The pandemic has had a significant impact on the job market over the last year, with millions of people being laid off or furloughed. The hospitality, travel and leisure sectors have been hit particularly hard, as they’ve had to close or limit their services for significant periods of time since the pandemic began.
Whilst some companies across a range of different industry sectors are cautiously hiring again, the majority remain below where they were pre-pandemic, and have reduced the number of people they’re taking on. However, if you’re still looking for a new job, then you may be encouraged to hear that there is still demand for workers in a few key sectors.
Here are 13 different areas that are still hiring now.
1. Retail
While the majority of non-essential retail stores are currently closed, many supermarkets and hardware stores are still hiring. Roles include General Assistants, Store Supervisors and Store Managers.
Shops that remain open are continuing to work hard to implement social distancing measures to ensure that staff and customers can stay as safe as possible – for example, by using one way systems, having hand sanitizing stations available, and ensuring that everyone wears a face covering.
Employers currently hiring include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Pets at Home, Co-op, Boots, Lloyds Pharmacy and Booker.
2. Customer service
While many non-essential services that rely on providing in-person customer service have closed under lockdown restrictions, some have been able to continue their service while working from home. This means that some companies are still hiring in customer service roles, both in-person (for services that remain open, like essential retail and banks), and remotely. Remote rolls will be internet or telephone-based.
The specific responsibilities attached to these roles can vary considerably, depending on what sector you choose to work in – but they all have the same goal, which is to make sure that customers are satisfied with the product or service they’ve been offered.
If you’re a sociable individual, who enjoys meeting and interacting with a range of different people, then you might be an ideal candidate for a customer service role
3. Driving and delivery
With government guidelines keeping the majority of us at home, there’s been a surge in people ordering shopping online. Takeaways, supermarket groceries, and clothing are some of the many items that people are still having delivered directly to their front door.
Many delivery services are now operating a no-contact service, where customers who wish to have zero contact with delivery drivers can add a note to their order to specify this. Hours are usually flexible and some allow you to use your own vehicle.
Heavy goods delivery (HGV) drivers are also in demand at the moment, with the majority of companies taking on people with HGV experience, but a handful still taking on trainees. To find out more about retraining to be an HGV driver, you might find it useful to read our guide.
4. Logistics
An increase in HGV roles has also led to a natural increase in logistics hiring. Because as well as having people to get products from A to B, there’s also a need for people to plan and organise routes on a daily basis, make sure that all vehicles are serviced and repaired quickly, and that there is enough staff to meet the delivery demand. Available roles include Logistics Planner, Transport Manager, and Transport Controller.
5. Local Government and the Civil Service
Local government organisations are still hiring and they welcome applications from more mature candidates. You may not be considering running for office, but working in a government role can allow you to channel your interest in helping wider society.
Roles are wide-ranging and include Probation Officers, Social Care, Financial Analysts, and Strategy Advisors. Many will allow you to work remotely during the lockdown.
6. Online tutoring services
With kids no longer attending school, there’s been a surge in demand for online tutors. Schools may be closed, but parents are doing their best to tutor children at home – many will be juggling schooling with work responsibilities and could use the extra support. By taking on a tutoring role from the comfort of your own home, you could help children to keep on top of their studies and regain some structure to their day. Both during and after lockdown, tutoring is an incredibly rewarding experience that can leave you with a great sense of satisfaction and achievement.
Websites like TutorChoice and First Tutors are great places to start looking for this type of work and will tell you everything that you need to know to get going. You can also look out for additional opportunities on online job boards. Hours are usually flexible, and you can choose to take on as little or as much work as is convenient for you.
7. Royal Mail
The Royal Mail service has continued to operate throughout the pandemic; helping the UK to stay connected and delivering essential items.
At present, most of the roles on offer are temporary and involve supporting Royal Mail’s operational colleagues in Delivery Offices and Parcel Sort Centres. You can apply for a range of temporary roles through their recruitment partners, Angard Staffing.
8. Warehouses
The surge in online deliveries has not only seen an increase in demand for delivery drivers, but for Warehouse workers too. These roles involve working as part of a team to fulfil customers’ online orders. Typical tasks could include picking and packing orders, and performing safety and quality checks. Amazon for example has seen a surge in demand and is introducing social distancing measures and protective equipment in its warehouses to try and help workers stay safe.
9. Construction
Many construction companies have continued to operate throughout the lockdowns, and are still hiring. Construction work covers roles from builders, to engineers through to project managers. Some companies are hiring on a permanent basis, whilst others require support for specific short or long term projects.
10. Funeralcare
Whilst certainly not for everyone, Co-op are recruiting for caring people to join their Funeralcare team and help support the communities in which they operate. Typically, you’ll spend time supporting both the funeral itself, and the care of the deceased.
No experience is required as full training will be provided, but you’ll need to have a genuine desire to help people at the time they need it most. You can read more about How to become a Funeral Arranger, or view advertised roles on site.
11. Care
If you’re looking for a job in care and are willing to help those in need during some extremely difficult times for the sector, then you could consider applying for a role in care. Roles include Care Assistants, Housekeeping Assistants and Team Leaders.
12. NHS jobs
The NHS has done an outstanding job of taking care of the UK during the pandemic over the last few months, and they are continuing to hire people across a range of different roles and areas.
As well as advertising for roles that require extensive training and experience – such as Nurses, Doctors, and Physiotherapists, there are also plenty of entry-level opportunities available. Emergency Call Handlers, Administrators and Receptionists are examples of some entry-level roles that might be available near you. The NHS is also taking on a number of Covid administrators to help with tasks such as processing covid test results and keeping patient records up to date.
13. Financial Services
The pandemic has had a significant impact on the UK’s economy; meaning that many of us are now concerned about our financial security going forward. Many people are seeking financial help and support, and trying to find out where to turn next.
Lloyds Banking Group, Metro Bank and Coventry Building Society are three companies currently hiring through Rest Less.
Or for those interested in a self-employed proposition – Financial Coaching service, Hatch, are currently hiring Financial Coaches in work from home positions, to help clients in their local area manage their money effectively. All support and coaching is given over the phone, or via video chat – making it a safe, no contact work option for people who don’t feel comfortable leaving home. You don’t need to be a financial whizz to apply, but you will need a strong academic background and a desire to make a positive difference to people’s lives. Hatch will provide full virtual training for successful candidates.
And finally…
While we understand that there are plenty of people out there who are in great need of work, it’s important to tread carefully and weigh up the pros and cons of each option. Your safety and the safety of your family and friends is paramount. We’ve explored some of the main sectors that are still hiring in nationwide roles, but you may also come across work opportunities locally – especially with small businesses like green grocers or bakeries.
Some people are also finding creative ways to earn money from home, for example, by making and selling things online. Whilst some of the suggestions may not still be relevant for the Covid-19 world, our articles 20 Popular Self-Employment Ideas, Business ideas that you can start from home and 12 popular activities that you can turn into a career might offer you some ideas for ways to do this.
If your need to work isn’t pressing and you’ve got some time to consider the sort of work you might like to go into when the lockdown is over – then consider taking a look out at our job ideas section for some inspiration.
Or, if you’re looking for some additional ways to save money or boost your income, you might also find the following articles helpful:
- Financial Support for those impacted by Coronavirus
- 10 ways to cut costs from home
- 4 Reasons to switch energy supplier now
- How to find the best broadband deal for you