COVID-19 has caused employment carnage – but has also created new types of work.
Contact tracers, temperature testers, social-distancing wardens, expert cleaners, “bedside buddy” hospital helps and coronavirus council support officers are just some of the roles up for grabs.
The pandemic has put some 1.5million out of work, while 8.7 million furloughed staff await their fate.
But the new roles in the war on coronavirus mean there are thousands of openings.
Ian Nicholas, global head of Reed Specialist Recruitment, says: “Covid-19 has had a profound effect on how businesses operate.
“New roles are appearing and research has found 54 per cent of firms believe these ways of working will become permanent following lockdown.”
Here are six Covid-created jobs and how to apply.
Contact tracer: The Government is recruiting thousands to trace contacts of infected people and help them isolate. see nhs professionals.nhs.uk/contact-tracer.
Temperature tester: You will check employees returning to work to ensure potentially Covid-positive workers do not clock on. Testers are being employed at big factories and may be needed soon at travel hubs and smaller workplaces. Search job boards for your nearest vacancies.
Social-distancing warden: As major retailers reopen, you will help manage queues and car parks. Search job boards for your nearest local vacancies or apply direct to retailers.
Expert cleaner: Specialist Covid cleaners are already working in the NHS but as workplaces and schools reopen, more cleaners are needed. Apply at reed.co.uk/jobs/cleaner-jobs.
Bedside buddy: You need at least six months’ acute-care experience on an NHS hospital ward for this job. Under the supervision of nurses and doctors, you will provide one-to-one care for patients and help to keep the bedside area clean. Apply at reed.co.uk/jobs/band-2-bedside-buddy/40244011
Covid-19 support officer: Help to protect the most vulnerable. You will be phoning residents classed as “shielding”, and other households in need, to check they know about sources of help. See your local council website for vacancies.
Kids’ job e-vent
BURBERRY, BAE Systems and Microsoft are among firms holding a “lockdown careers week” for school pupils – by opening their doors online.
My Week of Work, from Monday to Friday next week, is designed for Year 9 and 10 pupils but also suitable for other secondary pupils – aiming to inspire them about careers.
It is run by online school the Oak National Academy, and the Careers & Enterprise Company, featuring virtual work tasks and advice from business leaders.
Oak National Academy head Matt Hood says: “Work experience week is such a fun, enriching part of the school year and we want to ensure pupils still gain valuable insight into the world of work despite lockdown.”
See thenational.academy