Here are four popular myths about the sector, busted…

“You need to have previous experience in retail”

You don’t need to have previous experience in retail to apply. Dragos started a new job as a Trading Assistant for Sainsbury’s having lost his job in the hospitality sector. He had no previous experience in the food retail sector. He found his transferable skills, including customer services and multitasking, helpful for transitioning into his new role.

“It’s a dead-end sector” 

If you have ambition, there are opportunities to progress higher in retail. Dragos started a new job as a Trading Assistant for Sainsbury’s with no previous retail sector experience and was promoted to a manager in store quite quickly.  

“Wages are poor” 

Many jobs in food retail do have low entry wages but there is usually potential for earnings to rise. Opportunities for progression to store management exist; entry level positions start at around £17,472 per year while the most experienced workers can make up to £42,500 per year (Source: Neuvoo).

“It’s not safe to be working in a store” 

Food retailers have measures in place to keep you safe. Before applying for the role at for Sainsbury’s, Dragos had his concerns about safety but he was provided with masks, gloves and hand sanitiser, and was reassured by the protection in place.

Retail

Amazon has positions available in its Fulfilment Centre sites. To apply visit Amazon’s website (external website).

Aldi has vacancies across the UK in stores, logistics, and head office. To apply visit Aldi’s recruitment website (external website). 

Lidl has 4 week fixed term contracts available at some locations. Applications can be made on Lidl’s website (external website).

Morrisons (external website) is currently looking for people to join them in a range of temporary roles, including in stores and logistics.  

Sainsbury’s (external website) offering positions UK wide and has created a specific section, under the banner of “feeding the nation”, for those laid off from other employers to offer fixed term contracts. Applications can be made on Sainsbury’s website (external website).

Tesco has vacancies across the UK. Check out Tesco’s website (external website).

B&M are looking for highly motivated managers with a proven track record of delivering sales, service and store standards in a high turnover, fast paced environment. Interested candidates can register on their website (external website).

They also advertise a variety of in-store vacancies, security roles, transport/distribution roles and head office roles on their website (external website).

The Charity Retail Association (CRA) has a Volunteer Matching Service portal to link volunteers to charity retail opportunities near to them. As charity shops reopen there is a huge shortage of volunteers. 

For more retail jobs, visit Find a job (external website).