for a number of years and in the drive to get people into work, this is now more important than ever.

“Working closely with the DWP has provided us with valuable access to people looking for work. Those not already working closely with the department should consider the benefits it can bring both for business and the UK economy.”

Tony Ellender, Head of Professional Development, Balfour Beatty said: “Balfour Beatty is delighted to be working with DWP to promote our wide range of opportunities in construction.”

Lisa Taylor, Head of Resourcing, Whitbread said: “Many of those who have joined us from the jobcentres during our time working closely together have gone on to build a successful career with us or maintain long term employment.

“At Whitbread, we passionately believe that by working together with Jobcentre Plus we can make a real difference to the lives of jobseekers in this country through our no barriers to entry and no limits to ambition approach, as well as being a force for good in our local communities.”

Daniel Kasmir, Chief of People and Procurement at TalkTalk said: “We are happy to be working with DWP in exploring all recruitment solutions to look to fill our vacancies and will continue to do so with this push for jobs.”

Bleu Stessia, Kickstart Manager, Haven.com said: “Work Coaches have enabled us to link with over 50 jobcentres across the UK supporting our parks from Scotland to Cornwall.

“Understanding the great opportunities in hospitality, the DWP has also provided extensive support for our recruitment programme referring candidates and providing, support for interviews, for assessment days and job fairs.”

Capita secures JETS contract extension after supporting 4,000 Scottish job seekers into new roles

Capita plc has announced that it has secured a £7.7m 8-month extension to its  contract to run the Job Entry Targeted Support (JETS) programme in Scotland. Capita will continue to run the programme to March 2023. 

Capita launched the Scottish JETS programme in January 2021 and since then, it has  successfully supported over 4,000 job seekers, who had become unemployed due to the Covid 19 pandemic, into new roles in sectors, such as, hospitality, retail, care and construction. 

JETS is a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) programme designed, following the pandemic, to support jobseekers across the UK, who have been unemployed for more than 13  weeks, find work.  

Over the course of the extension, Capita will continue to work with Scottish supply chain partners – including The Wise Group, The Lennox Partnership and Reed in Partnership– to match jobseekers with skilled advisers who will provide specialist and local support tailored to their  needs.  

All jobseekers referred to JETS meet every 10 days with their adviser, who works with them to  make them job ready and improve their knowledge, skills and confidence. JETS participants  benefit from digital interview training and access to a Capita-developed online portal which features: 

• Online learning which provides users with opportunities to get new qualifications for  sectors of the economy that are growing. 

• A skills library which enables users to measure their existing skills and knowledge to help  them decide what the most appropriate online courses are for them to complete. • An AI-powered CV builder which links a user’s CV to a job feed to enable them to access  employment opportunities.  

• An action plan, devised with a user’s JETS employment adviser, and online calendar to  track their progress.  

Mims Davies MP, Minister for Employment, said: “It’s wonderful to see over 4,000 people, like Adam, across Scotland getting back into work thanks  to our DWP JETS scheme.  

“The £500m expansion of our Plan for Jobs will continue to deliver for people of all ages across  the country – giving them tailored support to find that next opportunity and really progress in their  careers.” 

Andy Start, CEO Capita Public Service, said: “We are delighted that we have secured this  extension to our JETS contract. I am proud that our team has helped over 4,000 jobseekers in  Scotland into work.

“Every person Capita has supported into a new role, through our digital tools  and our advisers, is now pursuing a rewarding career and developing their expertise further. In  the coming months, we will help many more jobseekers get job ready by giving them the advice,  support and skills they need to re-enter the workforce. 

“The Covid-19 pandemic is not over and as we continue the rebuilding process, programmes like  JETS are vital to securing the UK’s economic recovery. We will continue to use our extensive  experience of delivering digital services, which support diverse groups of vulnerable people, to  fulfil our role on the JETS programme in Scotland.”  

Adam, a JETS participant who Capita has placed in work, said: “I hadn’t done many job interviews  and I found them nerve wracking. I was in a very difficult cycle before I was with JETS, interviews  wouldn’t go well and I didn’t know what to focus on for the next one. The JETS mock interviews  and online training courses really helped to build my confidence.  

“My JETS advisor always made me feel like there was time for me and she was giving me the  help that I needed. I’ve already recommended the JETS scheme to other people in my life as a  helping hand really does make a world of difference.” 

Some of Capita’s JETS participants are dealing with mental health challenges. Capita offers these  jobseekers free access to a digital mental health platform, designed by Kooth Digital Health, that  provides immediate, anonymous access to self-help materials, an online community and  professional support via accredited counsellors and emotional wellbeing practitioners. 

Additionally, as part of Capita’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, the business has pledged to fund the planting of a tree for each jobseeker it places in sustainable employment.

The  trees will be planted through Revere, an innovative nature restoration finance organisation, across the Cairngorms, Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Parks and will help to combat climate  change and biodiversity loss. 

St James Quarter and FUSE to provide 200 jobs this Christmas

Scotland’s retail and hospitality industries are set to benefit from a significant job boost this Christmas, thanks to St James Quarter and its FUSE initiative. 

As the retail and hospitality industries prepare for a busy festive season, more than 200 new temporary and permanent jobs will be recruited for at the development, ranging from style advisors, retail assistants, bar staff, waiting staff and chefs.

Launched by the team at St James Quarter and working in partnership with a number of organisations across the city, FUSE is a new initiative providing a high-quality recruitment service, specialising in retail and hospitality for employers both within St James Quarter and the wider Edinburgh area.

FUSE is recruiting for a variety of brands including Bershka, Calvin Klein, H Beauty, Maki & Ramen, GDK and many more.

Further to driving recruitment, FUSE will also continue to support those employed by providing further training, accredited qualifications, and ongoing networking opportunities. 

Rochelle Weir at St James Quarter said: “Christmas is gearing up to be an extremely busy time for St James Quarter and all the brands within it, so we’re delighted to be working with FUSE to be providing new job opportunities for people in the city.

“The team at St James Quarter is passionate about doing our part to support and bolster the local community and we’re proud to be able to bring so many exciting career opportunities to Scotland during the festive season and beyond.”

Calum Nicol, FUSE Manager, added: “At FUSE, we’re committed to providing a leading service for both employers and employees – helping to match recruits with the needs of employers.

“Our diverse and experienced team allows us to stay at the forefront of recruitment needs, with our in-depth knowledge of all sectors placing the most suitable candidates in the most suitable positions.

“Our Job Recruitment Fair is an opportunity for those seeking employment to come down and see what’s available. There are a number of exciting brands within St James Quarter hiring and our aim is to find the right people for the right role.”

For more information of the FUSE Job Recruitment Fair visit: 

https://edinburghfuse.com/events

Sparking an interest in electrical apprenticeships

Scotland’s electrical training body has saluted an “excellent” start to the academic year after the number of electrical apprentices and adult trainees beginning their studies reached a 12-year high.

More than 800 new learners have enrolled on the Electrical Apprenticeship and Adult Trainee Programmes for 2021, with colleges and training centres reporting full classrooms as future professionals take their first steps on the electrical ladder.

The intake is the highest in Scotland since 2009 – and the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) says it’s another encouraging sign of the determination to tackle the UK-wide skills shortage .

Barrie McKay, Training and Development Manager at SECTT, which manages high-quality training on behalf of the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB), said: “I’ve been at SECTT for more than 20 years and it’s really encouraging to see a return to such high numbers.

“The figures are particularly satisfying  given the position the industry was in this time last year, when only 500 people began training due to the impact of COVID-19.

“This improved intake illustrates that people recognise that the future is electric and also understand that their personal prospects will be brighter if they’re part of a sector that is going to play a key part in all our lives.”

A total of 2,158 electrical apprentices and adult trainees are currently training in Scotland, including the 715 apprentices and 126 adult trainees recruited for the 2021 intake.

Barrie added: “Not only are the numbers looking good, but the quality of the young people being taken on – both male and female – is really impressive.

“The industry has been concerned for some time about skills shortages as the demand for qualified electricians accelerates, and the enthusiasm and dedication of these new recruits goes a long way to easing these fears and suggesting that there is an appetite to learn among the electrical talent of tomorrow.

“As colleges continue to recover from the challenges of COVID-19, they will now help their students embrace all the modern technologies which will play such a huge part in a greener and more sustainable future.”

SECTT and the SJIB praised employers for taking on apprentices in numbers earlier this year, confounding fears that recruitment could be a casualty of the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Both bodies also pointed towards the altered perception of employment in the sector, thanks to the long-running campaign for regulation of the electrical industry spearheaded by SELECT, Scotland’s largest construction trade association.

Fiona Harper, Director of Employment & Skills at SELECT and The Secretary of the SJIB, said: “The industry as a whole is committed to the next generation of talent coming through, and employers are clearly supportive of creating a pool of highly-trained, highly-qualified personnel to take their business and the sector forward.”

Hope ‘critical to recovery’ after a stroke

Hope after a stroke: Nearly a quarter of stroke survivors lost their job after their stroke with some even losing their home or partner – but having ‘hope’ is critical to recovery 

  • 23% of stroke survivors in Scotland say having a stroke cost them their job, with almost one in five saying it impacted their relationship and 5% even lost their home
  • Across the UK, over half of younger stroke survivors under the age of 50 say they have never emotionally recovered from their stoke 
  • Whilst 15% felt their first signs of hope after a month since having a stroke –a quarter did not feel any hope in over a year.
  • The Stroke Association calls for those who can to donate to give more survivors hope after a stroke

The practical, emotional and physical impact of having a stroke has been laid bare by a new survey of over 3,500 stroke survivors across the UK (220 respondents from Scotland), released today.

The research, conducted by the Stroke Association ahead of World Stroke Day (29 October), is part of a renewed call for vital funds to help the charity give more survivors hope after their stroke and help them to rebuild their lives. 

The impact on survivors in Scotland

The research reveals that 23% of those in Scotland who survived a stroke say it directly led to them losing their job whilst 5% say it led to them losing their home. 

Furthermore, almost one in five (19%) say it had a negative impact on their relationship.  It is not only relationships with partners that are affected – over one in ten (12%) say they lost friends as a result of having a stroke.  

Younger survivors more severely impacted

Looking at stroke survivors across the UK, the research reveals that the emotional impact of a stroke can impact younger survivors more severely. Amongst those under the age of 50, six in ten (60%) say that they’ve never emotionally recovered from the impact of their stroke. This compares to 44% for those over the age of 50. 

This is despite a similar number of younger stroke survivors under the age of 50 (52%) and over the age of 50 (50%) saying they have not physically recovered from their stroke. 

The importance of hope 

The research shows the importance and transformative power of feeling hope after having a stroke. Over three quarters of those surveyed in Scotland (77%) say that hope played an important or critical part in their recovery. 

But for many, it was not a quick process. Whilst 15% say they began to feel hope after a month since their stroke, a quarter (25%) say it took more than a year to experience what they felt was the first sign of hope. Meanwhile one in ten (11%) say they have never felt hopeful since they had their stroke – demonstrating how strokes can impact survivors differently. 

The Stroke Association helps people to find the hope they need to rebuild their lives through specialist services, including a Helpline, peer support service, support groups and Support Coordinators.

Louise Copland, 36 from Glasgow, had her stroke six years ago.  The effects of her stroke were dramatic.  She couldn’t walk or talk.   

She said: “At the time I was terrified, I had no idea what was going on, but I got the impression it was a big deal, which made me very anxious.

My family and the physiotherapists were marvellous.  I’ll never forget standing up for the first time.  It felt weird and I was dizzy, but it was exhilarating. I had to call my parents to give them this fantastic news and they immediately got in the car to go to the hospital and share my happiness and excitement.  This was my first moment of hope that there might be light at the end of the tunnel.

I was due to get married two months later and was determined to walk down the aisle with Dad. I focused all my attention on being able to walk again. I did it.  This was the biggest moment of hope I’ve had since my stroke and it gave me the impetus to carry on.

But Louise knows she probably won’t ever recover emotionally after her stroke.

“I wake up every morning with an arm and leg that don’t work like the way they did.  I fear the challenges in forming new relationships – my confidence has been dashed and people do judge you for having a disability which is demeaning.

Louise continues to find moments of hope and lives her life to the full.  She would have been lost without the support of friends and family.  She now attends a stroke club where she gets to meet others in a similar situation to herself.

“The people I meet at the café are so welcoming.  They understand the issues I’m dealing with, because they are dealing with them too.  It’s important to find hope in others.  It’s important to ask for help when you need it and it is out there.  There is hope after stroke.”

Big and small moments of hope

The research found that it can be both big and small moments of hope that are important. When asked what gave them their first moment of hope after a stroke, nearly one in five, (19%) said it was being able to use their affected side for the first time and 11% said it was being able to speak again. However, one in ten (10%) said it was being able to complete a small every day task such as making a cup of tea.  

Reevaluating what is important after a stroke 

The impact of a stroke leads many to reevaluate what is important in life. Over half (54%) say having a stroke made them appreciate their life more, 43% say it made them appreciate their family more and 42% say it made them appreciate the importance of looking after their health.  

John Watson, Associate Director Scotland at the Stroke Association said: “Every five minutes, someone in the UK will have a stroke and, in a flash, their life is changed.

“There are more than 128,000 stroke survivors living in Scotland and two thirds of people who survive a stroke find themselves living with a disability. The physical impact of a stroke is severe, but for many, the emotional aspects of coming to terms with having a stroke are just as significant.

“As the research makes clear, finding hope is a crucial part of the recovery process. Without it, recovery can seem impossible. 

“At the Stroke Association, we support and help people to find this hope, and rebuild their lives. But with 1.3m people and rising in the UK now living with the effects of a stroke, our services have never been more stretched. We urgently require the support of the public to help us continue to support stroke survivors to rebuild their lives.”

The Stroke Association is asking those who can to donate today so that it can reach more stroke survivors and give them the specialist support they need to find hope and move forward with their recovery. Visit stroke.org.uk/hopeafterstroke  

Social Bite launches Jobs First initiative with UK’s largest employers

New UK-wide programme launched to help people experiencing homelessness into employment

Social Bite has launched a pioneering initiative to help revolutionise the access people who have experienced homelessness have to job opportunities across the UK.

Through its new Jobs First programme, Social Bite will work directly with some of the UK’s biggest employers to help breakdown the barriers people who have been homeless face on their route to employment

To date, businesses including BaxterStorey, Mitchells & Butlers, Andron FM, have signed up with a plan to help create a target of 60 employment opportunities for people experiencing homelessness. The program is being part funded through a grant from the Oak Foundation.

The initiative, which guarantees living wage employment for each person, will provide wrap around support for both the employer and employee.

Each Jobs First employee will be allocated a support worker from Social Bite who will assist them throughout the programme and their employment contract, meeting weekly to offer practical support on bills and forms, as well as emotional guidance and confidence building to adapt to working life.

Social Bite will provide training to each employer to help them appropriately guide the employee while the support worker will help facilitate appraisal processes and employee progress.

As measures put in place in response to COVID-19 are wound down, it is feared that more people will experience homelessness with latest statistics released by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) showing that many of these measures helped to reduce and prevent homelessness.

Data in London shows that between April and June this year, the number of people sleeping on the streets increased by 25 per cent, making Social Bite’s Jobs First initiative even more timely. Firms across the UK are also sounding the alarm over staff shortages, with Britain’s worst labour shortage in decades putting economic recovery from lockdown at risk.

George Watson kickstarted the programme today, taking on his role with hospitality provider BaxterStorey who supply Royal Bank’s Gogarburn headquarters in Edinburgh where Social Bite recently opened a café.

Josh Littlejohn MBE, CEO and Co-Founder of Social Bite, said: “Social Bite started life nine years ago by offering jobs in a small café to people who had experienced homelessness and over that time we have seen the power of employment to change lives.

“Too often, the response to people experiencing homelessness is to ‘get a job’ – however, it’s not that easy. Proactive employers stepping out of their comfort zone to provide chances for those who would otherwise be excluded and a wraparound support alongside the job are the solutions.

“That’s why the Jobs First programme is so important. We will match people who are excluded from the jobs market with some of the UK’s largest employers.

“The wrap around support we will provide will help both employers and employees enjoy a fruitful working partnership. At a time when the UK is facing a serious labour shortage, we are incredibly proud to be partnering with major employers to deliver a program of scale throughout the UK that can act as a blueprint for how we can provide employment opportunities for homeless and marginalised people.”

Over the past four years, Social Bite has supported 34 people into employment from a background of homelessness and in total, one quarter of its workforce has experienced homelessness.

Of the 34, many have moved into employment roles with other companies, some into higher education and in many cases, they have developed careers within Social Bite. These learnings have formed the basis for rolling out Jobs First across the UK.

Operations Manager, Caroline Bacigalupo at BaxterStorey, said: “Jobs First is a fantastic programme and we’re proud to be working with Social Bite to offer training and employment opportunities to people who were previously homeless.

“We’re all thrilled to welcome George on board and can’t wait to support other Jobs First employees reach their full potential as the programme develops.”

George Watson said: “Social Bite has been like my family for the past seven years. I am really excited to start my job role with BaxterStorey. I am grateful for the Jobs First programme and hope it will help many others into employment.”

A roundup of the latest job roles available at Fort Kinnaird

Fort Kinnaird is advertising over 30 job roles on its website, with vacancies available across retailers, restaurants and facilities.

There is a selection of part-time, temporary and full-time positions available across over 14 brands – ranging from beauty therapists and retail customer advisors to chefs and security officers.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “It’s been a really positive time for us and our retailers since we’ve reopened. With new brands coming to the centre in the next few months, it’s great to see such a variety of roles available via our partners at the Recruitment & Skills Centre based at Fort Kinnaird.

“We’re looking forward to bringing even more job opportunities to the city.”

Here’s a selection of some of the opportunities available:

ProCook

If you’re a customer focused and target oriented team player with an interest in cooking, ProCook is a recruiting for a number of roles at its newly opened Fort Kinnaird store. In return for providing excellent customer service and exceeding sales targets, you’ll receive fantastic company benefits, with opportunities for development and performance related progression.

Current vacancies: Deputy Managers (closes 29th October), Temporary Christmas Staff (closes 30th November 2021), Sales Advisors (closes 24th November),

You can find out more and apply here.

MAC (Boots)

Beauty lovers, this is the job for you! The MAC store within Boots at Fort Kinnaird is looking for a Retail Manager. You’ll be responsible for all areas of your business, inspiring your team day in and day out in a fast-paced environment to deliver world-class customer experience.

If you’re a commercially minded, inspirational leader with a knack for creating a real buzz around sales and artistry, you can apply for the role via the Estee Lauder website.

Three

Three’s Fort Kinnaird store is looking for friendly and ambitious individuals to join its award-winning retail team as a Customer Advisor. There will be lots of opportunities to develop and show your drive to succeed in an environment that supports and prepares you for the next level of your career.

The current vacancies available are full-time and part-time (12 hours per week) Retail Customer Advisors, with vacancies closing on 2nd November.  You can find more and apply via the Three website.  

PizzaExpress

If you’ve got a passion for high standards, food or just an interest in learning, PizzaExpress can help you develop a career where the sky’s the limit.

PizzaExpress opened its first restaurant over 50 years ago. Over 600 restaurants later, its passion to create hand crafted authentic pizza remains the same.

There are plenty of ways to progress your career into senior kitchen, supervisory or management roles and lots of opportunity to earn more, with plenty of benefits too.

The current vacancies available are a part-time Potwash (closing date 10th October) and part-time Front of House Support Team (closing date 17th October).

Find out more and apply via the PizzaExpress website.

For the latest job vacancies at Fort Kinnaird and further guidance, please visit www.rscfortkinnaird.co.uk. 

HMRC: Working Tax Credit customers must report changes to working hours

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging Working Tax Credit (WTC) customers to check if they need to update their working hours if these have reduced as a result of coronavirus.

During the pandemic, WTC customers have not needed to tell HMRC about temporary short-term reductions in their working hours as a result of coronavirus – for example if they were working fewer hours or were furloughed. It is one of several measures HMRC introduced to help those facing uncertainty around their hours.

If a WTC customer’s hours temporarily fell because of coronavirus, they have been treated as if they were working their normal hours.

Customers do not need to tell HMRC if they re-establish their normal working hours before 25 November 2021, but from then, they must do within the usual one-month window if they are not back to working their normal hours shown in their WTC claim.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “We introduced this measure last year to help support working families. It is vital that Working Tax Credit claimants who have benefitted from it update HMRC with their working hours if they have reduced, and they won’t return to their normal level before 25 November.

“Anyone who is no longer eligible for Working Tax Credit due to a change in their circumstances may be able to apply for other UK Government support, including Universal Credit.”

Customers should continue to tell HMRC about any permanent changes to their circumstances within one month – for example if they are made redundant, lose their job or their hours change permanently during this time.

This will ensure only those who are entitled to tax credits receive them, otherwise those ineligible or due a lower rate of payment will have to pay them back later.

Any changes can be easily reported online on GOV.UK, where customers can also check their current WTC claim details.

If customers receive tax credits they are not entitled to as a result of a change they will need to repay this money and may also have to pay a penalty if they do not let us know within one month. 

HMRC is also reminding claimants that Post Office card accounts are closing. From 30 November 2021 HMRC will stop making payments of Child Benefit, Guardians Allowance and tax credits into Post Office card accounts.

Child Benefit and tax credits customers who use Post Office card accounts to receive their payments will need to notify HMRC of their new bank, building society or credit union account details. HMRC is encouraging customers to act now so they do not miss any payments once their Post Office account closes. They can contact HMRC’s helplines (0345 300 3900 for tax credits or 0300 200 3100 for Child Benefit) or use their Personal Tax Account.