It’s not all gloom in the job market

WHEN THE lockdown began, the situation looked bleak for job seekers — and also for the huge number of entrepreneurs who had worked so hard to get an enterprise off the ground, only to find their trade had ground to a halt. But we at Work Avenue are seeing reassuring signs that people are finding work and that businesses are finding a way to thrive.

Take, for example, Sam Feller and Laura Jackson, founders of gourmet popcorn brand Popcorn Shed, which has seen online sales rise 250 per cent. Before, most of its business was wholesale and direct to cinemas, shops and distributors. When this revenue stream dried up, the team launched a digital marketing campaign to spread the word and promote its vegan Mini Pop! gourmet range. They are now looking to hire new team members.

There has been a large increase in people talking to us about job search. Many have been laid off and others fear for their future. But even in these testing times, there are still vacancies.

Clive, an experienced data analyst, had struggled to find work over the past year. He had attended around 20 interviews, had reached the final two on a number of occasions but had failed to land the job. But during the lockdown he secured a data analysis role with a global charity.

Sara had worked in healthcare but wanted to work in a charity within the Jewish community. We were advertising such a role and put her forward, thinking they would recognise what she had to offer despite her lack of specific experience. They did and Sara has started employment.

And Rebecca, an experienced bookkeeper, has started a part-time role in a property business.

We know things will be different going forward. There will be an increase in people seeking work and many businesses will be under immense strain. But businesses will find a way to flourish, new ones will be launched and people will find jobs.

Debbie Sheldon is CEO of Work Avenue