Job loss puts mum on path to new career

❝ I was keen to get back into the workplace and find a fulfilling career that I could be proud of Roxanne

A former hairdresser from Bath has turned her life around after losing her office job during the pandemic.

Roxanne was put in touch with the Women’s Work Lab by the Bath Job Centre after losing her job.

She is one of more than 18,000 people in the West of England who have become unemployed since February 2020 as the effects of the pandemic hit. Roxanne said: “I was keen to get back into the workplace and find a fulfilling career that I could be proud of.”

As a single parent, she didn’t want to go back into hairdressing as the hours didn’t fit with her family life. After completing training and work placements, she has just secured a new job as an HR admin assistant with Dorothy House Hospice Care, which fits with her parenting responsibilities.

Roxanne said: “My confidence has been at an all-time low and I felt I needed the support of the Women’s Work Lab to give me direction and help me find a job I loved.”

Metro mayor Dan Norris said: “It’s great to meet Roxanne and hear about her success in landing a new job.

“Sadly, there are many more women like Roxanne whose work has been affected by the pandemic – that’s why we’re putting more support in place for residents and businesses to make sure everyone in our region has the opportunity to find secure, fulfilling work.”

Women’s Work Lab is a community interest company that supports unemployed mums receiving benefits to become work ready.

In partnership with Bath & North East Somerset Council, it offers bespoke training, work placement and mentoring programmes that focus on building confidence, ambition and employability skills.