<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Calculate Your Take-Home Pay in the UK</strong></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">Understanding your take-home pay is crucial for financial planning. A&nbsp;salary calculator&nbsp;helps you determine your net income after taxes and deductions. This page provides a comprehensive guide on using a&nbsp;UK salary calculator&nbsp;to estimate your&nbsp;take-home pay, including how to use the calculator and understand your salary breakdown.</p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal"><strong>How to Use the Salary Calculator</strong></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">Using a&nbsp;salary calculator&nbsp;is straightforward. You&rsquo;ll need to select your tax year, adjust the number of days or hours you work, and input your gross salary. Each of these steps is crucial for an accurate take-home pay calculation.</p>
<h3 class="MsoNormal"><strong>Select Your Tax Year</strong></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">First, choose the relevant tax year. The tax year in the UK runs from April 6th to April 5th of the following year. Selecting the correct tax year ensures that the salary calculator&nbsp;uses the appropriate tax bands and rates for your calculations.</p>
<h3 class="MsoNormal"><strong>Adjust the Number of Days/Hours of Work</strong></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">Next, adjust the number of days or hours you work. This step is essential for part-time workers or those with flexible working hours. By accurately inputting your work schedule, the&nbsp;take-home pay calculator&nbsp;can provide a more precise estimate of your net income.</p>
<h3 class="MsoNormal"><strong>Input Your Gross Salary</strong></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">Finally, input your gross salary details. Gross salary means your total earnings before any deductions. The&nbsp;gross to net salary&nbsp;calculation will then factor in taxes, National Insurance, and other deductions to give you your net salary.</p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal"><strong>Understanding Your Salary Breakdown</strong></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">Understanding your salary breakdown is key to managing your finances. This section will explain the difference between gross and net salary, National Insurance contributions, and PAYE deductions.</p>
<h3 class="MsoNormal"><strong>What is Gross vs Net Salary?</strong></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">Gross salary refers to your total earnings before any deductions. Net salary, on the other hand, is what you take home after taxes and other deductions. Our&nbsp;salary calculator&nbsp;helps you understand this difference by breaking down your earnings into gross and net amounts.</p>
<h3 class="MsoNormal"><strong>National Insurance Explained</strong></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">National Insurance (NI) is a mandatory contribution that funds state benefits. The amount you pay depends on your earnings and employment status. Our&nbsp;calculator&nbsp;includes NI contributions in its calculations to provide an accurate net salary. Find out more about <a href="https://www.gov.uk/national-insurance">National Insurance contributions.</a></p>
<h3 class="MsoNormal"><strong>PAYE Deductions</strong></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">PAYE (Pay As You Earn) is the system used by HMRC (His Majesty&rsquo;s Revenue &amp; Customs) to collect income tax and National Insurance from your salary. Our&nbsp;PAYE tax calculator&nbsp;ensures that these deductions are accurately reflected in your net salary.</p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal"><strong>Salary Calculator UK FAQs</strong></h2>
<details class="mce-accordion">
<summary>What is a Salary Calculator?</summary>
<p>A salary calculator is a tool that helps you estimate your take-home pay by factoring in taxes and other deductions.</p>
</details>
<details class="mce-accordion">
<summary>How Accurate Are Salary Calculators?</summary>
<p>Most UK salary calculators are highly accurate, but they rely on the information you provide. Ensure you input accurate data for the best results.</p>
</details>
<details class="mce-accordion">
<summary>What Are the UK Tax Bands?</summary>
<p>The UK has several tax bands that determine the rate of income tax you pay. These bands are updated annually and are crucial for accurate calculations.</p>
</details>
<details class="mce-accordion">
<summary>Can I Reduce My Tax?</summary>
<p>Yes, there are legal ways to reduce your tax liability, such as through pension contributions and other allowances.</p>
</details>
<details class="mce-accordion">
<summary>What is My Tax Code?</summary>
<p>Your tax code indicates how much tax-free income you are entitled to. For more information, check out this <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/tax-codes-explanation-check-your-tax-code/">guide on tax codes</a>.</p>
</details>
<details class="mce-accordion">
<summary>How Do I Read My Payslip?</summary>
<p>Understanding your payslip is essential for managing your finances. For a detailed explanation, <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/your-payslip-explained/">visit this guide on reading your payslip.</a></p>
</details>
<p class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">By using a UK salary calculator, you can gain a clear understanding of your take-home pay and make informed financial decisions. Whether you&rsquo;re using a pay after tax calculator or a PAYE tax calculator, these tools are invaluable for navigating the complexities of the salary tax bands in the UK and ensuring you know your gross to net salary.</p>

UK Salary Calculator

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<p>Entering the job market &ndash; or re-entering it after a long while &ndash; can feel daunting. Industries and businesses change at pace, meaning it is easy to find yourself without the right skills or qualifications for certain roles.</p>
<p>Fortunately, there are various ways to upskill yourself and get the experience or financial support you need to succeed in jobs you may be interested in. A number of industries continually require new staff, particularly those with driving jobs, roles in warehouses or offices, and catering staff. By building the skills needed for these roles, you will not only be more attractive to employers, but you will also be properly prepared to succeed in the role and enjoy it for a longer time.</p>
<p>If the thought of gaining new skills, experience or training sounds overwhelming to you, then look no further. In this article, we take you through the financial and practical support available to help you gain the skills and confidence you need to succeed.</p>
</div>
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<h2>Will starting work affect your benefits?</h2>
<p>If you&rsquo;re currently on any government benefits, you&rsquo;re not guaranteed to lose these when you start working. It depends on how much you earn and your own personal situation. If you start out by doing some volunteer work or work experience, you may still be able to claim benefits. Your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/contact-jobcentre-plus" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jobcentre Plus</a>&nbsp;work coach can help you manage changes to your benefits as you navigate your new situation.</p>
<p>There is also some additional government funding to help you find employment. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.turn2us.org.uk/Your-Situation/Looking-for-work/Getting-Into-Work/UK-Wide-Schemes#FSF" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Flexible Support Fund</a> (FSF) helps you prepare for interviews and starting work, covering things like travel costs and the clothing you might need to start your job. It can also pay for childcare for your first month in employment. You are eligible for the FSF if you are claiming certain benefits, but it is up to the Jobcentre Plus advisers to decide whether you can have access to it based on your situation.</p>
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<h2>Can you apply for a job grant?</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.jobcentreguide.org/claiming-benefits/38/job-grants" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Job grants</a> can also help you manage financially when you start your new job. They are one-off, tax-free sums designed to cover the gap between your benefits ending and your first pay. They can also help you adjust to your role, such as paying for workwear you may need to buy. You are eligible for a job grant if you have been on certain benefits for at least 26 weeks. Your new job contract also needs to be at least 16 hours a week &ndash; or you could be increasing your hours at your current job. As job grants are discretionary payments, Jobcentre Plus will ultimately decide if you are eligible.</p>
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<h2>Job support for people with disabilities or long-term health conditions</h2>
<p>If you have a disability or long-term health condition,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the Access to Work programme</a> can help you overcome any obstacles you may experience to enter the workplace. You may be eligible for the Access to Work grant, which can cover the costs of additional support you need to find a job or stay in work. This could pay for things like transport to the place of interview or work, lip speakers, an interpreter and/or note taker for meetings, equipment and aids you may need in the workplace, and advice for your employer. Access to Work also provides practical support based on your unique needs. You might be given a plan to help you adjust to life in work, including flexible work patterns, a phased entry to the workplace, mentoring, additional training, extra time on tasks or ongoing support from an adviser.&nbsp;</p>
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<h2>Charities that help jobseekers</h2>
<p>A number of charities offer more targeted support to help different members of the community access help in finding jobs and a meaningful career. Below are some example charities offering this kind of support.</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.princes-trust.org.uk/help-for-young-people/get-job" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Prince&rsquo;s Trust</a>&nbsp;&ndash; aimed at helping young people (aged 16-30) build confidence and explore career avenues. It offers free courses, mentoring and access to work experience.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-support/financial-and-employment-support/employment" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Royal British Legion</a>&nbsp;&ndash; offers support for serving personnel and veterans to find suitable jobs.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/employment-plus/local-support-jobseekers" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Salvation Army</a>&nbsp;&ndash; Employment Plus (E+) Local provides practical guidance in local centres and can give you access to computers to help with job applications.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.papworthtrust.org.uk/work/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Papworth Trust</a>&nbsp;&ndash; supports people with disabilities into work through advice, work experience and training opportunities.</li>
</ul>
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<h2>Your next steps</h2>
<p>Whether you have been unemployed for some time or you are completely new to the world of work, entering the job market can feel intimidating. The support schemes and charities mentioned above can help give you focus and confidence from the minute you find and apply to jobs to your first day in the role. For more advice on what to do next in your job search, visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice">career advice page</a>, or to start exploring opportunities available now, search&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/find-a-job">our current jobs</a>.</p>
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Back to work grants courses and advice for jobseekers

<p>The key to successfully getting the job you want is all in the preparation. You&rsquo;re competing against other candidates, so how you prepare and how you impress your prospective employer will make all the difference in standing out. The average interview time is one hour, so it&rsquo;s crucial that you&rsquo;re well prepared. To help you ace your next interviews below are some of our top tips on;</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="#Research">Researching the company</a></li>
<li><a href="#Interview Preparation">Preparing for interview questions</a></li>
<li><a href="#checklist">On the day checklist</a></li>
</ul>
<h2><span style="color: #009fe3;"><a id="anchor_1558101580642" name="Research"></a>Research</span></h2>
<p>Although you&rsquo;ll be fully briefed by your Blue Arrow Consultant about the company and the person who will be interviewing you, it&rsquo;s also beneficial for you to do some thorough research yourself.</p>
<p>Start by visiting the company&rsquo;s website and social media pages to get a feel of the company culture, values, their history and their future goals. Glassdoor reviews from previous employers can also be helpful. See if the company has recently been in the news, had articles published and find out who their competitors are. By learning as much as possible about the company, you&rsquo;ll be able to demonstrate your interest in the role through your research and form some questions to ask at the end of your interview.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #009fe3;"> <a id="anchor_1558101526674" name="Interview Preparation"></a>Interview&nbsp; Preparation</span></h2>
<p>The interview is your opportunity to broadcast your qualities which cannot be assessed from your CV. It&rsquo;s your chance to truly sell yourself, so think about all the relevant qualities that you possess that fit the role.</p>
<p>Re-read the job description to see what the employer is looking for &ndash; keywords like team player, approachable, professional, attention-to-detail, organised are great starting points to describe yourself.</p>
<p>Imagine what it would be like to be working at the company and what skills, experience, qualifications the employer is looking for. Provide positive information that shows what you can do for the employer.</p>
<p>As a starting point, here&rsquo;s a top 10 list of frequently asked interview questions:</p>
<p><strong>1. Tell me about yourself </strong></p>
<p>This is an opportunity to outline your attributes, your strengths and accomplishments that might be suitable for the role. Don&rsquo;t just reel off what&rsquo;s on your CV and don&rsquo;t worry if the interviewer remains silent when you pause.</p>
<p><strong>2. What qualifies you for this job?</strong></p>
<p>Employers want to know your background and experience. Prepare some success stories as examples of what you&rsquo;ve achieved, or how you&rsquo;ve done in the past. Start with the biggest achievement to make an immediate impression.</p>
<p><strong>3. Why do you want to work for this organisation?</strong></p>
<p>According to one survey, 75% of interviewers are put off by candidates that are unfamiliar with their organisation. This is where your preparatory research about the company will help&nbsp;demonstrate what you know about the company. Ensure you talk about the positive points about the company.</p>
<p><strong>4. Why do you wish to leave your present job? </strong></p>
<p>Avoid saying anything negative about your present or previous employers and don&rsquo;t mention money as a motivator. Employers want to feel they are interviewing people who want to work for their brand because of what their brand offers, not by default of it &lsquo;not being your current place of work&rsquo;. Indicate a desire for greater responsibility and challenge, or talk about how you want the opportunity to use your talents and abilities more in a new workplace.</p>
<p><strong>5. Where do you see yourself in 1, 2 or 3 years&rsquo; time?</strong></p>
<p>Replying &lsquo;in your chair!&rsquo; or mentioning any specific goals can be risky as it may sound arrogant or misaligned with the career paths of the organisation. Frame your response so that it shows how motivated you are about the role. Something like &lsquo;I would hope that by then my hard work and enthusiasm would have led to increased recognition and responsibility within this organisation&rsquo;.</p>
<p><strong>6. What sort of salary are you looking for?</strong></p>
<p>If you&rsquo;re unsure of what the job should pay, check out what the average pay is using Blue Arrow&rsquo;s Salary Checker on our website. When talking about money, describe the salary range that the job is worth. Many companies use your current salary as a benchmark (which will include basic pay, bonuses and any extras) but if you don&rsquo;t want to answer this question, try and steer your answer to something like &lsquo;based on my experience and research of other similar positions in this area, I&rsquo;m looking for a salary range of (figure).</p>
<p><strong>7. What are your weaknesses? / What&rsquo;s the worst problem you&rsquo;ve ever faced?</strong></p>
<p>The best &lsquo;weaknesses&rsquo; are those that help you reveal your strengths, such as &lsquo;I dislike not being busy or challenged at work&rsquo; or minor weaknesses that aren&rsquo;t relevant to the role. Keep your answer to one weakness and mention how you&rsquo;re overcoming this weakness.</p>
<p>If you&rsquo;re asked about what the worst problem you&rsquo;ve ever faced is, then restrict your answer to workplace problems and avoid talking about personal problems or blaming others. Pick a problem that you&rsquo;ve solved and describe how you overcame them. Show yourself to be a good team player by crediting co-workers for their contributions and provide an example of how you analysed and learned from your mistakes.</p>
<p><strong>8. What are your strengths? </strong></p>
<p>Highlight the qualities that will help you succeed in this particular job. Give examples and quantify how your strengths benefited your previous employers. By demonstrating reliability and the ability to stick to difficult tasks without giving up, you will impress your interviewers.</p>
<p><strong>9. How would you describe a typical day in your current job? </strong></p>
<p>Put yourself in the interviewer&rsquo;s shoes when answering. What is it that they want to know?</p>
<p>Rather than exaggerating your current position, show that you are detail-orientated or a good multi-tasker by talking about some of the routine tasks in your day, the importance of paperwork or how thorough you are at planning and organising your time. How do you plan your tasks at the beginning of the day and how do you review your achievements at the end of the day?</p>
<p><strong>10. Do you have any questions?</strong></p>
<p>Remember the interview is a two-way process and if you get the job, you&rsquo;ll need to know whether it suits your lifestyle or meets your expectations.</p>
<p>Avoid asking about holidays and other benefits at this stage. However, if you don&rsquo;t ask the right questions, you may not have another opportunity to cover things that are important to you such as:</p>
<ul>
<li>What&rsquo;s the most important purpose of this position?</li>
<li>What&rsquo;s the most important quality you&rsquo;re looking for from the successful applicant?</li>
<li>Who would I be reporting to / working with?</li>
<li>How many people are in the team / company?</li>
<li>How does this role contribute to the business goals?</li>
<li>What are the long-term opportunities in this company?</li>
<li>What do you like most about working for this company?</li>
<li>What training opportunities are there?</li>
<li>How will the performance of this role be measured?</li>
</ul>
<h2><span style="color: #009fe3;"><a id="anchor_1558101625113" name="checklist"></a>On the day - A checklist for the interview </span></h2>
<p>So you&rsquo;re all ready and prepped with your answers and questions for the big day. Don&rsquo;t forget that there are 4 more very important things you need to pre-prepare for;</p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;1. Arrival</strong></p>
<p>Make sure you know the full address of the organisation and the name of the person who you are meeting. Check the location on a map in advance and maybe even practice the journey prior to the interview if you can.</p>
<p>Arrive a few minutes early so that you have time to compose yourself and feel comfortable in the surroundings. It can help relieve nerves and reduce tension if you have time to sit in reception and breathe deeply and slowly for a minute or two.</p>
<p>It is also worth noting that secretaries and receptionists may be asked subsequently for their impression of you, so treat everyone you meet with politeness and warmth.</p>
<p><strong>2. Attire &amp; Accessories </strong></p>
<p>Make sure you wear something clean, smart, ironed or non-creased that you feel comfortable in. Think about taking a notepad and pen so that you can take notes and politely ask for a glass of water before starting your interview. And don&rsquo;t forget to switch of your mobile phone before you enter the building!</p>
<p><strong>3. Body Language </strong></p>
<p>First impressions last, so don&rsquo;t forget to make eye contact and give a confident handshake. Don&rsquo;t overdo the charm and flattery either. Remember to: Make eye contact throughout the interview Be aware of your hands and arms (don&rsquo;t fidget) Keep an upright posture Communicate your interest in the position Listen carefully to the interviewer</p>
<p><strong>4. Conclusion</strong></p>
<p>Make sure you don&rsquo;t leave the interview without knowing when you will get a decision or if there will be further interviews. If, at any time you weren&rsquo;t able to answer a question, don&rsquo;t panic. It&rsquo;s always better to admit you are unsure of something but that you will now do your best to address the issue. Honesty is always the best policy. Being positive, confident and pleasant means you will have done your best!</p>
<p>Please remember to ring your Blue Arrow Consultant after the interview to give feedback. It is very important that we speak to you as soon as possible after an interview so we can convey your interest to the client.</p>
<p>Our final tip is to download our infographic, so you can easily refer back to these tips.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Interview Tips

<h2><span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #00aae3;"><a href="#Career Advice" name="Career Advice">Career Guides</a></span></h2>
<p>Whether you're looking to&nbsp;start, develop or change your&nbsp;career,&nbsp;&nbsp;our career guides will tell you all you need to know about your next role in&nbsp;Hospitality&nbsp;and Catering,&nbsp;Transport and Logistics, Manufacturing and Production, Facilities Management, Admin and Secretarial and Customer Services.</p>

Career Guides

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<p>If you're creating your first CV, or updating an old one, our free CV templates and guides will help you create a professional CV quickly.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Download our free CV template or browse our range of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/find-a-job/career-advice/cv-templates#CV%20Templates">tailored CV templates</a>&nbsp;below, and be sure to check our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/cv-templates/cv-writing-tips">5 top tips for CV writing</a>.</p>
</article>
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<p><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/cv-templates/rich-text-content/career-advice-templates-rich-text-content-purple-cv-template-220923.png?w=200&amp;h=280&amp;hash=2425800119F0F7937EC1550896D9AFDE" alt="CV Template"></p>
<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/cv-templates/rich-text-content/career-advice-templates-rich-text-content-document-cv-template-250923.docx"><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/cv-templates/rich-text-content/career-advice-templates-rich-text-content-download-pink-button-250923.png?h=50&amp;w=150&amp;hash=9E897382059A2E624F09CA13730DEA7C" alt="Download"></a></article>
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<p><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/cv-templates/rich-text-content/career-advice-templates-rich-text-content-grey-cv-template-250923.png?h=280&amp;w=200&amp;hash=D516ED812555726D0D38591DDF9AFBC5" alt="CV Template"></p>
<p><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/cv-templates/rich-text-content/career-advice-templates-rich-text-content-template-cv-document-250923.docx"><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/cv-templates/rich-text-content/career-advice-templates-rich-text-content-download-pink-button-250923.png?h=50&amp;w=150&amp;hash=9E897382059A2E624F09CA13730DEA7C" alt="Download"></a></p>
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<article class="rich-text-article">
<p><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/cv-templates/rich-text-content/career-advice-templates-rich-text-content-orange-cv-template-250923.png?h=280&amp;w=200&amp;hash=4BDC90DCBEFC9F1C2455605920A6F7D3" alt="CV Template"></p>
<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/cv-templates/rich-text-content/career-advice-templates-rich-text-content-document-template-cv-250923.docx"><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/cv-templates/rich-text-content/career-advice-templates-rich-text-content-download-pink-button-250923.png?h=50&amp;w=150&amp;hash=9E897382059A2E624F09CA13730DEA7C" alt="Download"></a></article>
<article class="rich-text-article">
<h2><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk//career-advice/cv-templates#CV%20Templates" name="CV Templates">Tailored CV templates</a></h2>
<h3>Hospitality and Catering&nbsp;</h3>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/cv-templates/kitchen-porter">Kitchen Porter and Kitchen Assistant</a>&nbsp;</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/cv-templates/chef-de-partie">Commis Chef and Chef de Partie&nbsp;</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/cv-templates/head-chef">Sous Chef and Head Chef&nbsp;</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/cv-templates/barista">Barista, Bartender, Waiter and Waitress&nbsp;</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Transport and Logistics&nbsp;</h3>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/cv-templates/hgv-driver">LGV Driver</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/cv-templates/delivery-driver">Delivery Driver&nbsp;</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/cv-templates/forklift-truck-driver">Forklift Truck Driver</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/cv-templates/warehouse-operative">Warehouse Operative&nbsp;</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Admin and Secretarial&nbsp;</h3>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/cv-templates/administrator">Administrator</a>&nbsp;</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/cv-templates/customer-service-advisor">Customer Service Advisor</a>&nbsp;</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/cv-templates/sales-advisor">Sales Advisor&nbsp;</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/cv-templates/receptionist">Receptionist&nbsp;</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/cv-templates/personal-assistant">Personal Assistant&nbsp;</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/cv-templates/recruitment-consultant">Recruitment Consultant&nbsp;</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Manufacturing and Production&nbsp;</h3>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/cv-templates/warehouse-operative">Assembly Operative and Production Operative&nbsp;</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Facilities Management&nbsp;</h3>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/cv-templates/cleaner">Cleaner</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
</article>
</div>
</article>

CV Templates

<article class="rich-text-article">
<p>Lorry driving is a great career to jump into if you have just left education, been made redundant in another industry, or are looking to try something new.&nbsp;</p>
<p>To land a job as a LGV Driver, your CV will need to show that you&rsquo;re patient, have great problem solving skills, able to work alone, and of course have the relevant driving licences.</p>
<p>Whether you're looking to start your&nbsp;&nbsp;LGV driving career or looking for your next challenge, our free CV template is&nbsp;tailored to ensure your CV stands out from the crowd.&nbsp;</p>
</article>
<article class="content-3col">
<div class="content-3col-left">
<article class="rich-text-article">
<p><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/hgv-driver/rich-text-content/cv-template-a.png?h=280&amp;w=200&amp;hash=F6CEDC3E514F2A9CCA698C2F0B56F8B2" alt="CV Template"></p>
<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/hgv-driver/rich-text-content/blue-arrow-cv-templates_a_hgv-driver.docx"><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/hgv-driver/rich-text-content/ba_download_button.png?h=50&amp;w=150&amp;hash=6AD79806161C47DB462A9E78A3826E63" alt="Download"></a></article>
</div>
<div class="content-3col-middle">
<article class="rich-text-article">
<p><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/hgv-driver/rich-text-content/cv-template-b.png?h=280&amp;w=200&amp;hash=31B891327DEFFD6CBA861DA21FBD96B8" alt="CV Template"></p>
<p><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/hgv-driver/rich-text-content/blue-arrow-cv-templates_b_hgv-driver.docx"><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/hgv-driver/rich-text-content/ba_download_button.png?h=51&amp;w=150&amp;hash=FAF9A19957E92AD1C6F560315BC71A66" alt="Download"></a></p>
</article>
</div>
<div class="content-3col-right">
<article class="rich-text-article">
<p><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/hgv-driver/rich-text-content/cv-template-c.png?h=280&amp;w=200&amp;hash=0D38F9C8C05C50BC46FFE0E58379F490" alt="CV Template"></p>
<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/hgv-driver/rich-text-content/blue-arrow-cv-templates_c_hgv-driver.docx"><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/hgv-driver/rich-text-content/ba_download_button.png?h=50&amp;w=150&amp;hash=6AD79806161C47DB462A9E78A3826E63" alt="Download"></a></article>
</div>
</article>
<article class="rich-text-article">
<h2>A guide to writing a CV for a LGV Driver job&nbsp;</h2>
<p><strong>Name:</strong>&nbsp;Tom Gallagher<br><strong>Tel No:</strong>&nbsp;0000 0000 00<br><strong>Email:&nbsp;</strong>TomGallagher@email.com<br><strong>Address:</strong>&nbsp;77 Harehills Lane<br>Roxby<br>TS13 1BW</p>
<h2>Personal Profile</h2>
<p>In the personal profile, you should professionally introduce yourself, in three or four sentences, with relation to the job you&rsquo;re applying to. Include: your current work situation, what type of work you are searching for (such as part-time, flexible hours, or full-time employment starting immediately) some key skills and/or traits that will show the potential employer that you are a good candidate for the advertised job.</p>
<p>If you are a fully qualified LGV Driver with several years experience and have a good knowledge of major highways, mention this here.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you don&rsquo;t have your lorry driving licence, that&rsquo;s okay. Just write that you are looking for your first role that will provide you with training. You could highlight that you have a car driving licence in this section too.</p>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<p><em>I am a hard-working and reliable class 2 qualified LGV driver. I am looking for a challenging full-time role that will improve my driving skills.</em></p>
<h2>Work History</h2>
<p>The work history section is to show the potential employer what jobs or work experience you&rsquo;ve done. &nbsp;You don&rsquo;t need to include every last detail about your duties or achievements for each job. Include only skills and duties that are relevant to the job you're applying for, as you want to show that you are a good fit for the job. If you find you have lots to write about, you can always write down and save your examples or other relevant skills for the interview.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Job title, name of employer, location, month and year started &ndash; present (or month and year that you left)</strong>
<ul>
<li>Briefly list the duties you had, and skills you learned while working here. Choose skills or qualities that the employer has listed in their job description</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<ul>
<li><strong><em>Class 2 LGV driver, Prestons of Potto, North Yorkshire, June 2017 &ndash; present</em></strong>
<ul>
<li><em>Responsible for maintaining my lorry, working with two other drivers on the same route, completing delivery paperwork, recording mileage, and assisting with loading and unloading goods</em></li>
<li><em>I have learned how to effectively plan my route, look after my vehicle, adhere to current safety requirements, and have a good knowledge of the local area and road network</em></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>What jobs should you include?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Try to include your work history for the last five years. If you haven&rsquo;t been working for that long, that is okay. It will be explained by the education history. If you have recently moved to the country, it&rsquo;s okay to include employment in other countries. There is more advice on work and education history in our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/cv-templates/cv-writing-tips">top tips online article</a>.</li>
<li>If you&rsquo;re applying for your first role in this sector, it&rsquo;s still important to include your work history. Use it to highlight relevant skills that the employer is looking for, such as organisation, team work and good communication.</li>
<li>Include details of any jobs that have involved driving, even if it&rsquo;s a small van or a car &ndash; this still shows you are responsible and a driver than a potential employer can trust.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Education History</h2>
<p>In education history, this is a chance to show any relevant training you have done, what skills you have learned from your courses, as well as general education subjects you&rsquo;ve done. As you get more work experience, this section will become shorter, as your work history becomes more relevant and more recent.</p>
<p>To be an LGV Driver you need to have the correct licences. There are 4 types of licences;&nbsp;</p>
<p>&bull; LGV Cat C1 (aka 7.5tonne)<br>&bull; LGV C1E (aka 7.5 tonne with trailer)<br>&bull; LGV Cat C (aka HGV Class 2)&nbsp;<br>&bull; LGV Cat C+E (aka &ldquo;HGV Class 1&rdquo;)<br><br>If you don't have a licence you can find out more about how to get one&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/find-a-job/career-advice#TandLGuides" target="_self">here.</a>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Name of course or qualification, name of training centre or education centre, dates you were in attendance or you completed the course</strong>
<ul>
<li>Explain briefly the training certificate relevant to the job you are applying to. What did you learn that is relevant to the job?</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<ul>
<li><strong>Class 2 Driver CPC course, Yorkshire Driver Training, May 2017</strong>
<ul>
<li>Covered hazard perception, record keeping, safe loading of goods, road safety and laws, fuel efficiency, risk assessments, incident reporting, and practical lorry driving</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>CPC driver card: Expires 2022</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>If you have completed courses or gained certificates such as first aid, include that information here, as well as details of your car driving licence.</p>
<h2>Skills</h2>
<p>Here is your chance to highlight the best skills you have in relation to the job you&rsquo;re applying for. Hint: these will be the skills listed in the job advert, but only highlight the skills you have. Misleading information on your CV is likely to trip you up in an interview and is unprofessional; you don&rsquo;t have to show you have every last skill listed in the job advert to be successful.</p>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<ul>
<li><em><strong>Driving and concentration</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; &lsquo;From longer routes I have improved my practical lorry maneuvers and ability to stay focused on the road for long periods of time. I always take the most direct and safest route.&rsquo;</em></li>
<li><em><strong>Communication and team skills&nbsp;</strong>&ndash; &lsquo;From liaising with customers about deliveries, and my manager, I have improved my listening and communication skills. I can now easily discuss problems with colleagues and customers, and work as a team towards finding a solution.&rsquo;</em></li>
</ul>
<h2>References</h2>
<p><strong>First and last name</strong><br>Job title and relation to you in the work place (if it isn&rsquo;t obvious from the job title), name of work place, work contact number (or main company phone number which they can be reached through) and work email address</p>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<p><strong>Alex Smith</strong><br>Manager,<br>Prestons of Potto, North Yorkshire<br>0000 0000 00<br>alexsmith@email.com</p>
<h3>Who should you include as a reference?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Your first reference should ideally be from your current or most recent manager. The second reference can be from a current colleague, or line manager or supervisor from a previous job. It&rsquo;s best practice to ask someone if they will be a reference for you before they are contacted. Be aware that not all employers actually contact references, but it&rsquo;s important to have them available if needed.</li>
<li>It&rsquo;s important to remember that while you are in your current job, consider that you may not want your reference (eg. your current head chef/boss) to be contacted until you have had an interview for a new possible job, or are actually offered it. This is because, for instance, if you weren&rsquo;t offered the new job, and end up staying in your current job then you might not want your manager having been contacted as a reference. It can cause tension or awkward conversations about why you were trying to leave. A good way to get around this is to simply write &lsquo;References available on request&rsquo;. This shows the new employer that they can ask you for them as needed, but also means you can ask them to only contact them if you are offered the job, and then have time to ask the reference if it&rsquo;s okay for them to be contacted. Most potential employers will be happy to wait to do this after offering you the job.</li>
<li>If you have only had one previous job, or have been studying, it is okay to include a tutor as a reference, or someone else as a character reference (who is not related to you).</li>
</ul>
</article>

HGV Driver CV Template

<article class="rich-text-article">
<p>With an increase in online shopping, the need for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/how-to-become-a-delivery-driver">multi-drop drivers</a>&nbsp;is increasing; so there are lots of job opportunities out there.</p>
<p>To land a job as a delivery driver, your CV needs to show that you&rsquo;re self-motivated, have good problem solving skills, and have a car driving licence.</p>
<p>Whether you're looking to start your driving career or take the next step up the ladder, our free CV template is&nbsp;tailored to ensure your CV stands out from the crowd.</p>
</article>
<article class="content-3col">
<div class="content-3col-left">
<article class="rich-text-article">
<p><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/delivery-driver/rich-text-content/cv-template-a.png?h=280&amp;w=200&amp;hash=75C610E07FE7E27B7890A08CCE6CF9CD" alt="CV Template"></p>
<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/kitchen-porter/rich-text-content/blue-arrow-cv-templates_a_kitchen-porter-and-assistant.docx"><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/delivery-driver/rich-text-content/ba_download_button.png?h=50&amp;w=150&amp;hash=7149D012B63FF6BC38B0C30ED1DA76BD" alt="Download"></a></article>
</div>
<div class="content-3col-middle">
<article class="rich-text-article">
<p><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/delivery-driver/rich-text-content/cv-template-b.png?h=280&amp;w=200&amp;hash=627B3189383111E4CE748E4BB1C81A5E" alt="CV Template"></p>
<p><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/kitchen-porter/rich-text-content/blue-arrow-cv-templates_b_kitchen-porter-and-assistant.docx"><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/delivery-driver/rich-text-content/ba_download_button.png?h=50&amp;w=150&amp;hash=7149D012B63FF6BC38B0C30ED1DA76BD" alt="Download"></a></p>
</article>
</div>
<div class="content-3col-right">
<article class="rich-text-article">
<p><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/delivery-driver/rich-text-content/cv-template-c.png?h=280&amp;w=200&amp;hash=1CBE9507BDC2C322F7335DBD8D45848F" alt="CV Template"></p>
<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/kitchen-porter/rich-text-content/blue-arrow-cv-templates_c_kitchen-porter-and-assistant.docx"><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/delivery-driver/rich-text-content/ba_download_button.png?h=50&amp;w=150&amp;hash=7149D012B63FF6BC38B0C30ED1DA76BD" alt="Download"></a></article>
</div>
</article>
<article class="rich-text-article">
<h2>A guide to writing CV for a Delivery Driver job</h2>
<p><strong>Name:&nbsp;</strong>Connor Moran<br><strong>Tel No:</strong>&nbsp;0000 0000 000<br><strong>Email:&nbsp;</strong>ConnorMoran@email.com<br><strong>Address:</strong>&nbsp;63 Grey Street<br>Northampton<br>NN19 9EX</p>
<h2>Personal Profile</h2>
<p>The personal profile is your chance to professionally introduce yourself, in three or four sentences, with relation to the job you&rsquo;re applying to. Ideally this should include&nbsp;your current work situation, what type of work you are searching for (such as part-time, flexible hours, or full-time employment starting immediately) some key skills, traits or experience that will show the potential employer that you are a good candidate for the advertised job.</p>
<p>If you have a clean driving licence, knowledge of the local area you'll be working in, and experience working as a delivery driver, mention this here.&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>EXAMPLE:</em></p>
<p><em>I am a hard-working and reliable delivery van driver, with good knowledge of the local area and a clean UK driving licence. I am looking for a full-time job that will continue to improve my driving skills. I am self-motivated but also enjoy working with others in a team.</em></p>
<h2>Work History</h2>
<p>The work history section is to show the potential employer what jobs or work experience you&rsquo;ve done. It is the first chance for you to highlight the skills and experience each one has given you, and this is turn should show why you are a good fit for the job you&rsquo;re applying for. You don&rsquo;t need to include every last detail, just pick the best parts. You can always write down and save your examples or other relevant skills for the interview.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Job title, name of employer, location, month and year started &ndash; present (or month and year that you left)</strong>
<ul>
<li>Briefly list the duties you had, and skills you learned while working here. Choose skills or qualities that the employer has listed in their job description</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<ul>
<li><strong><em>Delivery van driver, DHL logistics, Northampton, March 2017 &ndash; present</em></strong>
<ul>
<li><em>Responsible for maintenance of my van, completing delivery paperwork, recording mileage, and carefully loading/unloading goods.</em></li>
<li><em>I have learned how to effectively plan my route, adhere to current safety requirements, and have a good knowledge of the local area and road networks</em></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>What jobs should you include?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Include your work history for the last five years. If you haven&rsquo;t been working for that long, that is okay. It will be explained by the education history. If you have recently moved to the country, it&rsquo;s okay to include employment in other countries. There is more advice on work and education history in our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/cv-templates/cv-writing-tips">top tips online article</a>.</li>
<li>If you&rsquo;re applying for your first role in this sector, it&rsquo;s still important to include your work history. Use it to highlight relevant skills that the employer is looking for, such as organisation, team work and good communication.</li>
<li>Include details of any jobs that have involved driving, even if it&rsquo;s the organisation&rsquo;s car &ndash; this still shows you are responsible and a driver than a potential employer can trust.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<h2>Education History</h2>
<p>In education history, this is a chance to show any relevant training you have completed, what skills you have learned from your courses, as well as general education subjects you&rsquo;ve passed.&nbsp;If you have completed courses or gained certificates relating to work, include that information here. As you get more work experience, this section will become shorter, as your work history becomes more relevant and more recent.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The most important thing you need to work as a delivery driver, is a car driving licence, which allows holders to drive a van that is less than 3.5 tonnes.&nbsp; If you don't have a drivers licence, you can find out more about getting one&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/find-a-job/career-advice/how-to-become-a-delivery-driver" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>. A good level of English and Maths is also desirable.&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Name of course or qualification, name of training centre or education centre, dates you were in attendance or you completed the course.</strong>
<ul>
<li>Explain briefly the training certificate relevant to the job you are applying to. What did you learn that is relevant to the job?</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<ul>
<li><strong><em>First Aid, Yorkshire Driver Training, October 2016</em></strong>
<ul>
<li><em>Completed a one-day course in emergency first aid at work, level 2</em></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2>Skills</h2>
<p>Here is your chance to highlight the best skills you have in relation to the driving job you&rsquo;re applying for. Hint: these will be the skills listed in the job advert, but be careful to only highlight the skills you have. False information on your CV is likely to trip you up in an interview and is unprofessional; you don&rsquo;t have to show you have every skill listed in the job advert to be successful.</p>
</div>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<ul>
<li><strong><em>Driving and concentration&nbsp;</em></strong><em>&ndash; &lsquo;From taking on longer routes I have improved my practical van driving skills and ability to stay focused on the road for long periods of time. I always take the most direct and safest route, and am confident in any road situation.&rsquo;</em></li>
<li><em><strong>Communication and team skills</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; &lsquo;From liaising with customers about deliveries, and my manager, I have improved my listening and communication skills. I can now easily discuss problems with colleagues and customers, and work as a team towards finding a solution.&rsquo;<br></em></li>
</ul>
<h2>References</h2>
<p><strong>First and last name</strong><br>Job title and relation to you in the work place (if it isn&rsquo;t obvious from the job title), name of work place, work contact number (or main company phone number which they can be reached through) and work email address.</p>
<h4>EXAMPLE:</h4>
<p><strong>Alex Smith</strong><br>Supervisor, DHL Logistics, Northampton<br>0000 0000 00<br>alexsmith@email.com</p>
<h3>Who should you include as a reference?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Your first reference should ideally be from your current or most recent manager or supervisor. The second reference can be from a current colleague, or line manager or supervisor from a previous job. It&rsquo;s best practice to ask someone if they will be a reference for you before they are contacted. Be aware that not all employers actually contact references, but it&rsquo;s important to have them available if needed.</li>
<li>It&rsquo;s important to remember that while you are in your current job, consider that you may not want your reference (eg. your current head chef/boss) to be contacted until you have had an interview for a new possible job, or are actually offered it. This is because, for instance, if you weren&rsquo;t offered the new job, and end up staying in your current job then you might not want your manager having been contacted as a reference. It can cause tension or awkward conversations about why you were trying to leave. A good way to get around this is to simply write &lsquo;References available on request&rsquo;. This shows the new employer that they can ask you for them as needed, but also means you can ask them to only contact them if you are offered the job, and then have time to ask the reference if it&rsquo;s okay for them to be contacted. Most potential employers will be happy to wait to do this after offering you the job.</li>
<li>If you have only had one previous job, or have been studying, it is okay to include a tutor as a reference, or someone else as a character reference (who is not related to you).</li>
</ul>
</article>

Delivery Driver CV Template

<p>Explore our step by step guide on how to write a CV for a Sous Chef or Head Chef job</p>

<header class="page-title l-section">
<h1>Sous Chef/Head Chef CV Template</h1>
</header>
<article class="rich-text-article">
<p>If you have great leadership skills, work well under pressure, and have a passion not just for cooking but for business, you will make an excellent Sous Chef or Head Chef.</p>
<p>Our free CV templates will help you write a tailored CV to ensure you stand out from the crowd.</p>
</article>
<article class="content-3col">
<div class="content-3col-left">
<article class="rich-text-article">
<p><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/head-chef/rich-text-content/cv-template-a.png?h=280&amp;w=200&amp;hash=0D8E84F48690ED5C6CA271E8E1493871" alt="CV Template"></p>
<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/head-chef/rich-text-content/blue-arrow-cv-templates_a_sous-chef-and-head-chef.docx"><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/head-chef/rich-text-content/ba_download_button.png?h=50&amp;w=150&amp;hash=329CB5B379A633055A1215A35EF92955" alt="Download"></a></article>
</div>
<div class="content-3col-middle">
<article class="rich-text-article">
<p><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/head-chef/rich-text-content/cv-template-b.png?h=280&amp;w=200&amp;hash=98BB7836F061B8BA708D2144EDCD1A65" alt="CV Template"></p>
<p><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/head-chef/rich-text-content/ba_download_button.png?h=50&amp;w=150&amp;hash=329CB5B379A633055A1215A35EF92955" alt="Download"></p>
</article>
</div>
<div class="content-3col-right">
<article class="rich-text-article">
<p><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/head-chef/rich-text-content/cv-template-c.png?h=280&amp;w=200&amp;hash=CD29BBF8AFFDD4BC081B2CB0CA163B6A" alt="CV Template"></p>
<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/head-chef/rich-text-content/blue-arrow-cv-templates_c_sous-chef-and-head-chef.docx"><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/head-chef/rich-text-content/ba_download_button.png?h=50&amp;w=150&amp;hash=329CB5B379A633055A1215A35EF92955" alt="Download"></a></article>
</div>
</article>
<article class="rich-text-article">
<h2>A guide to writing a CV for a job as a Sous Chef or Head Chef</h2>
<p><strong>Name:</strong>&nbsp;Anna Russell&nbsp;<br><strong>Tel No:</strong>&nbsp;0000 0000 00<br><strong>Email:</strong>&nbsp;AnnaRussell@email.com<br><strong>Address:</strong>&nbsp;48 Town Lane<br>Holt<br>NR99 0FD</p>
<h2>Personal Profile</h2>
<div>In the personal profile, you should professionally introduce yourself, in three or four sentences, with relation to the job you&rsquo;re applying to.</div>
<p>A good personal profile will include: your current work situation, what type of work you are searching for (such as part-time, flexible hours, or full-time employment starting immediately) some key skills and/or traits that will show the potential employer that you are a good candidate for the advertised job.</p>
<p>For a job as a sous or head chef, this is the perfect place to communicate your passion for cooking and business, as well as your leadership skills.&nbsp;</p>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<em>I am a dedicated sous chef with four years&rsquo; experience in this position. I am looking to step up into a challenging head chef role that will enable me to shape an excellent gastro pub menu. I love using seasonal products to create delicious and beautiful dishes, and enjoy leading a team that&rsquo;s always ready to deliver a smooth service.</em>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<h2>Work History</h2>
<p>The work history section is the your chance to highlight the skills and experience your current and previous jobs have given you. Ideally use this section to show potential employers why you are a good fit for the job you&rsquo;re applying for by including skills and experience relevant to the job you're applying for. You don&rsquo;t need to include every last detail, just pick the best parts. You can always write down and save your examples and other skills for the interview.</p>
<p>Try to include your work history for the last five years. Past the five year mark, you can be more brief with the details you give for each role. For example, if you&rsquo;re applying for a head chef role, and you&rsquo;re including your first ever commis chef role, it&rsquo;s okay to just list the basic details, as your most recent experience is the most interesting. There is more advice on work and education history in our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/cv-templates/cv-writing-tips">top tips online article</a>.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Job title, name of employer, location, month and year started &ndash; present (or month and year that you left)</strong>
<ul>
<li>Briefly list the duties you had, and skills you learned while working here. Choose skills or qualities that the employer has listed in their job description</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<ul>
<li><em><strong>Sous chef, Morston Hall, North Norfolk, June 2016 &ndash; present</strong></em>
<ul>
<li><em>Responsible for assisting the head chef in all areas of running this Michelin Star fine dining restaurant</em></li>
<li><em>&nbsp;Duties include running the pass during service, stock orders, food storage and preparation, training chefs on sections, supporting apprentices, and helping to create specials and new menu items</em></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>What jobs should you include?</h3>
<ul>
<li>You should include all of your previous roles in kitchens, which are relevant to this job application, and briefly outline your responsibilities in each one. You will likely put the most detail in your most recent jobs as these are the most relevant.</li>
<li>Most potential employers will know what it means to be a chef de partie in a restaurant, so use the job description to guide you on which parts to include. This is your chance to highlight the skills that they&rsquo;re looking for, using your previous jobs to provide examples. Try not to be too repetitive, for example you don&rsquo;t need to say that you&rsquo;ve improved your knife skills in each chef role you&rsquo;ve ever done. Try to be concise, giving only the best examples for each skill and role.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h2>Education History</h2>
<p>In education history, this is a chance to show any relevant training you have done, what skills you&rsquo;ve learned, as well as general education subjects you&rsquo;ve done at school or college. Naturally, as your work history becomes more relevant and more recent, this section becomes shorter. But it&rsquo;s still important not to leave things out, you never know you might have gone to the same college as the chef reading it, giving you something in common to talk about at an interview.</p>
<p>It's possible to progress to Sous Chef from on the job training but generally Sous Chefs would have acquired an NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent) in Food Production and a Level 2 Food Safety Certificate.&nbsp;<br><br>Again, it's possible to progress to Head Chef through on the job training but generally Head Chefs are expected to have an NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in Professional Cookery. They are also expected to have a Level 3 Food Safety Certificate.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Courses or certificates in things like food safety, COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) and first aid should also be included here.&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Name of course or qualification, name of training centre or education centre, dates you were in attendance or you completed the course</strong>
<ul>
<li>Explain briefly the training certificate relevant to the job you are applying to. What did you learn that is relevant to the job?</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<ul>
<li><strong><em>Professional Cookery Level 3 NVQ Diploma, Havering College, September 2006 &ndash; May 2008</em></strong>
<ul>
<li><em>Learned the basics of cooking theory, knife skills, presentation, pastry and baking, sauces, making terrines, advanced butchery techniques and fine-dining desserts</em></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2>Skills</h2>
<p>Here is your chance to highlight the best skills you have in relation to the job you&rsquo;re applying for. Hint: these will be the skills listed in the job advert, but only highlight the skills you have and examples from your own experience. Misleading information on your CV is likely to trip you up in an interview and is unprofessional; you don&rsquo;t have to show you have every last skill listed in the job advert to be successful.</p>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<ul>
<li><em><strong>Leadership and problem solving skills</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; &lsquo;Through running the pass and managing the kitchen when the head chef was off or unavailable, I have improved my ability to lead the kitchen team. By learning how to delegate tasks, assess where my help was needed the most and deal with problems that arose during the day I enabled good services. I found leading by example and encouraging questions is a good way to get the most out of junior chefs.&rsquo;</em></li>
<li><em><strong>Communication &ndash;&nbsp;</strong>&lsquo;I have learned how to communicate effectively with the front of house manager and team. This is especially important when it came to explaining new menu items, and understanding the dietary and allergy needs of customers. Being able to do this in the heat of the moment during service is important to not disrupt the rest of the orders.&rsquo;</em></li>
<li><em><strong>Organisation &ndash;</strong>&nbsp;&lsquo;Being responsible for stock takes and health and safety paperwork has helped me to improve my organisation. I realised that these tasks are just as important as good cooking, and essential to running a successful kitchen.&rsquo;&nbsp;</em></li>
</ul>
<h2>References</h2>
<strong>First and last name</strong><em><br></em>Job title and relation to you in the work place (if it isn&rsquo;t obvious from the job title), name of work place, work contact number (or main company phone number which they can be reached through) and work email address.&nbsp;
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<p>Faith Butler<br>Head chef, Morston Hall<br>0000 0000 00<br>FaithButler@email.com</p>
<h3>Who should you include as a reference?</h3>
<ul>
<li>The first reference should ideally be from your most recent head chef or executive chef. The second reference can be from a manager or chef from a previous job.</li>
<li>It&rsquo;s best practice to ask someone if they will be a reference for you before they are contacted. Be aware that not all employers actually contact references, particularly at this level in hospitality, but it&rsquo;s important to have them available if needed.&nbsp;</li>
<li>It&rsquo;s important to remember that while you are in your current job, consider that you may not want your reference (eg. your current head chef/boss) to be contacted until you have had an interview for a new possible job, or are actually offered it. This is because, for instance, if you weren&rsquo;t offered the new job, and end up staying in your current job then you might not want your manager having been contacted as a reference. It can cause tension or awkward conversations about why you were trying to leave. A good way to get around this is to simply write &lsquo;References available on request&rsquo;. This shows the new employer that they can ask you for them as needed, but also means you can ask them to only contact them if you are offered the job, and then have time to ask the reference if it&rsquo;s okay for them to be contacted. Most potential employers will be happy to wait to do this after offering you the job, and understand the reasons why.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
</article>

Head Chef

<h1>Commis Chef / Chef de Partie CV Template</h1>
<p>A job as a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/how-to-become-a-commis-chef">Commis Chef&nbsp;</a>is often the first step on the kitchen career ladder. After gaining some experience, the next step up is a job as a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/how-to-become-a-chef-de-partie">Chef de Partie</a>.</p>
<p>To land your first job in the kitchen, you need a great&nbsp;CV that shows your passion for cooking and interest in food, plus any qualifications you have in cookery or food hygiene.</p>
<p>To move up the ladder your CV will need to show the skills you've learnt in the different sections of the kitchen, your willingness to listen to the senior and head chefs, and an ability to take on board their instructions and criticisms.</p>
<p>Whether you're looking to start your career in the kitchen&nbsp;or take that next step up the career ladder, our free CV template is&nbsp;tailored to ensure your CV stands out from the crowd.</p>
<h2>A guide to writing a Commis Chef/ Chef de Partie CV?</h2>
<p>FIRST AND SECOND NAME&nbsp;<br>Home number | Mobile number<br>Emailaddress@email.com<br>Home address, Home Street<br>Home Town<br>Postcode</p>
<h2>Personal Profile</h2>
<p>In the personal profile, you should professionally introduce yourself, in three or four sentences, with relation to the job you&rsquo;re applying to.</p>
<p>Try to include: your current work situation, what type of work you are searching for (part-time, flexible hours, or full-time employment starting immediately) some key skills and/or traits that will show the potential employer that you are a good candidate for the advertised job.</p>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<p><em>I am hard-working and reliable commis chef with two years of experience working in commercial kitchens. I am looking for a challenging full-time role that will expand my skills and knowledge of cooking. I have a positive attitude and good knife skills.</em></p>
<h2>Work History</h2>
<p>The work history section is to show the potential employer what jobs or work experience you&rsquo;ve done. It is the first chance for you to highlight the skills and experience each one has given you, and this is turn should show why you are a good fit for the job you&rsquo;re applying for. You don&rsquo;t need to include every last detail, just pick the best parts. You can always write down and save your examples or other relevant skills for the interview.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Job title, name of employer, location, month and year started &ndash; present (or month and year that you left)</strong>
<ul>
<li>Briefly list the duties you had, and skills you learned while working here. Choose skills or qualities that the employer has listed in their job description.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<ul>
<li><strong><em>Commis chef, Pizza Express, Upminster, June 2017 &ndash; present</em></strong>
<ul>
<li><em>Responsible for topping pizzas to order and working with the pizza chef to cook table orders correctly and in good time.</em></li>
<li><em>I have learned how to manage my preparation time effectively, read tickets, and the correct handling of dietary requirements and customer allergies.</em></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>What jobs should you include?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Try to include your work history for the last five years. If you haven&rsquo;t been working for that long, that is okay. It will be explained by the education history. If you have recently moved to the country, it&rsquo;s okay to include employment in other countries. There is more advice on work and education history in our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/cv-templates/cv-writing-tips">top tips online article</a>.</li>
<li>If you&rsquo;re a newly trained chef, put your education history first and include any work experience in kitchens, or other jobs you&rsquo;ve had that might be relevant, such as working as a waiter in a restaurant or a retail job.</li>
<li>If you&rsquo;re a chef de partie or looking to move up the ladder to your first CDP role, you&rsquo;ll need to include your current job role first in this section, and details of any other commis chef jobs you&rsquo;ve had. If you&rsquo;ve worked somewhere that doesn&rsquo;t have such a strict hierarchy of roles, that&rsquo;s okay. Just write down the name of the role as it was (chef or cook, for example) and explain what it involved and what you learned. If you have done any other relevant roles such as waiting tables or working as a barista you can include these too if your work history only goes back one or two years.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Education History</h2>
<p>In education history, this is a chance to show any relevant training you have done, what skills you have learned from your courses, as well as general education subjects you&rsquo;ve completed. As you get more work experience, this section will become shorter, as your work history becomes more relevant and more recent.&nbsp;</p>
<p>To be a Commis Chef, as a minimum, you will be required to have GCSEs in English and Maths and a Level 1 Food Safety Certificate.<br><br>It's possible to progress on to being a Chef de Partie from on&nbsp; the job training but generally, Chef de Parties have a NVQ Level 2 and a Level 2 Food Safety Certificate. Be sure to include other qualifications such&nbsp; Healthy and Safety, First aid and COSHH, (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) if you have them, as it will help your application.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Name of course or qualification, name of training centre or education centre, dates you were in attendance or you completed the course</strong>
<ul>
<li>Explain briefly the training certificate relevant to the job you are applying to. What did you learn that is relevant to the job?</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<ul>
<li><strong><em>Professional Cookery Level 3 NVQ Diploma, Havering College, September 2015 &ndash; May 2017</em></strong>
<ul>
<li><em>Improved my skills through practical and written assessments. We focused on cooking theory, knife skills, presentation, pastry and baking, sauces, making terrines, advanced butchery techniques and fine-dining desserts</em></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2>Skills</h2>
<p>Here is your chance to highlight the best skills you have in relation to the job you&rsquo;re applying for. Hint: these will be the skills listed in the job advert, but only highlight the skills you have. Misleading information on your CV is likely to trip you up in an interview and is unprofessional; you don&rsquo;t have to show you have every last skill listed in the job advert to be successful.</p>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<ul>
<li>Working in a team &ndash;&nbsp;<em>&lsquo;Working on group projects for my cookery diploma helped me learn to be a better team member, and how to successfully lead a team and delegate tasks to achieve a goal or run a smooth service.&rsquo;</em></li>
<li>Communication skills &ndash;&nbsp;<em>&lsquo;From working at Pizza Express I have learned to listen carefully to instructions for food preparation from my senior chef, and the importance of being able to communicate effectively with my team during service.&rsquo;</em></li>
<li>Knife skills &ndash;&nbsp;<em>&lsquo;Improved through demonstrations and in practical sessions at college and focusing on continued improvement at my job.&rsquo;</em></li>
<li>Running a section independently &ndash;&nbsp;<em>&lsquo;Since gaining more experience in my role at Pizza Express, I have been given more responsibility for my section and learned about maintaining stock levels, being ready for service and thinking about what to order for the next day.&rsquo;<br></em></li>
</ul>
<h2>References</h2>
<p><strong>First and last name</strong><br>Job title and relation to you in the work place (if it isn&rsquo;t obvious from the job title), work contact number (or main company phone number which they can be reached through) and work email address</p>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<p><strong>Jane Smith</strong><br>Sous Chef<br>0000 0000 00<br>janesmith@email.com</p>
<h4>Who should you include as a reference?</h4>
<ul>
<li>References should ideally be from your most recent line manager or supervisor. The second reference can be from a current colleague, or line manager or supervisor from a previous job. It&rsquo;s best practice to ask someone if they will be a reference for you before they are contacted. Be aware that not all employers actually contact references, but it&rsquo;s important to have them available if needed.</li>
<li>&nbsp;However while you are in your current job, it is also important to consider that you may not want your references to be contacted until you have had an interview for a new possible job, or are actually offered it. If, for instance, you weren&rsquo;t offered the new job, so you end up staying in your current job then you might not want your manager having been contacted as a reference. It can cause tension or awkward conversations about why you were trying to leave. One way to get around this is to just write &lsquo;References available on request&rsquo;. This shows the new employer that they can ask you for them as needed, but also means you can ask them to only contact them if you are offered the job, and then have time to ask the reference if it&rsquo;s okay for them to be contacted. Most potential employers will be happy to wait to do this after offering you the job.</li>
<li>If you have only had one previous job, or have been studying, it is okay to include a tutor as a reference, or someone else as a character reference (who is not related to you).</li>
</ul>

Chef de Partie

<article class="rich-text-article">
<p>Writing a CV can be stressful, where should you start? How much information should you include? How should it be structured?&nbsp;</p>
<p>Although a CV should be tailored for the job your applying for, our top tips below, outline some basic rules that everyone should follow when writing their CV.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>1. Get someone to read over your CV</strong></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Before sending your CV to a potential employer have someone sense-check your CV. If you know someone who works in a similar role or company to the job you&rsquo;re applying for they may make useful critics. But don&rsquo;t worry if not. Someone who has good English reading and writing skills would be great to check for any small mistakes.</p>
<p>A&nbsp;second pair of eyes is important to ensure you present yourself in the best light from the start. You may have spent a long time searching for the right job and crafting your CV, it would be a shame for something like a spelling or grammar mistake to stop you getting an interview.</p>
<h3><strong>2. Tailor your CV to the role</strong></h3>
<p>If you are applying to different types of jobs, you will need to tailor your CV for each one. Start with your basic CV, then save a copy that is for one group of similar jobs, eg. cleaner jobs, and send this to the relevant employers. Then save another copy, and tailor it to another group of jobs, being sure to highlight the most important skills and experience for that role on this reason. The basic information and work history will still be relevant, and you will probably find that your transferable skills like good communication, organisation and team work, will still be important to include across many roles.</p>
<p>Check out our range of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/cv-templates">tailored CV templates here</a>.</p>
<h3>3.&nbsp;<strong>Work experience v&rsquo;s. education</strong></h3>
<p>It is generally up to you whether to put work experience first, or your education history. It&rsquo;s normally best to put education first if you haven&rsquo;t been working for more than a few years or have just finished school or college. Similarly, if your last jobs are less relevant to the role you&rsquo;re applying for than your most recent education then put it first.</p>
<p>For example, if you&rsquo;ve had a few different jobs in the retail sector, but have just done a lorry-driving course and are applying for a role in the transport sector, then put it first in the education section.</p>
<p>You are choosing what is the most important piece of information for a potential employer to read first. It&rsquo;s normally best to then put all of your education, followed by your work history.</p>
<p>If you&rsquo;ve had lots of jobs but only some are relevant, then it is possible to have your first section as &lsquo;relevant work experience&rsquo;, followed by education, and then &lsquo;other work experience&rsquo; which briefly outlines the rest of your work history. Employers like to see what jobs you&rsquo;ve been doing, ideally without unaccounted for gaps but you&rsquo;re making it easier for them by putting the most relevant ones together at the top of your CV.</p>
<h3><strong>4. Use plain language that&rsquo;s easy to understand</strong></h3>
<p>In general, it&rsquo;s best to use everyday language when writing your CV. If there are terms that are particular to your sector and will be understood by the person reading your CV then that isn&rsquo;t going to be a problem. But be wary of using jargon not everyone will understand and of trying to use lots of words when one word is just as good.</p>
<h3><strong>5. Use this checklist</strong></h3>
<p>Before sending off your CV to an employer, it&rsquo;s important to make sure all of the information is correct and there aren&rsquo;t any mistakes. Here is a final checklist to go through just before you send your CV in. So make sure:</p>
<ul>
<li>Your name, phone number, email address and personal details are all spelt correctly &ndash;&nbsp;a wrong phone number could mean you don&rsquo;t get the call for an interview invite</li>
<li>This is the most up-to-date version of your CV. It should have your work history right up until when you are sending it</li>
<li>The font is all the same colour and size (unless you want headings to be larger, in which case make sure all the headings are the same as each other, and the rest of the text is the same smaller size) &ndash;inconsistent formatting or an unusual font can be off putting to most employers, so don&rsquo;t make it hard for them to read</li>
</ul>
<p>Put the tips into practice, download our free CV template below or read specific advice for the job you're applying for with our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/cv-templates">tailored CV templates here</a>.</p>
</article>
<article class="content-3col">
<div class="content-3col-left">
<article class="rich-text-article">
<p><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/cv-writing-tips/rich-text-content/career-advice-writing-rich-text-content-cv-template-purple-250923.png?h=280&amp;w=200&amp;hash=E99F7A6CAF13732831E8445A478229F7" alt="CV Template"></p>
<img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/cv-writing-tips/rich-text-content/career-advice-writing-rich-text-content-pink-download-button-250923.png?h=50&amp;w=150&amp;hash=4F9948681F18B2EC10F15BA7B20ED17F" alt="Download"></article>
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<p><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/cv-writing-tips/rich-text-content/career-advice-writing-rich-text-content-cv-template-grey-250923.png?h=280&amp;w=200&amp;hash=9682CA5D170672D423E479F0C2581528" alt="CV Template"></p>
<p><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/cv-templates/rich-text-content/career-advice-templates-rich-text-content-template-cv-document-250923.docx"><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/cv-writing-tips/rich-text-content/career-advice-writing-rich-text-content-pink-download-button-250923.png?h=50&amp;w=150&amp;hash=4F9948681F18B2EC10F15BA7B20ED17F" alt="Download"></a></p>
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<p><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/cv-writing-tips/rich-text-content/career-advice-writing-rich-text-content-cv-template-orange-250923.png?h=280&amp;w=200&amp;hash=4BEEEC74A673ABABDF26ACB542DFD922" alt="CV Template"></p>
<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/cv-templates/rich-text-content/career-advice-templates-rich-text-content-document-template-cv-250923.docx"><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/cv-writing-tips/rich-text-content/career-advice-writing-rich-text-content-pink-download-button-250923.png?h=50&amp;w=150&amp;hash=4F9948681F18B2EC10F15BA7B20ED17F" alt="Download"></a></article>
</div>
</article>

CV Writing Tips

<p>As the evenings begin to draw in, the days are shorter and your route is no doubt shrouded in darkness by 5pm, you might start to notice your concentration on the road waning and that you are feeling more tired than usual.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Truck driving safety relies heavily on you as a driver feeling alert, confident and above all else, well. The reduction in light, warmth and colour that winter brings can trigger your body to respond in ways that leave you feeling out of sorts.</p>
<p>Your body&rsquo;s internal clock or sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm) naturally responds to changes in light and dark to regulate your sleep, mood, and appetite. The longer nights and shorter days of winter can disrupt your circadian rhythm leaving you feeling sluggish and tired.&nbsp;</p>
<p>When it&rsquo;s dark, your brain produces the hormone melatonin to help you sleep and then sunlight during the day triggers the brain to stop melatonin production, so you feel awake and alert. During the short days and long nights of winter, however, your body may produce too much melatonin, leaving you feeling drowsy and low on energy.</p>
<p>The reduced sunlight of winter can also lower your body&rsquo;s production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate mood. A deficit in serotonin may lead to depression and adversely affect your sleep and appetite.</p>
<p>All of these symptoms combined are known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). In addition to ensuring that you are getting regular quality sleep and a healthy amount of regular exercise, another way to help combat SAD is to ensure that your diet is full of foods that support your energy levels, your concentration and your brain health.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The type and quantity of food you eat plays an essential role in determining your energy levels during the day. The symptoms of SAD can make you crave sugary foods and simple carbohydrates, such as pasta and white bread, but there are better choices. Omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and antioxidants, are all known to support brain health,<sup>1</sup> while iron and potassium are excellent for boosting energy and concentration levels.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Foods that contain these naturally occurring elements are perfect for helping drivers like you stay awake and maintain your concentration on the road. Many of them are also, as luck would have it, great snacking foods to eat whilst driving long-distance.&nbsp;</p>
<p>20 foods and drinks that can naturally help you stay awake and maintain your concentration levels:&nbsp;</p>
<ol>
<li>Fatty fish such as Salmon, Trout and Sardines are all excellent sources of Omega-3. Omega-3&rsquo;s help build brain and nerve cells while aiding learning and memory. Go for tinned versions for portability and storage when out on the road.</li>
<li>Coffee may not be a good long-term solution to staying awake, but you may be pleased to hear that it is actually good for you. Caffeine blocks the chemical adenosine which makes you drowsy,<sup>2</sup> boosts serotonin which increases your mood<sup>3</sup> and sharpens your concentration.<sup>4</sup>&nbsp;</li>
<li>Pumpkin seeds contain the micronutrients zinc, magnesium, copper and iron. The first three micronutrients all help guard against neurological disease, but iron in particular is the one that will help to prevent brain fog and impaired brain function &ndash; neither of which we want when we are concerned with truck driving safety.</li>
<li>Nuts contain a host of brain-boosting nutrients, including vitamin E, healthy fats and plant compounds. Walnuts are the best of the bunch for the highest nutrient content.</li>
<li>Green tea has been found to improve alertness, performance, memory and focus. Containing L-theanine, an amino acid that increases the frequency of alpha waves in the brain, helping you to relax without making you feel tired.<sup>5</sup></li>
<li>Matcha tea has shown to significantly improve basic attention abilities and reaction times.<sup>6</sup></li>
<li>Bananas contain carbohydrates, potassium and vitamin B6. All of these can help boost energy levels.<sup>1</sup></li>
<li>Sweet potatoes contain complex carbs, fibre, manganese, a mineral that is necessary for the correct functioning of the body including the brain, the nervous system and enzyme systems. Sweet potatoes also contain huge amount of vitamin A - an essential vitamin to maintain a healthy immune system.<sup>13</sup></li>
<li>Due to their high natural sugar and fibre content, apples can provide a slow and sustained energy release to keep you going steadily without feeling a sugar rush.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Yerba Mat&eacute; contains caffeine and promotes the production of the hormone Epinephrine, which increases energy. However, unlike other stimulants it does not seem to affect blood pressure or heart rate.<sup>7</sup></li>
<li>Quinoa has a low glycaemic index, which indicates that its carbohydrates are absorbed slowly providing a sustained energy release.<sup>8</sup></li>
<li>Oats are rich in B vitamins, iron, and manganese that help the energy production process.<sup>14</sup></li>
<li>Yoghurt contains simple sugars including lactose and galactose. When broken down, these sugars can provide a dose of ready-to-use energy.<sup>15</sup></li>
<li>Edamame beans have high amounts of vitamins and minerals, such as folic acid and manganese, both of which can help increase energy in different ways.<sup>9</sup> Folic acid works with iron to promote energy and fight fatigue and anaemia, while manganese helps generate energy from the breakdown of carbohydrates and proteins.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Oranges contain antioxidant compounds that can protect against fatigue causing oxidative stress.<sup>10</sup></li>
<li>Beans are good sources of folic acid, iron, and magnesium, which are involved in energy production and aid the delivery of energy to every cell in your body.</li>
<li>Spinach is a good source of choline, is loaded with fibre, and is packed with tons of other nutrients, a combination that has the potential to improve mental clarity.<sup>11</sup></li>
<li>Blueberries are rich in polyphenols called anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are plant pigments that provide certain fruits and vegetables with blue, red and purple colouring. Being antioxidants, anthocyanins are crucial to maintaining good health and in turn good cognitive function.<sup>12</sup></li>
<li>Red Cabbage also contains anthocyanins - 36 different anthocyanins to be precise. Red cabbage is also rich in fibre and low in calories.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration, slowing bodily functions and leaving you feeling sluggish and tired. Drinking water can give you a boost of energy and help fight feelings of fatigue.</li>
</ol>
<p>These 20 fatigue fighting, energy boosting foods and drinks are all relatively portable, don&rsquo;t take any major preparation and will not spoil too quickly - making them perfect foods to eat whilst driving long-distance. A handful of pumpkin seeds here and a cup of green tea there, in addition to a healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner will keep your energy levels up throughout the day.&nbsp;</p>
<p>You don&rsquo;t need to embark of a full diet change straight away, gradual changes are the ones that last so simply switching your usual cereal or cooked breakfast to a warming bowl of oats or a pot of yoghurt and blueberries, is an easy and tasty way to start.</p>
<p><strong>References</strong></p>
<p>1 National Centre of Biotechnology Information [Internet] January 2016 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4727338/</p>
<p>2 National Library of Medicine [Internet] Huang ZL, Urade Y, Hayaishi O. The role of adenosine in the regulation of sleep. Curr Top Med Chem. 2011;11(8):1047-57. doi: 10.2174/156802611795347654. PMID: 21401496. [Internet] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21401496/</p>
<p>3 Wiley Online Library [Internet] February 2008 http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-3010.2007.00665.x/full#b19</p>
<p>4 National Library of Medicine [Internet] Brice CF, Smith AP. Effects of caffeine on mood and performance: a study of realistic consumption. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2002 Nov;164(2):188-92. doi: 10.1007/s00213-002-1175-2. Epub 2002 Sep 4. PMID: 12404081. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12404081/</p>
<p>5 National Library of Medicine [Internet] Dietz C, Dekker M. Effect of Green Tea Phytochemicals on Mood and Cognition. Curr Pharm Des. 2017;23(19):2876-2905. doi: 10.2174/1381612823666170105151800. PMID: 28056735.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28056735/</p>
<p>6 National Library of Medicine [Internet] Dietz C, Dekker M, Piqueras-Fiszman B. An intervention study on the effect of matcha tea, in drink and snack bar formats, on mood and cognitive performance. Food Res Int. 2017 Sep;99(Pt 1):72-83. doi: 10.1016/j.foodres.2017.05.002. Epub 2017 May 5. PMID: 28784536. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28784536/</p>
<p>7 National Library of Medicine [Internet] Vieira MA, Maraschin M, Pagliosa CM, Podest&aacute; R, de Simas KN, Rockenbach II, Amboni RD, Amante ER. Phenolic acids and methylxanthines composition and antioxidant properties of mate (Ilex paraguariensis) residue. J Food Sci. 2010 Apr;75(3):C280-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1750-3841.2010.01548.x. PMID: 20492280. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20492280/</p>
<p>8 Harvard School of Public Health [Internet] October 2020 https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/quinoa/&nbsp;</p>
<p>9 US Department of Agriculture [Internet] January 2019 https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168411/nutrients</p>
<p>10 Advances in Analytical and Pharmaceutical Chemistry [Internet] Gavin Publishers June 2018. https://www.gavinpublishers.com/admin/assets/articles_pdf/1540874659article_pdf382629181.pdf&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>11 National Library of Medicine [Internet] Morris MC, Tangney CC, Wang Y, Sacks FM, Bennett DA, Aggarwal NT. MIND diet associated with reduced incidence of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Dement. 2015 Sep;11(9):1007-14. doi: 10.1016/j.jalz.2014.11.009. Epub 2015 Feb 11. PMID: 25681666; PMCID: PMC4532650. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25681666</p>
<p>12 National Centre of Biotechnology Information [Internet] August 2017 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5613902/&nbsp;</p>
<p>13 Medical News Today [Internet] November 2019 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/281438#nutrition&nbsp;</p>
<p>14 US Department of Health and Human Services [Internet] June 2020 https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Manganese-HealthProfessional/&nbsp;</p>
<p>15 International Dairy Federation [Internet] March 2017 https://www.fil-idf.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Factsheet-002_2017-Reasons-why-galactose-is-good-for-you.pdf</p>

Foods to improve your concentration on the road

<p>Expecting a child is an exciting time for any mum to be but it can be difficult to understand how your employer can help you to experience a safe and enjoyable pregnancy while remaining at work until you get near to your due date, especially in an environment like a warehouse.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #00aae3;">Staying safe while pregnant</span></h2>
<p>While you may want to keep your pregnancy to yourself in the early days, it is important to remember that it is the earliest stages of pregnancy that are the most critical for your developing child so it is in your best interest to let your employer know that you are pregnant as soon as possible.</p>
<p>The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007, Part 6, Chapter 2, Protection of Pregnant, Post Natal and Breastfeeding Employees applies when you let your employer know that you are pregnant and provide an appropriate medical certificate.</p>
<p>In a warehouse environment you can find that you stand for long periods and walk long distances in a shift which can become uncomfortable so you need to have a think about how suitable your work is for you during your pregnancy and highlight any elements of your work that you are concerned about including:</p>
<ul>
<li>&nbsp;Long night shifts</li>
<li>Standing for long periods of time</li>
<li>Long hours</li>
</ul>
<p>You can raise your concerns with your GP or midwife and if needed they can provide you with a medical certificate asking that you are not exposed to certain aspects.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Your employer will also be taking steps to ensure that your working conditions do not put you or your baby&rsquo;s health at risk. Some of the high risk activities that your employer will be assessing are:</p>
<ul>
<li>Working at height</li>
<li>Working at high or low temperatures</li>
<li>Excessive noise or vibration</li>
<li>Working alone for long periods of time</li>
<li>Unusually stressful work</li>
</ul>
<p>Your employer will then need to take reasonable action to minimise the risk to you and your unborn child in one of the following ways:</p>
<ul>
<li>By temporarily adjusting working conditions or hours of work</li>
<li>By offering suitable, alternative work at the same rate of pay</li>
</ul>
<p>While you are pregnant it is inevitable that will need to use the toilet more often, so don&rsquo;t forget to speak with your employer about having more frequent rest breaks.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #00aae3;">Maternity leave and time off</span></h2>
<p>Your entitlement to maternity leave and maternity pay will depend on the length of time you have worked for an employer and your usual earnings. If you are an agency worker, you may not be entitled to any maternity leave or pay and so you should ask your agency for details specific to you.&nbsp; If in doubt, contact www.gov.uk to find out if you are entitled to any statutory benefits during this time.</p>
<p>If you are absent from work due to pregnancy related sickness within four weeks of your baby&rsquo;s due date, this will trigger your maternity leave automatically (even if you had planned to work until closer to the birth.)</p>
<p>When you have worked for 12 weeks with the same employer, you're entitled to paid time off for antenatal classes and appointments. For some agency workers things may be a little different so you should check with your own agency for details. If you are entitled, you must be paid at your current hourly rate for each hour of work you miss. Your agency can ask you to provide proof of your appointments and ask you how long you will need to take off to attend them.</p>
<p>You should avoid taking time off work where you could reasonably arrange classes or appointments outside working hours.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #00aae3;">What the law says</span></h2>
<p>By law, pregnant women cannot work during the first two weeks after giving birth. (Factory workers must not work for four weeks.)</p>
<p>It is unlawful for your employer to dismiss you or treat you unfavourably because you cannot do the same work as a result of health and safety risks during pregnancy or when you have given birth or are breastfeeding.</p>
<p>You should not face discrimination because you're pregnant. The following applies to both permanently employed staff and temporary / agency workers:&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>Your employer / agency cannot end your job or not offer you work</li>
<li>Your employer / agency can&rsquo;t treat you worse than other workers</li>
<li>Your employer / agency cannot refuse you work.</li>
</ul>
<p>An employer / agency can't discriminate against you indirectly because you're pregnant. Indirect discrimination could be where an agency refuses to accept you onto its books because you only want to take part-time work because you're pregnant.</p>
<p>Or if an agency only offers short-term jobs to you while offering longer term jobs to agency workers who aren't pregnant. If the agency does this, it would have to justify why they're doing it.</p>
<p>You can find more information about working while pregnant at the following links:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http:// https//www.gov.uk/working-when-pregnant-your-rights" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.gov.uk/working-when-pregnant-your-rights</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/work/rights-at-work/parental-rights/rights-while-youre-pregnant-at-work/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/work/rights-at-work/parental-rights/rights-while-youre-pregnant-at-work/</a></li>
<li><a href="http://https//www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/maternity-paternity-leave-benefits/">https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/maternity-paternity-leave-benefits/</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.maternityaction.org.uk/advice-2/mums-dads-scenarios/pregnant/pregnant-at-work/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.maternityaction.org.uk/advice-2/mums-dads-scenarios/pregnant/pregnant-at-work/</a></li>
</ul>

Pregnancy in a warehouse environment

<p>Life as a truck driver on the road can leave a lot to be desired when you are trying to think of foods to eat while driving long-distance. Regular visits to cafe&rsquo;s in truck driver rest stops are not ideal for healthy eating habits, now and then it is ok but ideally you need food that is going to fuel your concentration on the road.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Catering in a cab is all down to having the right tools for the job, from spirit burners to electric ovens, no longer are you restricted to campfires or cold baked beans.</p>
<h2>Best choice cooking appliances for in your cab</h2>
<p><strong>Spirit Burner</strong></p>
<p>Many companies will not allow you to have gas canisters in your cab which rules out all opportunities to use gas cookers. A spirit burner however is a fuel-efficient cost-effective alternative option if you are still keen on cooking over an open flame. It is a sturdy, lightweight, reusable stove that takes pure alcohol (or Methylated Spirit). The alcohol is poured into the centre reservoir. The vapours escape from a ring of small holes and when lit, (the vapours, not the fuel) it creates a nice even fire.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Many spirit burners have a wind proof shroud and pan rack so you can cook up a storm just like you would at home. <a href="https://trangia.se/en/moments/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">This link</a> will take you to the Swedish website where there is a whole host of information but you can buy Trangia products from many UK distributors too such as Millets and Amazon.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>24v Oven</strong></p>
<p>24v ovens, some long-distance drivers swear by them and others say they are slow, take up too much room in the cab and drain the battery. Love them or loathe them they may be a viable option if you don&rsquo;t want to cook on an open flame.</p>
<p>An in cab electric oven will let you roast or grill small meals and with a handy timer you won&rsquo;t forget and overcook your dinner.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Thermal Cooker</strong></p>
<p>This is a great option for short haul drivers who are able to get home regularly. A thermal cooker works without fuel, that is no electricity, no spirits, no gas, nada. Just the heat of the food itself. The only thing is, you need access to heat right at the beginning. Let me explain&hellip; Say for example you would like to eat a hearty warming soup for dinner. You put all of your ingredients in the inner thermal container and heat it up on your stove top. Once it has reached a nice rolling boil you remove it from the heat, place it in the outer sheath and secure the lid. You can now take this anywhere, such as into the cab with you and it will continue to cook the food all day purely from the initial heat of the ingredients. It will not overcook, it will not burn, it will simply simmer away until you are ready to chow down. Genius.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Fire safety</h2>
<p>Even if you are not cooking in your cab, your truck must be equipped with at least one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum capacity of 2kg dry powder. This must be suitable for fighting a fire in the engine or the cab.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you are cooking in your cab (by any means) it is a good idea to have not only this required extinguisher but also another smaller <a href="https://www.fireprotectionshop.co.uk/fire-extinguishers/aerosol-fire-extinguishers/FireShield-600g-bc-dry-powder-fire-extinguisher.html?gclid=CjwKCAiAnIT9BRAmEiwANaoE1QXb0BqpsLwwf6QahpBV_22ozk7JFyAyC3ooQqG4tX98j3nnTdIVhRoCX9YQAvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">portable extinguisher such as this one</a>&nbsp;on the opposite side or at rear of the cab.</p>
<p><strong>Cool boxes&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>Eating food items that have been left at room (or cab) temperature for too long puts you at risk of food poisoning. Items you would usually keep in the fridge at home need to be kept cool in your cab too. Some items such as potatoes, onions, garlic, bread and eggs have quite a long room temperature life and so can stay safe for longer but still use your eyes and your nose to check that food is good to eat. If in doubt, throw it out.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Equip your cab with either an <a href="https://www.halfords.com/motoring/travel-accessories/coolboxes/halfords-40-litre-mains-and-12v-and-24v-electric-coolbox-291077.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">electric cool box</a>&nbsp;or a <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Coleman-Mens-Personal-Coolbox-White/dp/B000IBWI42/ref=as_li_ss_il?keywords=cool+box+with+ice+packs&amp;qid=1557047628&amp;s=gateway&amp;sr=8-25-spons&amp;psc=1&amp;linkCode=li2&amp;tag=guitbacktrac-21&amp;linkId=19fc4491cb25338d42e45f4ddb51230e&amp;language=en_GB" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">cool box that takes ice packs</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Easy to cook foods to eat whilst driving long-distance</h2>
<p>Sometimes, a little inspiration is all it takes to get you into your cooking groove, so here are three go to recipes to get you started.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Quick cook breakfast</strong></p>
<p>Ingredients</p>
<ul>
<li>2 eggs</li>
<li>1/2 onion</li>
<li>1/2 green pepper</li>
<li>3-4 Mushrooms</li>
<li>1 Bacon rasher or 1 sausage or chopped chorizo for a longer life option</li>
<li>Grated cheese</li>
</ul>
<p>Preparation</p>
<ul>
<li>Dice the onion, green pepper, mushrooms and the bacon/sausage/chorizo.</li>
<li>Cook the meat and then add the vegetables.</li>
<li>Beat the eggs and add to the pan with the grated cheese.</li>
<li>Allow the eggs to cook through so they set.</li>
<li>Serve and enjoy.</li>
</ul>
<p>This is also great in a tortilla wrap!&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Truckers Hash</strong></p>
<p>Ingredients</p>
<ul>
<li>Potatoes</li>
<li>Bacon (chorizo for a longer life option)</li>
<li>2 eggs</li>
<li>Milk or water</li>
<li>Salt</li>
<li>Pepper</li>
</ul>
<p>Preparation</p>
<ul>
<li>Fry the bacon in a pan until it&rsquo;s crunchy.</li>
<li>Take it out of the pan and crumble it.</li>
<li>Thinly slice the potatoes and spice them with salt and pepper.</li>
<li>Cook them until they&rsquo;re soft.</li>
<li>Add the crumbled bacon back into the potatoes.</li>
<li>Whisk up the eggs with a little milk or water, add it to the potatoes and cook until done.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Scrumptious Warming Vegetable Stew</strong></p>
<p>Ingredients</p>
<ul>
<li>Baby carrots</li>
<li>Potatoes</li>
<li>Swede or parsnips</li>
<li>Onion</li>
<li>Water</li>
<li>Celery stalks</li>
<li>Garlic</li>
<li>3 vegetable stock cubes</li>
<li>Vegetable or onion gravy granules</li>
<li>Salt</li>
<li>Pepper</li>
</ul>
<p>Preparation</p>
<ul>
<li>Chop up the vegetables and throw them all in the pot.</li>
<li>Fill it with water until it&rsquo;s about a half inch over the ingredients.</li>
<li>Add some gravy mix and your stock cubes.</li>
<li>Mix it all up well, bring it to a boil and let simmer for about 30 minutes.</li>
<li>Spice it with salt and pepper.&nbsp;</li>
<li>You can add meat if you prefer, stewing steak or chicken would work best just be sure to check that the chicken is completely cooked through before eating.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h2>No cook foods to eat whilst driving long-distance</h2>
<p>Sometimes in your life as a truck driver on the road you won&rsquo;t feel like cooking but that&rsquo;s ok, there are plenty of no cook foods to eat whilst driving long-distance, here are two tasty options such as:&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Antipasti</strong></p>
<p>Smoked and dried meats are a great flavoursome choice and the last a good while too. Cut up some salami, smoked sausage, chorizo, prosciutto, or any other meat you like.&nbsp; Serve it with some olives, peppers, tomatoes, carrots, cucumber, cheese, bread or crackers and you have yourself a tasty healthy meal.</p>
<p><strong>Quiche and Crudites</strong></p>
<p>Homemade or shop bought, quiche is an excellent healthy option and it tastes great hot or cold. Serve with some raw veggies such as peppers, celery, carrots, cucumber and tomatoes.&nbsp;There is a whole post dedicated to <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/foods-to-improve-your-concentration-on-the-road/">foods to improve your concentration on the road here</a>.</p>
<p>It features 20 fatigue fighting, energy boosting foods and drinks that are all relatively portable, don&rsquo;t take any major preparation and will not spoil too quickly - making them perfect foods to eat whilst driving long-distance.&nbsp;</p>

Catering in a cab foods to eat whilst driving long-distance

<p>A new financial year has snuck up on us and it is time once again to check your tax code. For most people, a new financial year indicates that it is time to eagerly anticipate what the new <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=41&amp;q=national+minimum+and+living+wage+2024&amp;cvid=8dec03b0c3d8491cbabd017322826da5&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIGCAEQABhAMgYIAhAAGEAyBggDEAAYQDIGCAQQABhAMgYIBRAAGEAyBggGEAAYQDIGCAcQABhAMgYICBAAGEAyCAgJEOkHGPxV0gEINzk2NWowajGoAgCwAgA&amp;FORM=ANNAB1&amp;PC=U531"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">national minimum and living wages</span>&nbsp;</a>is, but what good is a pay rise if you have the wrong tax code and you are paying too much tax?</p>
<p>Last year the subject of tax codes made headlines after a number of workers were given incorrect tax codes due to an admin mix up. Mistakes like this do happen and personal circumstances that can affect our taxation often change so, it is important that you take the initiative to check your tax code is correct and not just assume that HMRC or your employer has it right.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What is a tax code?</span></h3>
<p>A tax code is a payroll identifier from HMRC. It provides your employer or pension provider with essential information needed to calculate your wages. A tax code is not a unique to each individual.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What your tax code means</span></h3>
<p>Your tax code will usually start with a four digit number and end with a letter. For example, 1250L.</p>
<p>The numbers tell your employer how much tax free income (personal allowance) you get in that tax year with the last digit removed.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What is tax free income (Personal Allowance)?</span></h3>
<p>Personal allowance or tax free income is the total amount of money you can earn in a year before you start paying tax.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">How are the numbers in the code worked out?&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p>The tax you pay is calculated on all income that you earn over and above your personal allowance. Sticking with the tax code example 1250L, the personal allowance indicated by this code is &pound;12,500 with the last zero and any symbols removed = 1250. So, an individual with the tax code that begins 1250 can earn up to &pound;12,500 in a tax year before they start paying tax.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What do the letters mean?&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p>The letters at the end of your tax code identify your personal situation and how it affects your personal allowance, these letters come from a predefined list of tax codes that you can find a little further down this post.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">How to check your tax code</span></h3>
<p>The numbers in a tax code can change depending on your personal circumstances but 1250L is the tax code currently used for most people who have one job or pension.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It is the letters at the end of your tax code that is the most important part to check against the following list of tax codes to make sure the description is an accurate fit for you. You will find your tax code on a recent payslip. Find out more about <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/your-payslip-explained/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">understanding your payslip and where to find your tax code</span></a>.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">List of tax codes and what they mean</span></h3>
<ul>
<li>L -------- You are entitled to the standard tax free personal allowance.&nbsp;</li>
<li>W1 -------- Emergency tax code - This is a temporary code that will be used if you have not yet provided details of your previous employment such as a P45 to your employer. Until HMRC can work out what your tax code should be, an emergency code will be used.&nbsp;</li>
<li>M1 -------- Emergency tax code - This is a temporary code that will be used if you have not yet provided details of your previous employment such as a P45 to your employer. Until HMRC can work out what your tax code should be, an emergency code will be used.&nbsp;</li>
<li>X -------- Emergency tax code - This is a temporary code that will be used if you have not yet provided details of your previous employment such as a P45 to your employer. Until HMRC can work out what your tax code should be, an emergency code will be used.&nbsp;</li>
<li>M -------- Marriage Allowance: 10% of your partners personal allowance has been transferred to you.&nbsp;</li>
<li>N -------- Marriage Allowance: 10% of your personal allowance has been transferred to your partner.</li>
<li>T -------- Your tax code includes other calculations to work out your personal allowance. You can ask HMRC or your employer what these are.&nbsp;</li>
<li>OT -------- Your personal Allowance has been used up, or you have started a new job and your employer does not have the details they need to give you a tax code. You need to speak with your employer to resolve any issues.&nbsp;</li>
<li>BR -------- All of your income from this job or pension is taxed at the basic rate 20%. Usually used if you have more than one job or pension).</li>
<li>DO -------- All of your income from this job or pension is taxed at the higher rate 40%. (Usually used if you have more than one job and your earnings exceed &pound;50,001.</li>
<li>D1 -------- All of your income from this job or pension is taxed at the additional rate 45%. (Usually used if you have more than one job and your earnings exceed &pound;150,000.</li>
<li>NT -------- You are not paying any tax on this income.&nbsp;</li>
<li>S -------- Your income or pension is taxed using the rates in Scotland.</li>
<li>SOT -------- Scotland - Your personal Allowance has been used up, or you have started a new job and your employer does not have the details they need to give you a tax code.&nbsp;</li>
<li>SBR -------- Scotland - All of your income from this job or pension is taxed at the Scottish basic rate 20%. Usually used if you have more than one job or pension).</li>
<li>SDO -------- Scotland - All of your income from this job or pension is taxed at the Scottish immediate rate 21%. (Usually used if you have more than one job and your earnings exceed &pound;25,159.</li>
<li>SD1 -------- Scotland - All of your income from this job or pension is taxed at the Scottish higher rate 41%. (Usually used if you have more than one job and your earnings exceed &pound;43,431.</li>
<li>SD2 -------- Scotland - All of your income from this job or pension is taxed at the Scottish top rate 46%. (Usually used if you have more than one job and your earnings exceed &pound;150,000.</li>
<li>C -------- Your income or pension is taxed using the rates in Wales.</li>
<li>COT -------- Wales - Your personal Allowance has been used up, or you have started a new job and your employer does not have the details they need to give you a tax code.&nbsp;</li>
<li>CBR -------- Wales- All of your income from this job or pension is taxed at the Welsh basic rate 20%. Usually used if you have more than one job or pension).</li>
<li>CDO -------- Wales - All of your income from this job or pension is taxed at the Welsh higher rate 40%. (Usually used if you have more than one job and your earnings exceed &pound;50,001.</li>
<li>CD1 -------- Wales - All of your income from this job or pension is taxed at the Welsh additional rate 45%. (Usually used if you have more than one job and your earnings exceed &pound;150,000.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>If your tax code has a K at the beginning&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>K - You have an income that exceeds your personal allowance and has not already been taxed. For example, if you are receiving state benefits that exceed your personal allowance, your employer will deduct the tax for these.</p>
<p><strong>Emergency tax codes</strong></p>
<p>You may be put on an emergency tax code if you change jobs or if you begin working for an employer after being self employed. HMRC will correct it automatically after you have given your employer some details about your previous income or pension. Your employer can get these details from your P45 but if you don't have one, they will ask you for some further information to help them out.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Online tax code checker</span></h3>
<p>The HMRC website does have an online portal <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.gov.uk/check-income-tax-current-year" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">to help you to check your tax code, click here</a></span>.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What to do if you think your tax code is wrong</span></h3>
<p>If you think your tax code is wrong, you need to contact HMRC so they can send a new tax code notice to your employer.&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Online:</strong> You can <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.gov.uk/check-income-tax-current-year" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">use HMRC's online Income tax checker</a></span> to let them know about a change in your circumstances.</li>
<li><strong>Phone:</strong> You will need to have your National Insurance (NI) number to hand when you call HMRC regarding your tax code. The phone line uses automated voice recognition software to help direct your call, so it is important to speak clearly and say &ldquo;question about my tax code&rdquo; when you are asked why you are calling. The phone number you need is 0300 200 3300 and the opening times for the phone line are currently Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm.</li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Does having a second job affect my tax code?&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p>No, your tax is calculated on everything you earn as a whole regardless of how many jobs you have. Your personal allowance (tax free income) doesn't change with the number of jobs you have; you are still taxed on anything you earn over and above this amount. The only real affect a second job has on your tax could be the rate of tax you pay ie: basic 20%, higher 40% or additional 45% based on your total income combined from all jobs. Your tax code may display the letters BR DO or D1 on the payslip from your second job.&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>All earnings (after personal allowance) up to &pound;50,000 are taxed at 20%</li>
<li>All earnings between &pound;50,001 and &pound;149,000 are taxed at 40%</li>
<li>All earnings above &pound;150,000 are taxed at 45%</li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Can I get a second job even if I am furloughed?</span></h3>
<p>This depends on your employment contract and your employer. During a furlough period, you are still employed under contract so the first thing you need to do is check with your employer or HR department to see if your contract restricts you from being able to work for someone else while you are furloughed or if you are free to go ahead and take a second job or a temporary job to help subsidise your income.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Even if your contract does state that you cannot take on a second job, it is worth still getting in touch with your employer to ask if it is ok to get a temporary job during these unprecedented times. The chances are your contract was not created with a situation like this in mind and so many employers are open to making an exception in light of current circumstances.&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://mytempagency.bluearrow.co.uk/s/login/SelfRegister"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Register with Blue Arrow</span></a>&nbsp;to get access to<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/jobs/"> <span style="text-decoration: underline;">temporary roles that urgently require staff</span><span style="text-decoration: underline;">.</span></a></p>

Check your tax code

<p>I am so pleased to be able to tell you that 7<sup>th</sup> to 11<sup>th</sup> October is National Work Life Week in the UK. It is an awareness campaign designed to encourage employers and employees to focus on well-being at work and the balance between their work and their personal lives.</p>
<p>In years gone by it was the general belief system that you should work harder than anyone else to get anywhere in life. That you should commit and dedicate yourself to your job in body for as many work hours as possible and ideally in mind for as many hours as possible on top of that.</p>
<p>Now we see things a little differently, we are starting to understand that a work ethic that leaves no time to recharge or balance our work and our personal lives is just not sustainable.</p>
<p>The very best leaders and the highest achievers openly advocate achieving a good work/life balance. Many of them have described how they focus a higher proportion of their week on things they enjoy, things that make them happy, and things that keep them healthy. Insisting that it is this work-to-live mentality that is the ultimate secret to their success.</p>
<p>With flexitime, 4-day working weeks, and in-work wellness programmes becoming more common for many organisations and an estimated 1.5 million people now regularly working from home, we are certainly on the right track but things just are not changing fast enough.</p>
<p>In 2018 the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) reported that over 600,000 people reported suffering from work-related stress, depression and/or anxiety in their summary of annual statistics for health and safety at work. They went on to <a href="http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/overall/hssh1718.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">report</a> that 26.8 million working days were lost due to work-related ill health in 2017/18.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The thing is, employers can only do so much. We as employees also have a responsibility to develop a mindful, balanced approach to our work and our personal life. If we don&rsquo;t take some responsibility for our own work-life balance, then unfortunately a 4-day working week is just not going to make much of a difference.</p>
<p>Here are 8 things we can do to get our work/life on track and nicely balanced.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">1. Plan your days off</span></h3>
<p>It is important to plan what you will be doing on your day off in advance, this way you don&rsquo;t find yourself back at work with no idea where the time went. Try not to dedicate your whole day off to doing chores and avoid giving all of your time to help out other people. Your day off should be reserved for doing things that make you happy, smile, laugh and relax.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">2. Healthy body</span></h3>
<p>Get your heart rate up and feel energised by taking part in at least one exercise based activity each week. Aside from the physical health benefits that come with exercise, taking part in physical activity also releases feel-good hormones that have a big part to play in balancing your mood, relieving stress, reducing anxiety and increasing self-esteem.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">3. Expand your mind</span></h3>
<p>Participate in at least one mental wellness activity per day (yoga, meditation, reading, listening, learning, creating). Taking the opportunity to engage your brain in something non-work, non-chore, non-family related provides the opportunity to recharge your mind, process information and problem-solve.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">4. Sleep schedule</span></h3>
<p>Sticking to a regular sleep schedule, even on weekends and days off helps your internal body clock to stay on track. It will make falling asleep and waking up much easier, leaving you feeling much more refreshed. Choose a set time to go to sleep and to wake up &ndash; don&rsquo;t hit snooze it will only make you feel groggy.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">5. Setting goals</span></h3>
<p>We all need to know where we are heading and why we are working so hard to motivate us to get up and go. If you set realistic goals and some achievable timescales to reach these goals by, in moments of doubt or on days where you just don&rsquo;t feel like adulting (great word, Google-it) you can remind yourself exactly what you are working towards.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">6. Clean up your diet </span></h3>
<p>Plan to eat healthy well-balanced wholesome meals at regular intervals in the day. Try to prepare your lunch in advance so you don&rsquo;t fall in to the trap of grabbing a chocolate bar because you ran out of time in the morning.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">7. Be organised with your finances</span></h3>
<p>Getting overdraft notifications to your phone and opening final demands when you get home is super stressful. Knowing your cash flow is balanced and your bills are paid may not seem related to work-life balance, but it is all about relieving the stressors that take you away from enjoying your downtime. Try to get a handle on your home finances so there are no nasty surprises waiting for you on the door mat.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">8. Prioritise your home chores and responsibilities</span></h3>
<p>We all feel at our most relaxed when we know we have all of the important stuff ticked off. Making sure that you have prioritised your home chores and responsibilities relieves the weekend stress when you try to cram in everything you have not had a chance to do. A mostly chore-free weekend leaves plenty of opportunity to do something fun.</p>
<p>If you are ready to take steps towards a healthy balance between your work and your life, check-out some of my other posts that touch on this subject too.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/best-life" target="_self">Living your best lif</a><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/best-life" target="_self">e</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/full-contact-holiday" target="_self">Full Contact Holiday&nbsp;</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/dont-sweat-the-small-stuff" target="_self">How to cope as a working parent&nbsp;</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/dream-job" target="_self">How to find your dream job</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/achieving-greatness-one-micro-change-at-a-time" target="_self">Achieving greatness one micro change at a time&nbsp;</a></li>
</ul>

8 steps to achieving worklife balance

<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Two new family-friendly employment Bills have reached Royal Assent and became law recently. These Bills are the Protection from Redundancy (Pregnancy and Family Leave) Act 2023, and the Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023. The government is still to draft legislation outlining how these Bills will be implemented in practice and when they would be enforced, however it comes as a welcome relief to eligible new working parents.&nbsp;</span></p>
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<div class="l-container">
<h3><strong>Protection from Redundancy (Pregnancy and Family Leave) Act 2023</strong></h3>
<p>The Protection from Redundancy (Pregnancy and Family Leave) Act 2023 protects eligible pregnant employees and those returning from family leave (Maternity Leave, Shared Parental Leave and Adoption Leave) in the event of redundancy.</p>
<p><strong>What are the new redundancy protection rights?</strong></p>
<p>Currently, employees who are on Maternity, Adoption or Shared Parental Leave have the right to be prioritised for any suitable alternative vacancies when employers are going through a redundancy exercise. The new Bill extends this priority protection to those who are pregnant, an employee who has recently experienced a miscarriage and those returning from parental leave. These proposed measures are designed to tackle pregnancy discrimination and the disadvantages those returning from family leave are reported to have experienced in the workplace.</p>
<p><strong>Who benefits from these new rights?</strong></p>
<p>Redundancies usually only affect employees working in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/jobs?job-type=Permanent" target="_self">permanent roles</a>, and eligible permanent employees would benefit most from this new Bill. However, if you&rsquo;re a temporary or agency worker, it&rsquo;s important to remember that it is still unlawful for your agency or employer to treat you unfavourably for jobs if you&rsquo;re pregnant, have recently given birth or are breastfeeding. This would be classified as discrimination.&nbsp;</p>
</div>
</article>
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<h3><strong>Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023</strong></h3>
<p>The Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023 aims to provide additional leave and pay for eligible employees with babies who are receiving neonatal care. For parents who meet the qualifying criteria, it will offer up to 12 weeks of extra leave and pay. This provides needed time for parents with their babies if they are born prematurely or sick without the worry of returning to work.</p>
<p><strong>What would be the qualifying criteria for these neonatal care rights?</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>You are classified as an employee.</li>
<li>You meet the minimum service and earning requirements &ndash; to be eligible for paid family leave, it&rsquo;s usually required that you would have worked at the same employer for at least 26 weeks.</li>
<li>Your baby receives neonatal care in a health setting for more than seven days before they&rsquo;re 28 days old.</li>
</ul>
<p>Whether you are classified as an employee or a temporary/agency worker, by law you cannot work during the first two weeks after giving birth &ndash; whether your baby is receiving neonatal care or not. If you usually work in a factory setting, you wouldn&rsquo;t be able to work for four weeks after birth.</p>
</div>
</article>
<section class="narrative-panel-section using-rich-text     ">
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<div class="image"><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/blog/parents-to-receive-new-employment-rights/listing-image/pregnant-woman-scanning-boxes---listing.jpg?h=5773&amp;w=5773&amp;la=en&amp;hash=FC559C5D90C8FA9F37D39B3457F09C12" alt="Pregnant woman scanning boxes"></div>
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<h3>Understanding your rights</h3>
<p>Your entitlement to any family-related leave or pay will depend on your employment status, the length of time you have worked at an employer and your usual earnings. If you are ever unsure about what you are entitled to, speak to your employer or recruitment consultant who will be able to advise.</p>
</article>
</div>
</div>
</section>

Parents to receive new employment rights

<p>When looking for new job opportunities, shift work may not be your first consideration. But do you really know what shift work is and how it may actually benefit you? Here we aim to help you in your job search by giving you an overview of the different shift patterns you might encounter in driving and warehouse jobs. Plus, we&rsquo;ll tell you 7 reasons why working shifts can be an advantage.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">What is shift work?</span></h3>
<p>In 2020, it was estimated that close to 14% of the UK population did some sort of shift work<sup>1</sup>. Shift work is generally understood to be any working pattern outside of the usual 9 to 5, Monday to Friday work week. Shift work is common in a variety of different professions. For some it is essential, such as in healthcare or emergency services where staff are needed 24 hours a day. In restaurant and retail work employers operate shifts so they can open early and close late.</p>
<p>For driving and warehouse jobs, shift patterns mean the business can stay operational over more hours, even 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if necessary. By offering a range of different shifts, businesses can remain staffed without individuals working long hours. With sufficient rest periods between shifts, employees begin each shift refreshed, which increases both morale and productivity.</p>
<p>Working shifts can also have its benefits for employees. Perhaps you are a student with classes to attend in the daytime; maybe you have young children and need to juggle your work schedule to fit with childcare. It is possible that you can find a shift in a warehouse or driving job that will fit around your daytime commitments.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">What type of warehouse and driving job opportunities are there?</span></h3>
<p>Warehouses are giant storerooms for a wide variety of industries. You could be working in retail or manufacturing, in the food industry, the motor industry, home furnishings or healthcare. Whilst the industry and the types of products you work with can vary widely, the general duties of the role will be similar.</p>
<p>Warehouse work can involve unloading and checking of stock, sorting and placing items onto shelves, picking and packing stock for dispatch, inventory control and data entry. In a busy warehouse this work needs to be done efficiently and consistently, so Warehouse Operatives need to be self-motivated and well organised. Find out more about what Warehouse Operatives do <a href="../../../../../../warehousejobs/warehouse-operative-job-description">here</a>.</p>
<p><span style="color: black;">When you look at listings for warehouse jobs you will find that many offer a variety of shifts which can include weekends, early mornings, evenings and nights. This gives you more flexibility in finding a role that fits with your other responsibilities.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: black;">Search our latest warehouse jobs <a href="../../../../../../warehousejobs">here</a>.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="color: black;">If you are interested in driving jobs, there are some roles that don&rsquo;t require you to have a specialist qualification as most <a href="../../../../../../career-advice/how-to-become-a-delivery-driver">Delivery Driver roles</a>&nbsp;</span><span style="color: black;">only need you to have a full UK car driving licence. For <a href="../../../../../../career-advice/how-to-become-a-class-2-hgv-driver">Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) driving jobs</a>, </span><span style="color: black;">also known as Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV), you need to have the appropriate <a href="../../../../../../drivingjobs/driver-training">training and LGV licence</a>.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: black;">Driving jobs can be within your local area or they can be long haul, which can affect the hours you work. Van driving jobs are usually daytime shifts, which can have early starts and may involve weekend work, but you can often find flexible shift patterns. LGV driving jobs can vary; some may be daytime shifts, Monday to Friday, some may include weekend work and require nights away.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: black;">Search our latest driving jobs <a href="../../../../../../drivingjobs">here</a>. </span></p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Shift patterns in warehouse and driving work</span></h3>
<p>Thoughts of a different workday, irregular hours and working nights and weekends might fill you with uncertainty, but there are numerous different shift patterns in the warehousing and driving industries, so you could find one that suits you better than a 9 to 5 job.</p>
<p>Types of shift patterns will vary depending on what works best for each employer, but warehouses often operate either a rotational shift pattern or fixed shifts. On a fixed shift you have the same morning, afternoon or night shift each week, on a rotational shift you work a different shift each week. A night shift is any shift with at least three hours during the period from 11pm to 6am and night workers cannot work more than an average of 8 hours in a 24 hour period. You might also find a job with the 2 shift work pattern, where you work an early shift one week and a late shift the next.</p>
<p>Warehouse jobs often involve weekend work, which may be part of your rotational shift. It can be possible to find jobs that are just for weekends if that fits your schedule, especially when it comes to <a href="../../../../../../blog/warehouse-jobs-and-retail-jobs-with-tesco">seasonal warehouse work</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>For more details on these and other shift patterns read <a href="../../../../../../blog/shift-patterns-explained">Shift Patterns Explained.</a></p>
<p>Van driving jobs generally operate on a fixed shift or 2 shift pattern, with hours between 6am and 6pm. This may or may not include weekend work within the rotation. You can sometimes find driving jobs that are specifically for weekend shifts only.</p>
<p><span style="color: black;">LGV Drivers must abide by specific rules when it comes to shift patterns and driving hours. You can drive for 9 hours a day with a 45 minute break for every 4.5 hours of driving. In one week (7 days) you can drive for up to 56 hours, but you cannot go over 90 hours in a two-week period. This is explained in our handy <a href="https://cdn.sourceflow.co.uk/e8r6uxi1i4nkxgq302ebh89dw4ud" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Driver Hours infographic</a>.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="color: black;">Working shifts can affect your home life, so make sure that the type of shift pattern you are expected to work can fit around your personal commitments. You also need to ensure you are physically and mentally prepared to work different shifts. Working rotational shift patterns, especially if they involve nights, can affect your sleep routine and some people may find it difficult to adjust. So, make sure you understand what the job involves when it comes to shift patterns and decide what will work best for you.</span></p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">7 advantages of shift work</span></h3>
<p>With the busy lifestyles we all generally lead, shift work can be more practical for some people. Below are some of the advantages:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><span style="color: black;">Flexible choice of hours and shifts that you can fit around other commitments. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: black;">Varied work which can differ each week, depending on which shift you are working. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: black;">Family friendly. Read <a href="../../../../../../drivingjobs/can-driving-jobs-be-family-friendly">'Can driving jobs be family friendly?'</a> </span><span style="color: black;">to find out more about this. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: black;">Enables you to create a better work life balance.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black;">Quicker commute times when you work early or late shifts. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: black;">Quieter work periods when you work early or late.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black;">You may receive increased pay rates for night shifts and weekend work. </span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="color: black;"><strong>References</strong></span></p>
<ol>
<li><span style="color: #212529;">Office for National Statistics.2021.Shift workers in the public sector.[Online].[November 2021].Available from: https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/employmentandemployeetypes/adhocs/13069shiftworkersinthepublicsector</span></li>
</ol>

Shift patterns in driving and warehouse jobs

<p>Workplace health and safety can seem a little overzealous at times and considering the health risks of office work can initially feel a little dramatic, what's next... a risk assessment before using a stapler?&nbsp;</p>
<p>Sure, it might seem a little overbearing at first glance but thinking about it, hunching over a computer, typing away on a keyboard, shifting uncomfortably, crossing your legs, uncrossing them, twisting, reaching and squinting, can really take its toll on your body.</p>
<p>We are just not designed to sit in one place undergoing doing repetitive tasks for such long periods of time and so the health risks of office work, back pain, joint pain, tiredness, eye strain, headaches and repetitive strain injury, (RSI) are all actually pretty serious and can lead to long term damage if they are left untreated.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The term repetitive strain injury (RSI) refers to work-related injuries to the muscles, tendons, nerves and soft tissue in the upper limbs. RSI is most commonly caused by repeated actions that are carried out on a daily basis over a long period and usual affects the neck, shoulders, forearms, elbows, wrists or hands.&nbsp;</p>
<p>When your job starts to cause you physical pain you know it is time to make a change. In fact, <a href="https://www.tuc.org.uk/sites/default/files/tuc-9056-f0.pdf">according to TUC (Trades Union Congress)</a>, six people leave their jobs due to a repetitive strain injury (RSI) condition every day in the UK. But why do we wait for things to escalate to breaking point before we take action, when with a little bit of workplace health and safety we could work on the principles of prevention instead of relying on intervention for a cure.</p>
<p>The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) estimates that around 2.6 million working days are lost each year due to upper limb disorders resulting from RSI &ndash; with an average of 14 days lost for each case but organisations that work to improve work-place ergonomics have found that musculoskeletal-disorders (resulting in lost work time) were 3 times less likely to happen.</p>
<p>Employers have a legal duty to provide safe working conditions, employers also have a common law &lsquo;duty of care&rsquo; towards their staff. Under the Health and Safety Act, various risk assessments must be completed to measure the overall risk factors to employees. Anything that could cause harm is considered, scored and assessed, from trip and slip hazards and falling equipment right through to ergonomics (the study of people's efficiency in their working environment) display screen equipment and of course, the most common of all the health risks of office work, RSI.</p>
<p>The most significant risk factors for RSI include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Carrying out repetitive tasks for long periods without suitable rest breaks.</li>
<li>Poor posture or activities that require you to work in an awkward position.</li>
<li>Poor working environment setup.</li>
</ul>
<p>RSI symptoms can vary from person to person but often include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Pain or tenderness</li>
<li>Stiffness</li>
<li>Loss of joint mobility</li>
<li>Pins and needles</li>
<li>Numbness</li>
<li>Cramps</li>
<li>Swelling</li>
</ul>
<p>RSI presents in three different stages, not everyone goes through these stages in the same way, but if you experience pain, numbness or tingling, that is a clear signal that you need to allow your body to rest and recover.</p>
<p><span style="color: #009ee3;">Mild early stage RSI</span></p>
<p>Aches and pain or tiredness occur during work, they may not affect performance and improve with rest. This stage could last weeks or months but is reversible with early intervention.</p>
<p><span style="color: #009ee3;">Moderate, intermediate stage RSI&nbsp;</span></p>
<p>Pain and tiredness occur quickly as the capacity for tolerating repetitive work is reduced. Pain or tiredness continues after work and may disturb sleep. Swelling of the tendon areas may start to show. This stage could last several months.</p>
<p><span style="color: #009ee3;">Severe late stage RSI&nbsp;</span></p>
<p>Pain, tiredness and weakness continues even after complete rest. Sleep is often affected and even light tasks at home or work could become difficult. This stage is sometimes irreversible.</p>
<p>It is likely that most office workers could identify with experiencing at least one of these stages of RSI recently in the career and with RSI being so prevalent amongst office workers, now is the time to make some changes that will help to reduce the health risks of office work for you.</p>
<h2>Top 5 tips for looking after your physical health and ensuring your health and safety in the office</h2>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">1. Adapt your workspace &amp; equipment</span></h3>
<p>Simple adjustments to the workstation such as repositioning equipment or adjusting your chair are a good place to start but there are a whole host of adjustments you can make to ensure you are comfortable and safe from RSI:</p>
<ul>
<li>Move your chair close to the workstation.</li>
<li>If the chair armrests prevent you from getting close to your desk, you can lower or remove them completely.</li>
<li>Maintain a good posture by sitting upright, with your back supported by the chair&rsquo;s back support &ndash; adjust the support until it is comfortable.</li>
<li>Adjust your chair to the correct height so you can use the keyboard with your forearms and wrists straight. Your chair and workstation height should allow your keyboard to be directly below your fingers to avoid reaching.</li>
<li>Some people find it more comfortable to have their chair seat inclined 5-10 degrees downwards &ndash; this can help open up the pelvic area to relieve back problems and help with digestive tract disorders.</li>
<li>Sit with your feet flat on the floor or supported by a suitable footstool.</li>
<li>Sit directly in front of your computer screen and keyboard.</li>
<li>Ensure your legs are not obstructed by drawers or any other objects under the desk.</li>
<li>Place your screen at eye level and directly in front of you. Make sure there is a comfortable viewing distance between your eyes and the screen. As a guideline, you should be able to view your screen with a neutral neck position.</li>
<li>Place your screen at right angles to the window and ensure there are no glares/reflections on the screen.</li>
<li>Place your keyboard directly in front of you, with a space at the front of the desk to rest your wrists when you are not typing.</li>
<li>Your shoulders should be relaxed &ndash; periodically check that your shoulders do not become tense, rise up or hunch.</li>
<li>Positioning your mouse as close to you as possible so you can use it with your wrist straight, avoiding awkward bending.</li>
<li>If you need to refer to paperwork, use a document holder. If you tend to look at documents more than the screen when you type position the holder centrally with your monitor to the side to avoid twisting.</li>
<li>Use predictive text and auto-correct features, to reduce keystrokes.</li>
<li>Learn common keyboard shortcuts, to reduce the use of the mouse.</li>
<li>Various non-standard keyboards, mice, palm and wrist supports are available that can improve the positioning of your hands and wrists.</li>
<li>When working with a laptop for sustained periods it is best to use a separate keyboard, screen and mouse and place your laptop on a raiser so the screen can be as close to eye-level as possible.</li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">2. Take the right kind of breaks</span></h3>
<p>The Working Time Regulations 1998 state that a worker is entitled to an uninterrupted break of 20 minutes when the daily working time is more than six hours. It should be a break in the working time and should not be taken either at the start, or at the end, of a working day.</p>
<p>Your breaks should always be taken away from your desk, sitting at your desk to eat a sandwich is not going to help. Use your break time to stand up, move about, change posture, stretch, or walk. Blinking or resting your eyes and focusing on distant objects can be helpful if you have been staring at a computer screen all day.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If your work involves intensive use of the keyboard or mouse then any activity that demands a similar use of the arms or hands should be avoided during breaks, so try not to sit scrolling through your social feed during your break times.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Your break should be taken when your performance and productivity are still at their maximum, before you start to get tired. Taking a break to prevent fatigue is better than taking a break to recover from fatigue, in many ways the timing of the break is more important than its length.</p>
<p>Short, frequent breaks are much better than occasional, longer breaks. A 5-10 minute break after 50-60 minutes continuous screen or keyboard work is better so if it seems reasonable and not too disruptive to your work or others, you could ask your employer if this change in break frequency and duration can be accommodated.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It is important that you do not remain in the same position for too long, so outside of your break time make sure you periodically move in your seat and adjust your general position. Brief stretching exercises can be done whenever necessary, not just in your break time, no one will begrudge you taking 20 seconds to stretch and reposition yourself every now and then.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">3. Monitor your screen use</span></h3>
<p>Visual problems can be tackled by simply repositioning the screen, using blinds to avoid glare, placing the screen at a more comfortable viewing distance, or by making sure the screen is clean.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Problems caused by computer screens or display screen equipment (DSE) usually stem from improper use, rather than the screen itself. There is no evidence that using screens can damage your eyes, but long periods of working at a computer screen can certainly cause discomfort and headaches.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Your employer has a legal duty to protect you from the health risks of office work including working with display screen equipment such as PCs, laptops, tablets and smartphones.</p>
<p>The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations apply to workers who use DSE daily, for an hour or more at a time. The law applies if you are at a fixed workstation a mobile worker a home worker or hot-desking. These regulations don&rsquo;t apply if you use DSE infrequently or only use it for a short time.</p>
<p>You can manage your own workplace health and safety and reduce risks by ensuring that the size of the text and images on the screen are the right size for you, by making sure you take regular breaks from DSE work or by switch to doing something different regularly. DSE regulations suggest a 5-10 minute screen break or change of activity every hour.</p>
<p>You are also within your rights to ask your employer to provide a free eye and eyesight test and pay for glasses if they are needed for your DSE work so don't be afraid to speak up and ask.</p>
<p>Using accessibility features built into your computer can be a great help for many tasks. Text to speech, voice control and speech to text are just some of the great tools you can use.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The <a href="https://mcmw.abilitynet.org.uk">My Computer My Way website</a>&nbsp;has lots of free articles explaining how to use the accessibility features built into your computer:</p>
<ul>
<li>Vision &ndash; <a href="https://mcmw.abilitynet.org.uk/impairment/vision">computer adjustments for vision and colour</a></li>
<li>Hearing &ndash; <a href="https://mcmw.abilitynet.org.uk/impairment/hearing">computer adjustments for sound and speech</a></li>
<li>Motor &ndash; <a href="https://mcmw.abilitynet.org.uk/impairment/motor">computer adjustments for stamina and dexterity</a></li>
<li>Cognitive &ndash; <a href="https://mcmw.abilitynet.org.uk/impairment/cognitive">computer adjustments for learning and memory</a></li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">4. Know your rights - Speak up and asking for adjustments</span></h3>
<p><span style="color: #009ee3;"><img style="height: 200px; width: 300px;" src="-/media/c991105832204378811f93755245277f.ashx" alt="Know your rights - Speak up and asking for adjustments image - a chalkboard with Compliance elements sketched"></span></p>
<p>Because RSI can affect virtually any worker in any job, it is important that your employer not only recognises the reality of the condition, but actively works to reduce the risk of employees developing such injuries.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Your employer should be following the following steps to ensure your workplace health and safety</p>
<p><strong>Risk Assessments</strong></p>
<p>Ergonomic issues and additional checks regarding repetitive activities should be included as standard in risk assessments. If the risk assessment identifies potential issues, either in the operating environment or with the supplied tools and workspace, your employer has a duty to provide reasonable adjustments in the workplace. Appropriate changes can involve changes to the desk, chair or other office furniture, or through providing equipment, such as an adapted mouse or keyboard. Adjustments can also include changes to your work pattern and the way you work with colleagues.</p>
<p><strong>Training</strong></p>
<p>Provide adequate training so you know how to use your computer and workstation equipment properly.</p>
<p>Even with ergonomic equipment, workers can still develop repetitive strain injuries when it is used incorrectly. All staff training should cover how to use tools safely, with additional attention paid to using equipment in such a way that it reduces the risk of developing RSI.</p>
<p><strong>Encouraging and facilitating regular breaks</strong></p>
<p>Repetitive strain injuries are caused by repetition so wherever possible your employer should be seeking to limit such activities, improve the conditions for people performing those duties and provide plenty of breaks throughout the working day.</p>
<p>Employers who do not meet their statutory responsibilities for health and safety, or who fail in their duty of care, may face employment tribunal. Employers could also be vulnerable to claims of discrimination under the Equality Act if they fail to make &lsquo;reasonable adjustments&rsquo; for a disabled employee.</p>
<p>As an employee you also have responsibilities at work to ensure your own health and safety, and the safety of your colleagues by:</p>
<ul>
<li>Following training provided to you by your employer.</li>
<li>Taking reasonable care for your own safety.</li>
<li>Co-operating with your employer's efforts to ensure your and other's health and safety at work.</li>
<li>Telling your manager or Health and Safety Representative if you consider that the job or environment is putting your or anyone else's health at risk.</li>
</ul>
<p>If you have told your employer about your concerns, but they fail to take action, you can report your concerns to <a href="https://www.hse.gov.uk">the Health and Safety Executive</a>&nbsp;by calling their helpline on 0300 003 1647. After the HSE has received your report they will assess the situation within 24 hours, during the working week and decide if it is something they can and should get involved in. They will then let you know what action they are taking within 21 days.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Ensuring workplace health and safety is the responsibility of everyone, not just your employer. If you see something that is dangerous it is your duty to report it.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you can think of a safer way to carry out a task, step up and talk to your employer.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">5. Stay COVID-19 Safe</span></h3>
<p>While many office workers have been home working for the duration of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) lockdown period, it will soon be time to head back into the office as workplaces slowly begin to welcome their workforces back. We already predicted many upcoming changes to the office environment in our first blog of the year that explored the trends affecting office workers in 2020&nbsp;but no one could have predicted the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic and just how vast the resulting changes would need to be.</p>
<p>While it is the primary duty of your employer to ensure your health and safety in the office is protected and reduce workplace risk to the lowest reasonably practicable level, going back to work during such unprecedented circumstances means that is all of our responsibilities to manage the workplace health and safety risks of COVID-19.&nbsp;</p>
<p>As you are the one actually doing the work every day, you are likely best placed to understand the health risks of office work and no doubt you will have a clear view on how you can work safely, so do make it the effort to collaborate with your employer and suggest safe working practices.</p>
<p>To ensure your own safety and that of your colleagues, continue to follow government guidelines and maintain good safe working practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19:</p>
<ul>
<li>If you feel unwell stay at home and do not attend work.</li>
<li>Increase how often you wash your hands.</li>
<li>Take an active role in cleaning down your workstation and communal areas after use.</li>
<li>Utilise screens or barriers to separate yourself from other colleagues.</li>
<li>Use back-to-back or side-to-side working positions instead of face to face.</li>
<li>Stagger your break times from other colleagues to reduce the number of people using the communal areas at any time.</li>
<li>Take your breaks in safe outdoor areas where possible.</li>
<li>Bring your own food and drink to work.</li>
<li>Use hand sanitiser regularly.</li>
<li>Store personal items and clothing in personal lockers or safe storage areas.</li>
<li>Use remote working tools to avoid in-person meetings.</li>
<li>Avoid sharing pens, documents and other objects.</li>
</ul>

Workplace health and safety

<p>Do you think you have what it takes to work as a female lorry driver? Getting your HGV licence opens up an exciting career path that can see you travelling home and abroad, long distances and short, carrying a wide variety of goods.</p>
<p>Female HGV drivers have a whole lot to offer the driving industry but before you decide on a career as a HGV Driver, or any career for that matter, it is always a good idea to hear from the people already in the role and get a behind the scenes perspective. With this in mind we interviewed female lorry driver Jemma.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Where do you currently work?&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p>I am not working very much right now as I am 6 months pregnant, but I was doing quite a bit of work previously.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">How long have you been a Class 2 Driver?</span></h3>
<p>I have been a Class 2 Driver for a little over 2 years.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Have you mainly been driving local or long distance?&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p>I have done a bit of both. The most I have ever had to stay out was 3 nights. I have tried to do lots of different things, so I have lots of experience and work options, this has meant that I have been driving quite a few different routes like Sheffield, Wakefield, Doncaster and as out as far as Manchester and Sunderland.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What pushed you to become a driver?&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p>I was a teacher before, but I really wanted a new challenge. I enjoyed driving before and felt that I wanted to up my driving game, and I knew I had a lot to offer as a female truck driver.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Did you qualify through an employer or did you fund the course yourself?&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p>I paid for it myself. I started the process in January with the medical test and then I went on to do the theory test, I fully qualified in May. The whole thing was a little slower than I would have liked but I was qualifying while working in a teaching assistant role, so I was limited to doing the tests in the half terms.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">How do you cope with other drivers being careless or dangerous around you?&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p>It can be quite scary at first, you have to be really careful and watch everyone around you. People tend to jump in front of you when crossing the road, so you have to drive fully aware and predict what they will do. You need to be really careful when you are joining the motorway as you can't get your speed up as quickly as you can in a car.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Spending so much time alone in a cab must be challenging, how do you keep your mind occupied?</span></h3>
<p>I have a good sing along to the radio, that keeps me entertained.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">How do you keep a healthy diet when you drive all day?&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p>I always make sure I take lunch with me. When you are working somewhere new you don't know if there are going to be facilities available, you could end up parked in a lay-by which is no fun if you don't have any food with you. I always make sure I have extra snacks in my bag along with lots of drink. Also, freezing a bottle of drink helps to keep everything else cold.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What do you keep in your truck drivers go bag?&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p>Everything I need to be clean and comfortable. Wet wipes, hand gels and lip balms are essential, your skin can get really dried out with the heating or air conditioning in the cab.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">How do you combat tiredness?&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p>You need to make sure you have enough time to get home, relax, eat and sleep. I ensure there&rsquo;s enough time to take care of myself. The key is to recognise this, keep in mind the shifts and any other commitments you have coming up, speak up and know what is good for your own health.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What are the best bits about being a female lorry driver?</span></h3>
<p>I enjoy not having interaction with people constantly, I like my own company and being a truck driver is great for being on your own. You also get to see some interesting places.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What skills do you feel you have learned from your role as a truck driver?&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p>There are so many things to learn as a HGV Driver. Throwing ropes, strapping items for delivery down, vehicle checks, map reading, using your intuition and problem-solving are all skills you use a lot.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Do you find there is still any stigma attached to female HGV drivers?</span></h3>
<p>I don't think there is quite as much as people think, it takes a few days to settle in like any job. When you show that you are just as good as anyone else you get accepted quite quickly.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What type of work are you hoping for next?</span></h3>
<p>I want to drive the shorter distances now, I also like a mix of driving and interacting with customers, not just the long haul shifts. Plus, having a new baby I think I might want to stay quite local for a while.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What would be your favourite type of truck to drive?&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p>I prefer to drive a manual truck over an automatic one just because you have a bit more control at junctions, but the make or model doesn&rsquo;t really matter to me.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What advice would you give to someone choosing to start a driving career?</span></h3>
<p>When I was a new driver, I found it really helpful to have a driver&rsquo;s mate for the first few months until I got used to the size of the truck. It helps to have someone with you when you are learning to reverse and manoeuvre around in the real world outside of a training environment, it&rsquo;s just another set of eyes and some moral support. You won't always have a driver&rsquo;s mate with you, it depends on the type of driving job you are doing but a job with lots of hand balling of goods would be the type where you might have one, so look out for that kind of jobs in the early days.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What is next in your driving career?</span></h3>
<p>If I stay on as a driver after the baby is born, I am looking to do the ADR, chemical transportation qualification, I was a science teacher so I should pass.... I hope.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/career-guides#TandLGuides">View our career guides</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/drivingjobs/">browse and apply for driving opportunities here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

Being a female truck driver

<p>When you think of the word 'productivity' the first thing people tend to think of is, action; doing things that get you one step closer to completion, whether that is finishing a task, doing your job or a reaching a milestone. Many people don't realise that in order to be productive, before you get started on the actions, you need to be doing something else, effective listening, or more precisely, active listening. As an office work skill, active listening is just as crucial to productivity as action.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Effective listening and active listening is fast becoming one of the top office work skills sought after by employers as they begin to recognise that productivity, cohesive team working and employee satisfaction are all greatly improved when employees can easily and comfortably utilise active listening techniques in their day to day role.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What are the different types of listening techniques?&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p><strong>Listening</strong></p>
<p>Passively listening to the words a speaker is using without a conscious effort to absorb, understand, respond to, or remember them.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Empathetic listening</strong></p>
<p>The use of positive body language, non verbal cues such as nodding, mirrored movements and facial expressions to build trust and a rapport between the listener and the speaker.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Reflective listening&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>Listening to someone explain an idea or concept then thinking it through and repeating the idea or concept back to the speaker to confirm an accurate understanding.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Attentive listening</strong></p>
<p>Using verbal affirmations to show that you are listening to what is being said. Dropping in verbal affirmations such as "I see," "oh I understand," "ok, I follow you," "I can see how that must be hard," helps to avoid long periods of silence or the speaker feeling self conscious about dominating the conversation.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Active listening</strong></p>
<p>Uses many of the techniques used in listening, empathetic listening, attentive listening and reflective listening but it goes one extra step in that it requires you to combine them all and listen with all of your senses. As the listener you ultimately concentrate fully on what is being said, how it is being said, the tone and the intended meaning, seeking to hear, understand, respond to and remember what is being said in order to fully and actively absorb the words being spoken.</p>
<p>All of these types of listening have their place and all of them will come in handy at work but because active listening combines all of the listening techniques it is a super charged skill to master.&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>How you do anything, is how you do everything.</em>~ Unknown.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you can learn the skills of active listening and deploy it in everything you do, even the smaller things in your day to day work then when it comes to those bigger projects you will be a master at actively listening and your productivity will sky rocket.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Whether you work as a <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=B757AAE5755C4B08B04AC0096C34490F&amp;_z=z">PA</a>, <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=C9198009550C4EB4942F048F3281B833&amp;_z=z">Receptionist</a>, <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=064305CC62954A0EAC25B8D3DC9F4AEB&amp;_z=z">Data Entry Clerk</a>&nbsp;or <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=1CABA24AE76541C9B62D74EFABB6D54D&amp;_z=z">Customer Service Advisor</a>, being able to listen effectively and take the appropriate action is a key element to doing your job and doing it well so when it comes to a coveted position becoming available, your chances of landing that promotion greatly improve. Find out what&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/communities/office-blog/how-to-turn-your-office-job-into-an-office-career" target="_self">office jobs you could progress into</a>.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">5 active listening techniques</span></h3>
<ol>
<li>Building trust and establishing rapport through mirroring and open body language.</li>
<li>Demonstrating concern or interest in the subject.</li>
<li>Paraphrasing and repeating back to show understanding.</li>
<li>Nonverbal cues like nodding, eye contact, and leaning forward to encourage and show understanding.</li>
<li>Brief verbal affirmations such as &ldquo;I see,&rdquo; &ldquo;I know,&rdquo; &ldquo;Sure,&rdquo; &ldquo;Thank you,&rdquo; or &ldquo;I understand&rdquo; all let the speaker know that you have been engaged in what they are saying.</li>
</ol>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">How to use active listening at work.</span></h3>
<p>In any scenario, you are at your most productive when you have a thorough understanding of the scope of the project, how to do it and ultimately complete it in the fastest possible time while maintaining high standards and attention to detail.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Taking instruction</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>When you have been tasked with a project it is essential that you are able to hear, absorb, understand and remember what it is that you are being asked to do or how you are being asked to do something. How quickly or &lsquo;productively&rsquo; you can work through the project is governed by how well you have heard what it is that you are being asked to do.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Learning</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>When you are trying to learn a new skill, language, subject or even job, the fastest way to learn is to deploy your active listening techniques to help you absorb the information faster. This is why at school your teachers would have you write notes as they spoke, read aloud in class, discuss and debate a theory with your fellow students and sit exams to consolidate your knowledge. All of<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>the techniques your schooling taught you were variations on active listening techniques and they in turn become the building blocks of productivity.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Understanding</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>A crucial element to absorbing information is understanding it. Being able to dissect it, reformulate its application and explain it on to others if needed, means you truly understand and can apply<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>the information seamlessly. Without a thorough understanding your productivity is stifled as you spend time trying to apply a skill without the required knowledge to do so effectively.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Team building</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Working with others requires you to practice both your speaking and your active listening skills simultaneously. A cohesive team is one that can communicate clearly, manage expectations and delegate tasks between the team members with confidence. If you can show your colleagues that you are able to absorb information, understand it quickly, empathise with their frustrations and problem solve any issues that arise all through your ability to utilise active listening techniques then they will trust, respect and support you in your role.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Appraisals, interviews &amp; promotions</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>When you are called into a meeting, regardless of its purpose it is often best that you speak when spoken to, answer any questions posed concisely and accurately all the while trying to stay on<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>topic and not getting carried away through nervous babbling.&nbsp;</p>
<p>By using active listening techniques you will find that you are paying much closer attention to the speaker, you will build trust and a rapport early in the meeting.</p>
<p>You will show that you are engaged and interested in what is being said and because you are making an effort to understand and retain the information being given you will find that it is easy to<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>mirror the language of the speaker when you answer questions further building the positive and emotional connections between everyone in the room.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Whether you are hoping to progress through the ranks of your current role and get a promotion, or <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=02B19F65EBFA43D3999381F4BEB2275E&amp;_z=z">apply for a new job</a>&nbsp;that will help you to progress your career, effective listening could be the very best choice of office work skills that you choose to develop this year.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Find out about some other <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/communities/office-blog/top-10-office-work-skills-you-will-need-for-2020-and-how-to-get-them-for-free" target="_self">top office work skills for 2020 and how to get them for free</a>.</p>

Active Listening

<p>When it comes to new truck technology what is becoming clear by the new trucks set to hit the market is that as far as the manufacturers are concerned, the more the truck can do, the better.</p>
<p>With the birth of the driverless truck it could soon be that drivers have the ability to change position and even freely move around the cab while the truck is in motion. It begs the question how you, the HGV/LGV truck drivers, feel about this change in times. While there are clearly benefits to automating many of the truck features and adding those extra truck technology systems that make it more fuel efficient and safer overall, where will we draw the line in our efforts towards automation?</p>
<p>Manufacturers of trucks and associated truck technology are driving full throttle towards the holy grail of the ultimate truck of the future with many of the big players set to launch their own safer, more efficient, super automated truck range now or in the very new future.</p>
<p>There is no doubt that long haul trucks often act as the drivers second home and when you spend the vast majority of the week driving, sleeping, eating and relaxing in the cab of a HGV it is imperative that visibility, comfort, safety, manoeuvrability, and efficiency are at the forefront of any upcoming truck design and development.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Trucks built for driver comfort</span></h3>
<p>The new <a href="https://www.fordtrucks.com.tr/en/tractor/f-max" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ford F-Max 500</a> is without a doubt a truck that has been designed with the drivers&rsquo; comfort in mind. With a spacious 2.16 metre floor to ceiling cab height and half metre seat adjustment range, the cab is roomy enough to feel like a drivers&rsquo; home from home.</p>
<p>Ford have taken driver convenience and comfort to the next level by adding storage space that can be easily reached from the driving seat, additional overhead storage and a 90 degree foldable overhead bed that utilises the extra cab height and reduces wasted precious space. Additional features of the HGV include: Adaptive cruise control, predictive cruise control, eco-mode, advanced emergency brake systems, hill launch assist and lane departure warning.</p>
<p>Ford have taken the efficiency and eco impact of the truck seriously with the latest advances in truck technology systems, the fuel consumption of the Ford truck has been reduced by 6%, thanks to developments in its aerodynamics, powertrain calibration and technical features.</p>
<p>&lsquo;Connectruck&rsquo; technology provides range of additional benefits including remote monitoring of the vehicle using remote diagnostic and specialised topographic mapping to analyse the road conditions, this will enable the truck to travel at the optimum speed and reduce fuel consumption by a further 4%.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Trucks built for safety, efficiency and productivity</span></h3>
<p>When it comes to attracting the very best drivers, businesses need to show that they have the very best vehicles on their fleet. With this in mind Volvo have focused on making their new trucks safer, more efficient and more attractive working tools for qualified drivers.</p>
<p>The upcoming <a href="https://www.volvotrucks.com/en-en/trucks/trucks/new-heavy-duty-range.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Volvo FH, FH16, FM, FMX range</a> has been designed with a new driver interface and enhanced safety systems including automatically disabling selected segments of the LED high beam when approaching oncoming traffic or another vehicle from behind. The range also features a gas engine that can run either biogas which cuts CO2 by up to 100 % or natural gas which reduces CO2 emissions by up to 20% when compared with Volvo&rsquo;s equivalent diesel trucks.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Trucks built with an eco-friendly approach</span></h3>
<p>HGV&rsquo;s account for 4.2 % of total UK carbon emissions and so decarbonising the sector is essential to meeting the country&rsquo;s 2050 net zero emissions goal.</p>
<p>Two methods of tackling the climate impact of HGV&rsquo;s have recently launched in the UK. Electrification on one hand and carbon negative biogas made from manure on the other.</p>
<p>Tevva, under its Electrify initiative have deployed 50 electric medium duty HGV&rsquo;s across the UK and Europe that are available for companies to rent and try out for three to six months. Following the trial period, the renting company will receive a detail telematics data report to demonstrate the vehicles overall efficiency including mileage completed, energy consumed, and grid energy used.</p>
<p>With advances like this in truck technology, the question is no longer whether electric trucks could replace diesel trucks commercially, it is more about when.</p>
<p>CNG Fuels have taken in the carbon negative biogas approach by announcing plans to become the UK&rsquo;s first supplier of carbon neutral fuel for HGV&rsquo;s in the form of manure by 2021.</p>
<p>Their approach is a relatively simple one, manure gives off methane and methane is a greenhouse gas 28 times more powerful than carbon dioxide. By fuelling HGV&rsquo;s with manure, or more accurately biomethane, we are ultimately preventing the methane from entering the atmosphere reducing overall emissions and thereby classifying it as a carbon negative fuel.</p>
<p>With green HGV&rsquo;s now available to businesses looking to decarbonise their fleets, the technical challenges associated with a net zero emissions goal will no longer take as many years to overcome as originally anticipated.</p>
<p>The key takeaway for drivers, having seen what new truck models and truck technology systems will be hitting the market, is that currently there is not much that you will need to get to grips with. The technology will become more intelligent and the changeover to intelligent, fuel efficient, green and automated vehicles will be relatively seamless so all you need to do is sit back and eagerly anticipate the new trucks your place of work replenish their fleet with.</p>
<p>For <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=F2EAEF2C54944067BBB0D4A07DABF6AE&amp;_z=z">Driving opportunities</a>&nbsp;contact your local <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=566AE6D5C36045F6BA49476F4EDE04EB&amp;_z=z">Blue Arrow Driving specialist</a>.</p>

Latest truck technology models entering the market

<p>Every driver has their favourite HGV models, but what makes their choice the very best HGV seems to come down to a number of factors, from the mechanical prowess of the engine, to the available space in the cab, from the fancy mod cons through to being the best fuel mileage truck.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Based on new vehicle registrations, the most popular HGV in the UK during 2018 was Dutch manufacturer DAF Trucks with over 11,000 registered on the UK market that year, 4,000 more units than the second highest, Mercedes-Benz<sup>1</sup> but do vehicle registrations really reflect public opinion on the best HGV models?</p>
<p>With so many makes and models available, finding out what Britain&rsquo;s favourite truck is has to come down to more than just vehicle registrations. Driver preference and industry opinion must have more influence on whether a HGV gets the title of being the best commercial truck.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The International Truck of the year award 2020 was awarded to Mercedes-Benz for their new Actros model. A group of 24 commercial vehicle editors and senior journalists representing major trucking magazines from throughout Europe cast 121 votes in favour of the Mercedes-Benz Actros.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Mercedes-Benz claimed the title over their competitors Iveco's S-Way long haul range and Volvo's fuel efficient FH I-Save.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Top 3 Trucks from the International Truck of the year awards 2020</span></h3>
<ol>
<li>Mercedes-Benz Actros</li>
<li>Iveco S-Way</li>
<li>Volvo FH I-Save</li>
</ol>
<p>When being considered for the International Truck of the Year title the best HGV's are judged based on their contribution to road transport efficiency and a number of other important criteria that altogether make for the best commercial truck offering.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What makes a HGV the best commercial truck?</span></h3>
<ol>
<li>Technological innovation</li>
<li>Comfort</li>
<li>Safety</li>
<li>Drivability</li>
<li>Fuel economy</li>
<li>Environmental footprint</li>
<li>Total cost of ownership</li>
</ol>
<p>Being ranked the best HGV of the year is certainly an accolade to be proud of but while the Mercedes-Benz Actros may be the truck of many drivers dreams, here in the UK drivers seem to hold others in higher esteem when they are asked what the best HGV model for them is.</p>
<p>We asked you, the Blue Arrow Driving community what the best HGV models are and why. Thank you to all of you who submitted your votes, the front runners for best HGV were Scania, Volvo and Mercedes. All three of these HGV models are clearly popular choices amongst the UK driving community as TruckNetUK received identical results in their recent driver poll too.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Top 3 best trucks according to drivers at TruckNetUk<sup>2</sup></span></h3>
<ol>
<li>Volvo</li>
<li>Scania Swedish owned by Volkswagen</li>
<li>Mercedes-Benz</li>
</ol>
<p>With reasoned arguments to support their choices including smooth steering, reliability and efficiency, drivers here at Blue Arrow and at TruckNetUk based their best HGV choices on those they have real experience in driving not just those they dream of driving someday.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Internet search volumes for 2019 appear to support the Blue Arrow and TruckNetUk community with Scania, DAF and Volvo all outstripping the Mercedes-Benz and Iveco for the most popular searches.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Top 3 truck makes ranked by internet search volume<sup>3</sup></span></h3>
<ol>
<li>Scania 11.48%</li>
<li>DAF 9.20%</li>
<li>Volvo 8.31%</li>
</ol>
<p>With drivers choice rankings like this, is there any wonder that the Volvo FH series is considered one of the most successful series of trucks that the world has ever seen<sup>4</sup>. Since its inception in 1993 Volvo has sold over 400,000 units and scooped Truck of the Year Award in 1994, 2000 and again in 2014.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What makes a Volvo so great?</span></h3>
<p>Their outstanding mechanical reliability and torque power prowess in the FH Series is only part of the story, the biggest driver accolade by far goes to their unparalleled consideration for driver comfort and quality of life.</p>
<p>Arguably the Volvo's biggest rival for the title of best HGV among drivers is the Scania V8 with its reliability and ease of servicing. Drivers seem to fall passionately into one camp or the other fiercely defending their choice. This long-standing rivalry doesn't seem to be ending any time soon but based on everything we have found and heard direct from you, the Blue Arrow driving community, the Volvo FH Series is a clear winner in the hunt for Britain's favourite truck.&nbsp;</p>
<p>No matter what your favourite truck is, in reality you don&rsquo;t always get to choose what HGV models you drive. Most of the time unless you are an owner driver you get whatever truck your employer has to offer but with a number of&nbsp;<a href="~/link.aspx?_id=F2EAEF2C54944067BBB0D4A07DABF6AE&amp;_z=z">truck driving jobs</a>&nbsp;available right now perhaps choosing the right driving job for you could come down to choosing the employer with the best commercial truck fleet.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Take a look at our <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=6FE86845597E4B3CBA33C2B3B67A7ED3&amp;_z=z">Commercial Driving Licences Explained</a>&nbsp;page where you can explore vehicles by category further.</p>
<p><em>References:</em></p>
<p><em>1 https://www.statista.com/statistics/322478/leading-HGV-models-registered-in-great-britain-uk/</em></p>
<p><em>2 https://www.freightlink.co.uk/knowledge/articles/11-most-popular-truckers-trucks</em></p>
<p><em>3 https://www.trucklocator.co.uk/blog/truck-and-trailer-news/2019/10/what-uks-best-selling-truck-models-2019</em></p>
<p><em>4<a href="https://www.truckanddriver.co.uk/latest-stories/what-is-it-about-a-volvo-the-guys-at-thomas-hardie-tell-biglorryblog-why-they-love-the-fh/"> </a>https://www.truckanddriver.co.uk/latest-stories/what-is-it-about-a-volvo-the-guys-at-thomas-hardie-tell-biglorryblog-why-they-love-the-fh/</em></p>

Britains best HGV

<p>Spring has officially sprung and all of a sudden everything starts to take on a new purpose, flowers are in bloom and everything just seems to look cleaner, brighter and fresher somehow, don&rsquo;t you think?</p>
<p>While January is the month for fitness, Spring is the most popular time of year to develop your mind, body and spirit and embrace change, whether that is by attending a class, signing up for therapy, starting meditation or even finding a coach or mentor to work with.</p>
<p>Signing up to a class is pretty easy, even meditation is not too much of a struggle to get started on but when it comes to having a life coach, dedicated to helping you re-evaluate your life or develop your career, as lovely as that would be, it&rsquo;s just not practical (or likely) for most of us.</p>
<p>&nbsp;So, if you don&rsquo;t have access to your very own Yoda lookalike, robe-wearing guru, how do you go about learning enough about life, other people and yourself to create purposeful, mindful strategies for small changes that will benefit your soul, home-life and career this spring?</p>
<p>You become your own coach by seeking knowledge, learning from your mistakes, adjusting your mindset and willing yourself to succeed.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Take advice from friends, family, and colleagues, or snippets of wisdom from books, TV, articles, magazines. Of course, there is also the internet which all together provides you with access to hundreds of thousands of &lsquo;mentors&rsquo;.</p>
<p>From celebrities, to athletes, and business tycoons to bloggers, if we sit up and take notice of what we are reading or watching there are lessons, hints and tips, and heaps of inspiration free for the taking.</p>
<p>Even your social media feed can be a helpful resource&hellip;. No really it can. At some stage you will have seen an inspiring quote on your social feed that resonated with you, and chances are, this quote created a spark of inspiration to make a change of some sort. Now whether you acted on that inspiration or not is a different matter, but I bet you my favourite biro that it was there, right?</p>
<p>Right! So, in order to become our own Yoda, all we need to do is collect these little nuggets from as many sources as possible and put them to good use. Personally, I like to keep little snippets of wisdom in my notebook because I have it near me all of the time. When I am reading a book, watching a movie or even having coffee with a friend, if I see or hear something that resonates, I can make a little note of it for later.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<blockquote><em>Change is the end result of all true learning</em>&nbsp;<span style="text-align: center; color: windowtext;">&ndash; Leo Buscaglia (American author, motivational speaker and professor).</span></blockquote>
<p>It is this notebook that we have to thank for today&rsquo;s post, because nestled in its crumpled dog-eared pages is my little collection of &lsquo;life lessons&rsquo; that I have put together over time from a ton of different sources. It also contains all notes and reminders from mistakes I have made along the way and fully intend to avoid repeating. When I feel like I need advice, a boost of positivity, or the motivation to make some changes I look back over my notes and use them to inspire me to get started, or to remind me to rethink my approach.</p>
<p>I honestly can&rsquo;t recommend this method of becoming your own mentor enough, so in the hope that I have inspired you to get started here&rsquo;s a glance at 10 snippets from my notebook.&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>You become what you believe</li>
<li>Just do you</li>
<li>A path doesn&rsquo;t have to be straight</li>
<li>Always have an attitude of gratitude</li>
<li>Know your audience</li>
<li>Life is all about perspective</li>
<li>Count to 3 before you answer yes or no</li>
<li>Never hit snooze</li>
<li>How hard can it be?</li>
<li>If you mess up, fess up</li>
</ul>

Life Lessons -  Becoming your own mentor

<p>As we check our bank balance and realise just how much we spent creating our perfect Christmas, most of us make budgeting our finances better one of our New Year resolutions. Yes, we did set the budgeting resolution at the start of 2018 too and it only lasted just as far as January&rsquo;s first payday but that was just a blip, this year will be different, right!&nbsp;</p>
<p>Failing to plan is planning to fail, or so they say, and with this in mind we set out to make the plan to beat all other plans. We jot down what we think our outgoings are, then we take another swig from the closest bottle, eat another one of the kid&rsquo;s chocolates and stare at the notes wondering what to do next.&nbsp;</p>
<p>After a quick Google search we decide that meat-free Mondays will slash our food shopping bills, we will never eat takeaway again and if we wear every item of clothing in our wardrobe we won&rsquo;t need to turn the heating on &ndash; great plan, what could possibly go wrong.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The end of January rolls around and we realise that we forgot to budget for Aunt Mabel&rsquo;s birthday, and that our car is due for an MOT. 2019 has become 2018 - The sequel. In frustration we throw our hands up, submit a silent scream to the universe and wonder why we even bothered. Someone pass the darn takeaway menu.</p>
<p>Simply letting you know that you are not alone in the annual budgeting struggle might be comforting in a &lsquo;me too&rsquo; sort of way but I do realise it is not all that helpful. Luckily for us, the Citizens Advice Bureau have come up with a solution &ndash; just in time.</p>
<p>On their <a href="https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/budgeting/budgeting/work-out-your-budget/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">website</a> there is this great, easy-to-use tool that allows us to understand what we are spending our hard-earned money on, in detail and also where we might be able to save.</p>
<p>I was super excited to give it a go.&nbsp; If this works then it could mean that 2019 is not looking like a repeat of this year after all. I will admit that part of me was slightly apprehensive about admitting my obvious notebook purchasing addiction but, putting my reservations to the back of my mind, I set aside an hour, grabbed a cuppa, put my headphones in and set out to give it a whirl.</p>
<p>Overall, I have to say that this is hands-down the easiest budget tracker I have ever used. It provides a clear check-up of your finances and really breaks everything down into manageable steps.</p>
<p>Something that really sets this tool apart from others is that, aside from showing you your current position and spending habits, it also gives you some really great advice for where you could be saving money, and even provides some tips for how to get out of debt.&nbsp;</p>
<p>From first-hand experience I would say definitely get hold of a copy of your payslip and your bank statements before you start. You will be asked questions about your income, bills and direct debits as you make your way through, so it is best to have everything to hand and you won&rsquo;t have to stop part way through like I did.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The first section will walk you through your income both as an individual and also as a household. You can choose from weekly, monthly or yearly pay depending on what suits you best.</p>
<p>Then the next section is really impressive &ndash; it allows you to select from a list of benefits that may apply to you, sometimes it can be difficult to remember the specific names of them all so this is a super helpful prompt.&nbsp;</p>
<p>As you answer all of the questions, you can see your progress as you move down the menu on the right-hand side.</p>
<p>You will move through a comprehensive set of categories to ensure you don&rsquo;t forget to account for something. The sections cover;</p>
<ul>
<li>Income</li>
<li>Benefits</li>
<li>Debts</li>
<li>Bills</li>
<li>Household</li>
<li>Family &amp; Pets</li>
<li>Leisure</li>
<li>Transport</li>
<li>Car or other vehicle</li>
<li>Savings and investments</li>
</ul>
<p>Hang-in there, it looks like a lot, but it really is easy to use, and you will fly through it. As long as you answer as honestly as possible, or at least ball park what you think you might spend on certain things then the calculator just does it all for you.</p>
<p>Once you are done, a really clear graph that shows your income vs your spending is displayed, and you get a breakdown showing the areas of spending with the amounts. The results can be pretty staggering, you can clearly see where you may have been going wrong all this time.</p>
<p>If like me, you are set on making 2019 the year that you get everything in order and really start taking control then I highly recommend that you take some time to have a go with the <a href="https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/budgeting/budgeting/work-out-your-budget/budgeting-tool/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">tool for yourself&nbsp;</a> but do come back and let me know how you got on.</p>

Citizens Advice Budgeting Tool

<p>Put your office work skills and transferable skills to good use while progressing your office career through the many volunteering opportunities that are available.&nbsp;</p>
<p>When you are already busy, when you have children at home to care for and when you feel like all of your efforts should be going towards getting a job or progressing your career, the thought of dedicating what time you do have to volunteering can feel a little counterproductive, but the benefits of taking on volunteering opportunities are bigger than you think, especially when you have office work skills to offer.</p>
<p>Through volunteering opportunities, you can provide vital help to people in need, worthwhile causes and the community while building your office career, developing your transferable skills, connecting with the community, finding new friends and looking after your mental and physical health.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It is true that the more you volunteer the more you will benefit from it, but volunteering doesn't have to be a long-term commitment or take up a large amount of time, even what feels like the smallest commitment can have a huge benefit for you and the organisation you are helping.</p>
<h2>10 ways that volunteering can benefit you</h2>
<ol>
<li>Put your existing office work skills to use. Volunteering opportunities can help you build upon and develop the office work skills and transferable skills you already have while using them to benefit the greater community. This is a great way to practice your skills, put them to use in different circumstances to what you might do in a corporate office.&nbsp;To really master a skill, you need to be able to apply it to any circumstance and environment. For instance, being good at selling is great and it is a highly desirable skill to have if you have the confidence and communication skills to sell anything to anyone. This unerring confidence in your abilities is built by putting your skills to work in a variety of environments and industries.</li>
<li>Learn new office work skills or transferable skills. Many volunteering opportunities provide extensive training opportunities that you can put to great use in your office career. For example, you could become an experienced crisis counsellor and learn effective active listing techniques while volunteering for a women&rsquo;s shelter or you could become proficient at researching while donating your time as a museum docent or conservationist.</li>
<li>Try a new career for size. Volunteering offers you the chance to try out a new career without making a long-term commitment. If you are unsure which direction you want to take your office career in over the longer term, you could take on a variety of shorter volunteering opportunities in varying industries and sectors to find out which you are most passionate about.</li>
<li>Impress employers &amp; build career experience. To build an office career and get the job opportunities you want, you need to show potential employers that you are the best person for the job. You will put yourself ahead of the competition if you can show that you have relevant and recent industry experience and knowledge, bonus points will come from showing that you were proactive in gaining the experience for yourself.&nbsp;Volunteer at an organisation that does the kind of work you&rsquo;re interested in and you might also connect with professional organisations and individuals who could prove to be helpful to you in your longer term office career.</li>
<li>Counteract the effects of stress, anger, and anxiety.&nbsp;Helping and working with people can have a profound effect on your overall psychological well-being. Being sociable and making meaningful connections with other people is a great stress reliever. Working with animals has also been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. See our recent mental health awareness post for more <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/mental-health-awareness/">information on reducing stress, and anxiety</a>.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Build up a social circle and support system.&nbsp;Volunteering opportunities will help to keep you in regular contact with others who enjoy and feel passionate about the same things that you do. Surround yourself with proactive and enthusiastic people and you will create a solid support system that pushes you to do your best and embrace opportunities.</li>
<li>Volunteering makes you happy.&nbsp;Human beings are hard-wired to give to others, knowing that you are helping others releases a shot of hormones and stimulates brain activity that makes us feel good. The more we give, the happier we feel.</li>
<li>Increase your self-confidence. Doing good for others and the community will provide a natural sense of accomplishment, pride and identity. The better you feel about yourself, the more likely you are to have a positive view of your life and strive for those future career goals.&nbsp; &nbsp;</li>
<li>Volunteering provides a sense of purpose.&nbsp;It&rsquo;s not all just about building a long-term career, those who have retired but want to return to work in a small capacity can find meaning, direction and purpose by helping others. Whatever your age or life situation, volunteering can help to get you out of the house, take your mind off your own worries, keep you mentally stimulated, and add more get up and go to your life.</li>
<li>Volunteering helps you stay physically healthy.&nbsp;If you are out of work, you could find yourself staying at home quite a bit. Once you are in a routine of staying home with no real purpose to get out and about it can be hard to find the enthusiasm and drive to stay fit, healthy and active. Volunteering opportunities help you to stay physically and mentally active, you would be surprised just how much you walk and move around when you are happily fulfilling meaningful tasks at your voluntary placement.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
<h2>Volunteer your time and skills to those who need it</h2>
<p>Anyone can volunteer their talents, skills and experience to a worthwhile cause. If you have the time, there will be a volunteering opportunity somewhere that is perfect for you.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Within a few weeks of lockdown as the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) rapidly swept across the country, over a million people volunteered their help to the NHS, community support groups and charitable organisations.&nbsp;</p>
<p>On average in a 'normal' month of March, approximately 100 new applicants would sign up to voluntary placements but during the pandemic, volunteer centres have been reporting volunteer offers from the general public in their thousands.&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://volunteering.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/nhs-volunteer-responders">The NHS volunteer scheme</a>&nbsp;saw three times the expected numbers with over 750,000 people registering to help via the phone app and across the country volunteer centres have registered over 250,000 extra people.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The recruitment of volunteers in these numbers has not been seen in the UK since the second world war, when more than 1 million registered with the Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) to help with the evacuation of children from UK cities during the Blitz.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Don't be disheartened or put off by the high numbers of people who have volunteered throughout the recent lockdown, volunteers will always be needed and welcomed. Many local charities will be keen to attract new volunteers both now and, in the future, &ndash; especially as older people continue to isolate at home and as many of those who pledged voluntary time during lockdown find themselves returning to their normal jobs.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Unsure what skills you have that will be useful to a voluntary placement?&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p>The most important things you can offer a voluntary placement are:</p>
<ul>
<li>Your time</li>
<li>Your enthusiasm</li>
<li>Your desire to help</li>
</ul>
<p>In addition to these things you will have gained some valuable transferable skills from your previous work placements, all of which will come in useful in a volunteering role:</p>
<ul>
<li>Listening</li>
<li>Learning</li>
<li>Reading</li>
<li>Writing</li>
<li>Researching</li>
<li>Administrative</li>
<li>Team working</li>
<li>Brainstorming</li>
<li>Creativity</li>
<li>Multi-tasking</li>
<li>Problem-solving</li>
<li>Typing</li>
<li>Communication</li>
<li>Telephony skills</li>
<li>Reporting</li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What volunteering opportunities are available?</span></h3>
<p><strong><a href="https://volunteering.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/nhs-volunteer-responders">NHS Volunteer Responders</a>.&nbsp;</strong>The health service in England has put out a call for volunteer responders to help medical staff with tasks such as delivering medicines from pharmacies; driving patients to appointments; bringing them home from hospital; and making regular phone calls to check on people isolating at home.</p>
<p>At the time of writing (June 2020) the NHS Voluntary Responders registration program is on hold as they process over 750,000 applications and work with NHS England to establish their volunteer army. If you are hoping to register to volunteer as an NHS voluntary responder you can watch out for the registration lines reopening by <a href="https://volunteering.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/nhs-volunteer-responders">checking for updates on their website</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In the meantime, consider registering on one of the following national volunteering sites who always have organisations and charities with open volunteering opportunities:</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://reachvolunteering.org.uk/">Reach Volunteering</a></strong> is a great organisation for those who hope to offer their office work skills to a voluntary placement. Reach Volunteering matches people with specialist professional skills to charities who need their help.</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.trusselltrust.org/get-involved/volunteer/">The Trussell Trust</a></strong> food bank network have set up their own online schemes to match volunteers with food banks in their area.</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer">British Red Cross</a></strong>&nbsp;Register with the British Red Cross for general volunteer roles with charities and community groups, you could even register as a <a href="https://reserves.redcross.org.uk">Red Cross Reserve</a>&nbsp;to be called upon in times of crisis.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.ncvo.org.uk/ncvo-volunteering/find-a-volunteer-centre">NCVO</a></strong> Volunteer Centres are local organisations that provide support to volunteers and the organisations that involve them. If you want to find an opportunity in your local area, this could be the ideal place to start. NCVO have a great Volunteering Centre finder on their site.</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk/what-we-do/projects/">Volunteering Matters</a></strong> develop and deliver high impact volunteer-led solutions across the UK, they engage more than 23,000 volunteers and 115,000 beneficiaries every year through more than 100 active programmes across the UK.</p>
<p>If you are trying to think out of the box and reach out to smaller local organisations directly to offer your assistance, then consider some of these places who may just be hoping for an extra pair of hands:</p>
<ul>
<li>Community theatres, museums, and monuments</li>
<li>Libraries or senior centres</li>
<li>Service organisations such as Lions Clubs or Rotary Clubs</li>
<li>Local animal shelters, rescue organisations, or wildlife centres</li>
<li>Youth organisations, sports teams, and after-school programs</li>
<li>Historical restorations, national parks, and conservation organisations</li>
</ul>
<p>Wherever you choose to volunteer and no matter how much time you have available to offer, maximise the opportunity, enjoy the process and make plenty of friends and acquaintances along the way.&nbsp;</p>

Transferable skills upskilling through volunteering

<p>When driving, we all get a little road rage at times. We shout at the road, throw our hands up in the air, carry out a monologue of expletives that would make a sailor proud.... this is ok if you are just driving around recreationally, because it may only be once a week that this will happen, and it is soon forgotten as the traffic moves on but when you are driving professionally the opportunity for perpetual road rage is far greater.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Who wants to go to work and be in a continual state of truck driver road rage? As an HGV Driver your ability to navigate the roads while predicting pedestrians as well as other vehicles and their drivers&rsquo; intentions makes you a cut above the rest when it comes to driving skill. You are the elite driving force behind the UK&rsquo;s logistics and haulage industry and with that comes no small requirement to be on your best game at all times, this can be exhausting especially when some days, everyone around you appears to have lost the ability to drive correctly.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you are already having a bad day, feeling a little stressed about making your deliveries in time, battling through endless traffic in peak hours, fighting against the notorious UK weather and navigating road closures, then someone decides to cut you up on a roundabout, pull into the safe space in front of you on a motorway or travel alongside you in your blind spot it is enough to tip you over the edge and truck driver road rage can take hold.&nbsp;</p>
<p>When other drivers are the causing the issue it makes it difficult to know how anything you could do would change the inevitable, but it&rsquo;s not about changing other drivers behaviours, it is about changing how you respond and react to those other drivers that is the key. By making active decisions about your approach, your mindset and your own reactions you can start to enjoy a calmer, less frantic and overall, less frustrating day of driving.&nbsp;</p>
<p>As one of the UK&rsquo;s leading recruitment specialists for drivers across the U.K we hear about dangerous driving, road rage and the most frustrating things other drivers do on the road all of the time and so we took the opportunity to ask some of our drivers what advice they can give for other truck drivers when faced with the 7 most common and stressful driving situations:&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">1. Traffic at a standstill</span></h3>
<p>As a driver you are always looking ahead along the traffic predicting the road and drivers around you so unless the traffic is out of sight you should always be able to see the queue of traffic forming ahead of you. Slow your pace on the approach, settle into your seat, put on the radio, listen to a podcast or an audiobook and allow the time to pass. Frustration is not going to get the traffic moving any faster so you may as well just relax, take the opportunity to look out of the window and appreciate some of the amazing scenery this country has to offer.</p>
<p>Highly rated podcasts for truck drivers:</p>
<ul>
<li>Truck &amp; Driver has released their own podcast <a href="https://www.truckanddriver.co.uk/latest-stories/truck-and-driver-news/truck-driver-has-recorded-a-podcast-introducing-talk-driver/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">"Talk &amp; Driver"</a>.</li>
<li><a href="https://player.fm/series/what-the-truck" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">What the Truck</a>, an award winning podcast about all things freight.</li>
<li><a href="https://player.fm/series/trucker-dump-a-trucking-podcast" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Trucker Dump</a>, a humorous take on truck driving antics.</li>
</ul>
<p>Audiobooks for those who want to lose themselves in a whole new world while still paying attention to the road:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.audiobooks.co.uk/audiobook/long-haul-a-truckers-tales-of-life-on-road/316476" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Long Haul</a>, a truckers tales of life on the road by Finn Murphy.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/series/A-Song-of-Ice-and-Fire-Audiobooks/B00HS4V51Y" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Game of Thrones - George RR Martin</a>.&nbsp;If you have a few hundred hours spare then this series is made for you.&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/ep/title?asin=B008K1Z9S4&amp;source_code=M2M30DFT1BkSH101514006S&amp;ds_rl=1241367&amp;ipRedirectOverride=true" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Stand - Stephen King</a>.&nbsp;A great place to start if you are new to audio books, a great story, long enough to last a good few shifts at 47 hours and full of twists and turns.</li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">2. Being cut up</span></h3>
<p>Other people are always going to behave in ways that are less than ideal, especially when it comes to driving but you can get a feel for who is most likely to cut you up. If you have been observant while driving, you will be aware of the car that is travelling too fast on the offside desperate to get ahead of you before the junction. You will have seen the driver who is unaware of the stopping distance capabilities of a truck because they will have already jumped into the space in front of one of your fellow truck drivers a mile back on the road. It is not possible to change drivers like this, at some point it is likely that they will have a close encounter with a very large HGV that has found its way into the boot of their car, in the meantime, all we can do is predict them, allow enough safety margin for them and remain vigilant enough to avoid them.&nbsp;<br><br>Remember if you had time to shout, swear, beep your horn and wave your hands around, you certainly had time to brake and avoid a collision.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">3. Lane hogging</span></h3>
<p>Rule 264 of the Highway Code states:</p>
<p><em>&ldquo;You should always drive in the left-hand lane when the road ahead is clear. If you are overtaking a number of slow-moving vehicles, you should return to the left-hand lane as soon as you are safely past.&rdquo;</em></p>
<p>Lane hogging refers to those who remain in the middle or outer lane even when the left-hand lanes are clear and there is no reason to do so.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you think about it, pedestrians do this, have you been in the town centre on a Saturday and noticed groups that will walk 4 people across, other people try to manoeuvre around them, trying to slip through a small space down the inside, they slam on the brackets and awkwardly shuffle behind a little too close for comfort waiting for an opportunity to slip by and get on with their day. So, if people do this while walking when they are in full control of their limbs with plenty of time to notice the forming queue of frustrated pedestrian traffic behind them, the chances of them being any more observant while driving is extremely slim.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Now if we bring road rage into the same scenario, can you imagine pedestrians everywhere making beeping noises, shouting expletives and resorting to manic arm and hand gestures outside Primark? Sounds ridiculous right.... so why do we do it in a vehicle?</p>
<p>Riding the bumper of the lane hogging car ahead, trying to persuade them into moving over by flashing lights and beeping horns only serves to panic the careless driver making the potential for a dangerous mistake all the more likely. The only way to solve this is to slow your pace, give them lots of room and wait for the opportunity to pass the vehicle safely.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/driving-advice/middle-lane-hogging/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The RAC released a post on this topic</a> detailing the law regarding lane hogging and some advice on what to do if you find yourself on a road with a lane hogging driver.</p>
<p>An important takeaway on lane hogging- don't allow yourself to become frustrated. Rely on your own elite driving skills to overcome the situation, keep your distance, be patient and you will soon be on your way.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">4. No indication from other drivers</span></h3>
<div>As an experienced driver you can sometimes predict what people are planning to do by their road positioning regardless of their indicator use (or lack thereof) but if there is not clear give away then the best approach is always to hang back and give other road users plenty of space. If in doubt, always assume that they will do something unexpected and you will very rarely be caught out.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>There is a thread in the <a href="https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&amp;f=154&amp;t=1854489" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Piston heads forum</a> on the topic of predicting the behaviour of other road users, a fun post in particular on this thread is from Jchesh on 14<sup>th</sup> February listing some of their observations, how many of these have you noticed too?</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><a href="https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&amp;f=154&amp;t=1841875" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">On the same forum</a> another discussion took place regarding the overtaking of another vehicle and if the use of indicators could have added to or alleviated this particular dangerous situation. It would seem that there is still quite a bit of confusion over the correct use of indicators in given situations so always go with caution and expect the unexpected.</div>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">5. Dangerous driving</span></h3>
<p>Carelessness, recklessness and purposeful risk taking, there are a few drivers out there that believe this is the correct way to operate a vehicle. Despite the stereotypical assumption of young, new drivers being the worst culprits, studies show that there no hard and fast rule for being the most reckless of drivers. Young or old, successful and busy or free and easy, in a rush or just out for fun; dangerous driving regardless of who or why is a major concern for road users everywhere. An old but still good <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/head-quarters/2013/aug/19/driving-road-neuroscience-psychology" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">post from The Guardian</a> about the neuroscience and psychology behind dangerous driving is a fascinating read.&nbsp;</p>
<p>All you can do as a professional driver is trust your experience, remain calm and expect the unexpected. Your job is to drive your vehicle to the best of your ability, keeping your own and other road user&rsquo;s safety in mind at all times. Your job is not to stop someone from driving dangerously, or to impede their progress so just move out of the way, let them pass and carry on with your day as though they never existed.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.safedrivingforlife.info/safe-and-responsible-driving" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Safe Driving for Life site</a> has a heap of information about what to do in situations involving dangerous, reckless and inexperienced drivers.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">6. Hazardous weather conditions</span></h3>
<p>Rain, wind, sleet, snow, ice they are all a driver&rsquo;s worst nightmare whether you are driving for business or pleasure but as a professional driver you can&rsquo;t just choose not to travel.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Making sure everyone gets home safely at the end of the day is the ultimate goal so take it easy and concentrate on your road safety over your destination and time constrictions.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Your vehicle is capable of doing slower speeds, not everything needs to be done at breakneck speed so just ease off the gas a little and slowly but surely you will reach your destination.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">7. Closure of roads critical to your preferred route</span></h3>
<p>Finding your route is closed or that the traffic is at a standstill when it is too late to detour is not ideal, so by looking ahead, planning your route and having an alternative route in place as a backup you can avoid the worst scenario of being stuck on a motorway in tail backs with no way off. Travel reports on the radio are a good option but also using sites such as these can help you to work out how your route is affected by closures in advance:&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.theaa.com/route-planner/traffic-news" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AA</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.rac.co.uk/route-planner/traffic-news/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">RAC</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.trafficengland.com/traffic-alerts" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Traffic England</a></li>
</ul>
<p>Driving communities and forums are a great source of information for everything truck driving related as other drivers will often post live information about industry changes, closures, accidents or delays and raise questions or topics that you can contribute to.</p>
<h2>Top 10 tips for staying calm while driving</h2>
<ol>
<li>Be vigilant to your surroundings.</li>
<li>Anticipate other drivers&rsquo; behaviours &amp; expect the unexpected.</li>
<li>Allow people plenty of space.</li>
<li>Accept that the problem is often with them not you.</li>
<li>Focus on maintaining your own excellent driving standards.</li>
<li>Take deep breaths.</li>
<li>Eat good, wholesome foods to keep your energy up and tiredness at bay.</li>
<li>Practice mindful positivity.</li>
<li>Listen to music, podcasts or audiobooks to occupy your mind.</li>
<li>Get on with your journey and arrive safely at your destination.</li>
</ol>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Road Rage

<p class="Paragraph SCXW212895013 BCX3" style="margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span class="TextRun Highlight SCXW212895013 BCX3" style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222;" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW212895013 BCX3" style="background-color: inherit;">H</span></span>ow many times a week do you think you hear the C word?&nbsp;</p>
<p>This has to be the word I hate to hear most, it is crude and shows a complete lack of imagination, is there no better word that you can use than Can't?</p>
<p>Wait, what word did you think I meant? Ah ha no not that one, get your mind out of the gutter, this is a family show.</p>
<p>In all seriousness, when I hear someone say "I can't" I feel so exasperated it borders on the irrational. It makes me want to launch into the theatrics of a southern debutant belle shouting &ldquo;Oh no honey pie we don't use that word, wash your mouth out&rdquo;.</p>
<p>Saying &ldquo;Can&rsquo;t&rdquo; is like summoning an evil being, just uttering the word creates a self-fulfilling prophecy. Once you have said it, the dark magic begins to seep into your soul, it&rsquo;s a sepia smoke that creeps in and banishes all remnant of hope for what might be possible.</p>
<p>Richard Bach (American Author) summed this up beautifully in his book Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah;</p>
<blockquote>Argue for your limitations and sure enough, they are yours.</blockquote>
<p>&nbsp;We are so quick to say &ldquo;I can&rsquo;t&rdquo; and follow it up with a justification. We say it with such conviction, a finality that leaves no room for manoeuvre and by doing so, we make it true. It&rsquo;s just human nature to strive to prove ourselves right.</p>
<p>If we put as much effort into figuring out how we can do things, as we do for why we can&rsquo;t, just imagine what could be achieved.</p>
<p>Let&rsquo;s play with an example</p>
<p>&nbsp;&ldquo;I can&rsquo;t be a Chef because I can&rsquo;t cook&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>
<p>As my grandma would have said &ldquo;well, not with an attitude like that!&rdquo;</p>
<p>First of all, let&rsquo;s remove Can&rsquo;t from our vocabulary. We are going to throw it out and replace it with more words like &ldquo;How can&rdquo; and &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t&rdquo; then watch how the sentence takes on a whole new meaning;&nbsp;</p>
<p>&ldquo;How can I become a Chef, if I don&rsquo;t cook&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Boom, look at that.&nbsp;</p>
<p>What started as a negative, limiting outlook has now become a problem-solving exercise. Now our brain can switch over to seek mode and begin offering possibilities and scenarios in search of a solution.&nbsp;</p>
<p>You will start to see opportunity at every turn, you will feel inspired, then before you know it you will have pushed yourself into situations and circumstances that can offer you the best chance of success.</p>
<p>In short, once we are open to becoming able, we seek to find ways to make it so. If Richard Bach is right and we can argue for limitations then make them ours, it must also be true that we can also argue for possibilities and make them our own.</p>
<p>I challenge you to switch &ldquo;Can&rsquo;t&rdquo; for &ldquo;How can&rdquo; at every opportunity and see what a difference it makes to your life and your career.&nbsp;</p>

Overuse of the C word

<p>This week was another journalistic type of week for me, I had the opportunity to sit down and have a chat with the lovely Rona, a Blue Arrow team member who is currently working in Royal Mail.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Armed with my questions, my fav pencil with the novelty topper and my cup of tea I set out on a mission to find out what it is really like to work not just with Blue Arrow but also for what might just be one of the busiest brands in the run-up to Christmas &ndash; Royal Mail.</p>
<h5><strong>Rona, thank you so much for taking the time to chat with me. Let&rsquo;s jump right in with: When did you start working for Royal Mail and how did it all come about?&nbsp;</strong></h5>
<p>It would have been around March this year that I started. I was actually working for the rail service through Blue Arrow at the time, I had been there for about six years, but I had always said that I would consider other positions if they came up. The branch contacted me one day and said that this position had suddenly come up that I would be perfect for it. I just had to fill in the info sheet, then they did a disclosure check and I was all set to start.</p>
<h5><strong>This would be the position as a Postwoman, right?</strong></h5>
<p>Well my title is Postie, but no I am not actually a postie.</p>
<h5><strong>Okay hold on, you are going to need to explain what a postie, who isn&rsquo;t really a postie, actually is&hellip; other than confused of course.</strong></h5>
<p>[Laughing] It does sound so confusing, but it is because I took over someone else&rsquo;s old job, and their title was Postie. But when it came to me actually starting the job I was assigned to the collection office because I have some computer and office experience.</p>
<h5><strong>Did it bother you that you ended up in a completely different position than you thought?</strong></h5>
<p>Not at all, I actually prefer to be in the collection office. The other Postie&rsquo;s go out to do their rounds and anything that cannot be delivered comes back to me. People get one of those cards through their door, they bring the card in to me and I can give them their parcel, I really like it.</p>
<h5><strong>Do you get nervous before you start at a new place of work?</strong></h5>
<p>I think when you are an agency worker you get used to just going in and getting stuck in. I used to be a really shy person but I&rsquo;m not anymore, now there is no stopping me.&nbsp;</p>
<h5><strong>Tell me about the people you work with, what are they like?</strong></h5>
<p>It is quite a male environment, there are more guys than girls but that doesn&rsquo;t really faze me you know, I actually quite like it, I find them more easy going, especially around new people &ndash; they are pretty loud and can be really funny too!</p>
<h5><strong>Whenever I go to my local delivery office there is always a huge pile of parcels on the shelves, is there a method to what appears to be chaos?</strong></h5>
<p>Yes, there is a sort of system. The days are usually the same, I go into work and process the coffins. I scan the parcels and put them on the shelf. Then I hand over the parcels to the customers who come to collect, then re-organise the shelves and the new parcels that come in. It is an endless cycle, especially at Christmas.</p>
<h5><strong>Hold on, let me just double check, did you say, you process the coffins? Who sends a coffin through the post and why especially at Christmas?&nbsp;</strong></h5>
<p>No, [laughs] the coffins are just a weird name for the storage containers, I have no idea why they are called that, the cages are called Yorks too which makes no sense either. There seems to be a few weird names for things, but no, coffins don&rsquo;t usually come through the post, not even at Christmas.</p>
<h5><strong>Phew! So, after you have dealt with your coffins and sorted the parcels does it bug you if someone comes in to collect a parcel after you just organised them?</strong></h5>
<p>Not anymore, it happens all of the time so it&rsquo;s just like playing a huge never-ending game of Jenga.&nbsp;</p>
<h5><strong>Or Tetris&hellip;?</strong></h5>
<p>Oh yes! Definitely Tetris.</p>
<h5><strong>Do you ever pick-up a parcel and wonder what might be inside or who it might be going to?&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></h5>
<p>All of the time! Playing guess that parcel is fun, especially with those that are an odd shape. The thing is, you never actually get to know if you guessed right or not.</p>
<h5><strong>Do you get any perks from Royal Mail? Free postage? Endless envelopes perhaps?</strong></h5>
<p>Not from Royal Mail I don&rsquo;t, because I am agency staff I don&rsquo;t get the pension scheme or anything from them, but I do get access to things through Blue Arrow and I get paid more per hour than the employed staff so for me that is a much better perk &ndash; it&rsquo;s the one that counts at the end of each week anyway.&nbsp;</p>
<h5><strong>Aside for the enhanced pay, what do you like most about working for Royal Mail?&nbsp;</strong></h5>
<p>Well the interaction with the other staff is great, we are always having a laugh which makes the day go faster. I like meeting the customers too, seeing who is picking up the parcel I was trying to guess the contents of.&nbsp;</p>
<h5><strong>Every job has its downside, right? What don&rsquo;t you like about your job?</strong></h5>
<p>We are really under-staffed right now, I know that there are loads of temp positions available and we really need people to fill them especially now! It can put quite a strain on the staff if there are not enough hands to spread the work out. Now is the ideal time for people who want a good job that pays well.</p>
<h5><strong>So, what&rsquo;s next for you? Are there any other jobs in Royal Mail that you have your sights set on?</strong></h5>
<p>Well, they just took me on as a permanent member of staff which is great, but there is this one job that is screening the parcels before they go on to aeroplanes, I would love to do that! I think it would be pretty scary being the one to decide if a parcel is safe to fly but I would love to give it a go!&nbsp;</p>
<h5><strong>So, that sounds like the scariest job ever, I would be that person who gets distracted and forgets to check the one parcel that really should have been checked!&nbsp;</strong></h5>
<p>Laughs] That would probably be something I would do too, but you would probably only forget the once before you learned your lesson!</p>
<h5><strong>You might be right there!&nbsp; Rona, I think that may just be the perfect place to end.&nbsp; Did you want to say any last words for the readers of my blog?&nbsp;</strong></h5>
<p>Well, if you are considering a job with Royal Mail, then go for it, it can be interesting, and it is pretty fun. If you are unsure what you want to do then join Blue Arrow, I have been placed in so many different roles that I probably wouldn&rsquo;t have experienced without them.</p>
<p><strong>Rona, thanks you so much for joining me today.&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>So, dear reader, there it is, a behind the scenes glance into working at Royal Mail through Blue Arrow, from guess the parcel, to coffins, and from Tetris to flying parcels it is clear that Rona really does love her job and that a place of work really is what you make it.</p>
<p>If Rona&rsquo;s story has inspired you to join <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/find-a-job/career-advice">Blue Arrow</a> why not read my <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/how-to-get-a-job-through-blue-arrow">&lsquo;How to register post</a>&rsquo; to get all of the insider information.</p>
<p>If you want to jump straight in and apply for a job with Royal Mail you can <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/featured-employers/royal-mail#RMG">click this link</a> to find yourself whisked off to the right place on the site to help make that happen.</p>
<p>If you want to find out more about Royal Mail <a href="http://https//www.bluearrow.co.uk/featured-employers/royal-mail">click here.</a></p>

Coffins Tetris and Flying Parcels

<p><strong>Once upon a time, fear led me to not only derail my whole career but also spend a year in prison. Here is what I learned.</strong></p>
<p>Fear is a really handy survival mechanism that kicks in when your brain senses danger. This helps us to get our butt into gear and get out of the situation pretty quickly, the problem is, fear often doesn&rsquo;t know when to stop.</p>
<p>Fear can hang around long after the real danger has passed, lingering at the edges of your consciousness, polluting even the most everyday tasks. It is this lingering fear that has the potential to paralyse you but equally it can be the making of you, as it presents creative and interesting ways to survive and develop.</p>
<p>Many moons ago, a traumatic incident left me with a whole heap of people-related, lingering fear. Over time, this fear made me jumpy, nervous, paranoid, short-tempered and downright bone-tired. It had started to affect my job and I was at risk of turning away from my hopes and dreams, battening down the hatches and admitting defeat.</p>
<p>I was tired of living in fear, in order to salvage my career something had to be done, and fast.</p>
<p>I knew that for me to overcome my fears, I would have to do something so big that it would carve a human-sized hole right through the centre of it, a hole that I could walk right on through never looking back.</p>
<p>For this to work I needed to face a very real danger and it had to involve lots and lots of people.</p>
<p>I began wracking my brain trying to think up scenarios that would fit the bill, until one day I picked up the local paper and the answer was staring me in the face. &ldquo;Prison Officers Wanted &ndash; Apply Today&rdquo;. I didn&rsquo;t even hesitate; it was the perfect combination of danger and people to make me face my fears.</p>
<p>Throwing caution to the wind I put my career plans on hold, stepped away from my job and enrolled as a trainee prison officer knowing that it would be a temporary side step, just for a year, a minor detour from my career path if you will.</p>
<p>I went through the weeks of training, throwing myself into every self-defence and hand-to-hand combat class I could. I would make copious notes on how to diffuse situations, manage my own fight or flight responses and how to predict human behaviour. Before I knew it, I had graduated from training and was proudly walking the landings of an all-male category B prison.&nbsp;</p>
<p>What started out as a tool to help me overcome my fears had become the most interesting and exhilarating year of my life. I learned so much about myself and how body language can insight and diffuse. I learned the importance of team work and about what drives people to act the way they do, I gained valuable insight into lives that are so different from my own. Most importantly, I learned how to understand, control, and embrace my own fear making me a better officer, colleague, parent and friend.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The thing is, what started as a year out and a way to salvage my career actually became the making of it. What I learned at the prison feeds what I do every day. Today, I can write with feeling, with humility, empathy and understanding. I can walk into a room with confidence and know that I am in complete control of the fear that once paralysed me.</p>
<p>Fear is created for many different reasons and displays in many different ways but the one thing that is consistent for everyone is the power it can have over you. It doesn&rsquo;t have to be a severe crippling fear, even an insecurity or anxiety can have an effect on how you carry yourself, how you work through day-to-day tasks and how you are perceived by the people around you.</p>
<p>Don&rsquo;t let fear, insecurity or anxiety derail your career, if it means taking a step off your path for a while then so be it. Finding a temporary job that challenges you and helps you to gain some perspective like I did could just be the making of you</p>
<p>However you do it, find a way to seize control. Throw your shoulders back and stand up tall, defy fear and challenge it to face you in all of your powerful glory. You will find that you have in fact been in control the whole time and fear be damned if it thinks you are a pushover.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

Don't let fear derail your career

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<h2>Personal Profile</h2>
<p>In the personal profile, you should professionally introduce yourself, in three or four sentences, with relation to the job you&rsquo;re applying to.</p>
<p>Try to include: your current work situation, what type of work you are searching for (such as part-time, flexible hours, or full-time employment starting immediately) some key skills and/or traits that will show the potential employer that you are a good candidate for the advertised job.</p>
<p>If you have you're a qualified FLT driver with experience of working in various environments, ( e.g. warehouse, factories, sotrage yards) mention this here. If you don&rsquo;t&nbsp; yet have your forklift truck driving licence, that&rsquo;s okay. Just write that you are looking for your first role that will provide you with the training. You could highlight that you have a car driving licence in this section too.</p>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<p><em>I am a hard-working and professional qualified reach FLT driver, with three years of experience in this role. I am looking for a full-time job that will continue to improve skills. I am self-motivated but also enjoy working with others in a team.</em></p>
<h2>Work History</h2>
<p>The work history section is to show the potential employer what jobs or work experience you&rsquo;ve done. Try to include your work history for the last five years. If you haven&rsquo;t been working for that long, that is okay. It will be explained by the education history. If you have recently moved to the country, it&rsquo;s okay to include employment in other countries.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This is your&nbsp; first chance for you to highlight the skills and experience each one has given you, and this is turn should show why you are a good fit for the job you&rsquo;re applying for. You don&rsquo;t need to list all your duties or accomplishments, just pick the best parts and the ones that are relevant to the role you're applying for. You can always write down and save your examples or other relevant skills for the interview.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Job title, name of employer, location, month and year started &ndash; present (or month and year that you left)</strong>
<ul>
<li>Briefly list the duties you had, and skills you learned while working here. Choose skills or qualities that the employer has listed in their job description.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<ul>
<li><strong><em>Reach FLT driver, Adelie Foods, London, March 2017 &ndash; present</em></strong>
<ul>
<li><em>Responsible for assisting with loading/unloading food goods from lorries and vans, and safely moving and stacking tall loads into the correct sections and aisles</em></li>
<li><em>I have learned how warehouses are organised, the importance of working together to meet targets and cope in the busiest times, as well as how to maintain and look after my forklift truck</em></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>What jobs should you include?</h3>
<ul>
<li>If you&rsquo;re applying for your first role as a FLT Driver, it&rsquo;s still important to include your work history. Use it to highlight relevant skills that the employer is looking for, such as organisation, team work and good communication.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Include details of any jobs that have involved driving, even if it&rsquo;s the organisation&rsquo;s car &ndash; this still shows you are responsible and a driver than a potential employer can trust.&nbsp;</li>
<li>There is more advice on work and education history in our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/cv-templates/cv-writing-tips">top tips online article</a>.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Education History</h2>
<p>In education history, this is a chance to show any relevant training you have completed, what skills you have learned from your courses, as well as general education subjects you&rsquo;ve done. As you get more work experience, this section will become shorter, as your work history becomes more relevant and more recent.</p>
<p>You cannot legally operate a reach FLT without a licence.&nbsp; So before handing in your CV make sure you have the correct licence for the job you're applying for. Licences are not transferable so you will have needed to go through training for each type of forklift.&nbsp;</p>
<p>To find out more about getting your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/find-a-job/career-advice/how-to-become-a-counterbalance-forklift-truck-driver" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">counterbalance</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/find-a-job/career-advice/how-to-become-a-reach-forklift-truck-driver" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">reach forklift truck</a>&nbsp;drivers licence, click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/find-a-job/career-advice#TandLGuides" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here.</a></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Name of course or qualification, name of training centre or education centre, dates you were in attendance or you completed the course</strong>
<ul>
<li>Explain briefly the training certificate relevant to the job you are applying to. What did you learn that is relevant to the job?</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<ul>
<li><strong><em>First Aid, Yorkshire Driver Training, October 2016</em></strong>
<ul>
<li><em>Completed a one-day course in emergency first aid at work, level 2</em></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>If you have completed courses or gained certificates relating to work, include that information here, as well as details of your car driving licence</p>
<h2>Skills</h2>
<p>Here is your chance to highlight the best skills you have in relation to the job you&rsquo;re applying for. Hint: these will be the skills listed in the job advert, but only highlight the skills you have. Misleading information on your CV is likely to trip you up in an interview and is unprofessional; you don&rsquo;t have to show you have every last skill listed in the job advert to be successful.</p>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<ul>
<li><strong><em>Driving and concentration &ndash;</em></strong><em>&nbsp;&lsquo;From taking on longer routes I have improved my practical van driving skills and ability to stay focused on the road for long periods of time. I always take the most direct and safest route, and am confident in any road situation.&rsquo;</em></li>
<li><em><strong>Communication and team skills &ndash;</strong>&nbsp;&lsquo;From liaising with customers about deliveries, and my manager, I have improved my listening and communication skills. I can now easily discuss problems with colleagues and customers, and work as a team towards finding a solution.&rsquo;</em></li>
</ul>
<h2>References</h2>
<p><strong>First and last name</strong><br>Job title and relation to you in the work place (if it isn&rsquo;t obvious from the job title), name of work place, work contact number (or main company phone number which they can be reached through) and work email address</p>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<p><strong>Sam Crowe</strong><br>Supervisor, Adelie Foods, London<br>0000 0000 00<br>alexsmith@email.com</p>
<h3>Who should you include as a reference?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Your first reference should ideally be from your current or most recent manager or supervisor. The second reference can be from a current colleague, or line manager or supervisor from a previous job. It&rsquo;s best practice to ask someone if they will be a reference for you before they are contacted. Be aware that not all employers actually contact references, but it&rsquo;s important to have them available if needed.</li>
<li>It&rsquo;s important to remember that while you are in your current job, consider that you may not want your reference (eg. your current head chef/boss) to be contacted until you have had an interview for a new possible job, or are actually offered it. This is because, for instance, if you weren&rsquo;t offered the new job, and end up staying in your current job then you might not want your manager having been contacted as a reference. It can cause tension or awkward conversations about why you were trying to leave. A good way to get around this is to simply write &lsquo;References available on request&rsquo;. This shows the new employer that they can ask you for them as needed, but also means you can ask them to only contact them if you are offered the job, and then have time to ask the reference if it&rsquo;s okay for them to be contacted. Most potential employers will be happy to wait to do this after offering you the job.</li>
<li>If you have only had one previous job, or have been studying, it is okay to include a tutor as a reference, or someone else as a character reference (who is not related to you).</li>
</ul>
</article>

Forklift Truck Driver CV Template

<h2><span style="background: white; color: #00b0f0;">&nbsp;</span></h2>
<h2><span style="background: white; color: #00b0f0;">Video: How to create a professional CV quickly with Blue Arrow CV Templates. </span></h2>
<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aQQmzMUWEHk" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture"></iframe>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="background: white; color: #00b0f0;">Step by step instructions for creating a CV from a template. </span></h3>
<ol>
<li><span style="background: white; color: black;">Navigate to </span><span style="background: white;"><a href="http://www.bluearrow.co.uk/" target="_self">www.bluearrow.co.uk</a></span><span style="background: white; color: black;"> on your internet browser. </span></li>
<li><span style="background: white; color: black;">On our main menu you will see the &lsquo;Job Seekers&rsquo; section. Hover your mouse over this tab and select &lsquo;Career Advice&rsquo; from the drop down menu. </span></li>
<li><span style="background: white; color: black;">Select &lsquo;CV Templates&rsquo; from the pink menu on the left hand side. </span></li>
<li><span style="background: white; color: black;">Choose your preferred template from the available options and click download. </span></li>
<li><span style="background: white; color: black;">Go to your download folder and select the CV Templates file.</span></li>
<li><span style="background: white; color: black;">Open the word document and complete your personal information. </span>
<ol style="list-style-type: lower-alpha;">
<li><span style="background: white; color: black;">Don&rsquo;t forget to tailor your CV to be specific to the job.</span></li>
<li><span style="background: white; color: black;">Elaborate on your work experience &ndash; what did you do, what did you learn, what did you struggle with. </span></li>
<li><span style="background: white; color: black;">Always explain any employment gaps.</span></li>
<li><span style="background: white; color: black;">Create a unique personal statement.</span></li>
<li><span style="background: white; color: black;">Use keywords.</span></li>
<li><span style="background: white; color: black;">Check your contact details are correct. </span></li>
</ol>
</li>
<li><span style="background: white; color: black;">Save your customised CV as a PDF by selecting export from the document menu and clicking &lsquo;Create PDF&rsquo;.</span></li>
<li><span style="background: white; color: black;">Choose a location on your computer filing directory to save the file to. Tip: Choose somewhere easy to find again such as Desktop or My Documents.</span></li>
</ol>
<h3><span style="background: white; color: #00b0f0;">Using your CV to apply for a job online</span></h3>
<ol>
<li><span style="background: white; color: black;">Navigate once again to </span><span style="background: white;"><a href="http://www.bluearrow.co.uk/" target="_self">www.bluearrow.co.uk</a></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">This time click on the &lsquo;Job Seekers&rsquo; tab on the main menu.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Read through the list or use the search function to find the perfect job for you.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">When you have found the role you are interested in, select &lsquo;View Details&rdquo;.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">After you have read the full job description and confirmed that you fulfill the necessary role requirements you can click &lsquo;Apply&rsquo;.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Complete your personal details within the fields provided and select &lsquo;Browse&rsquo; or &lsquo;Choose file&rsquo; to upload your CV.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Find the PDF file of your CV from step 7 &amp; 8.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Click &lsquo;Quick Apply&rsquo;. You have successfully applied for this role, you can continue to apply for other roles if you wish. In the meantime, someone will be in touch with you soon.</span></li>
</ol>

How to use CV Templates to apply for a job?

<p>As technology continues to surge ahead and rapidly transform our working environments and career prospects, our attentions are inevitably turning to the idea that there will be an ever widening gap between the tasks that us humans will be carrying out in our work and the tasks that will no doubt be automated.</p>
<p>For many the prospect of automation and technological innovation brings uncertainty and unease, especially with regard to the number of workers who are set to be displaced by robots in the not too distant future, the social implications stemming from a potential spike in unemployment statistics and the strength of our economy as a result.</p>
<p>Our latest post &lsquo;The dark side of automation&rsquo;&nbsp;explored the potential social effects that mass lay-offs could contribute to, largely the mental health implications associated with unemployment. We called for workers to direct their attention to not simply standing by and waiting for robotic innovation to force their hand but instead to future proof their careers well in advance by way of personal development and upskilling.</p>
<p>To provide further insight and to help you to build a career that is supported and strengthened by automation we have explored the emerging job roles that may be created from our innate determination to automate and innovate the world we live in.</p>
<p>&nbsp;An insight report into the future of jobs released by the Centre for New Economy and Society in 2018<sup>[1] </sup>referred to our current era as the Fourth Industrial Revolution. What is refreshing about this report is that instead of dwelling on the prospect of national job insecurity, career unsurety and economic fluctuations, it instead takes a positive stance on the potential opportunities emerging from the age of automation for our economy, our society and for each of us as individuals.</p>
<p>Page 8 (viii) of the report discusses the expected changes to employment types;</p>
<p><em>&ldquo;Nearly 50% of companies expect that automation will lead to some reduction in their full-time workforce by 2022, based on the job profiles of their employee base today. However, 38% of businesses surveyed expect to extend their workforce to new productivity-enhancing roles, and more than a quarter expect automation to lead to the creation of new roles in their enterprise. In addition, businesses are set to expand their use of contractors doing task-specialized work&hellip;&rdquo;</em></p>
<p>The report goes on to discuss the roles that are destined for automation. Interestingly, the affected roles will not only be those relating to operations and processing i.e. Production Operative and Warehouse Operative. It is predicted that even those work tasks that have up to now remained human led such as communication, interaction, coordination, management, advice, reasoning and decision making will soon be automated.</p>
<p>Current estimations suggest 75 million jobs could be displaced by a shift in the division of work between human and machines, however the report goes on to estimate 133 million new roles may emerge.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">What are these emerging roles going to be?</span></h3>
<p>People who can fulfil roles that are significantly enhanced by technology such as;</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Data Analysts</li>
<li>Scientists</li>
<li>Software Developers</li>
<li>Financial Analysts</li>
<li>Accountants</li>
<li>Social Media Specialists</li>
</ul>
<p>are expected to be in high demand in the years to come.</p>
<p>Unsurprisingly, we will also experience an accelerating demand for a variety of specialist roles that relate to understanding and leveraging the latest technologies, including;</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>AI and Machine Learning Specialists</li>
<li>Process Automation Experts</li>
<li>Information Security Analysts</li>
<li>User Experience and Human Interaction Designers</li>
<li>Robotics Engineers</li>
</ul>
<p>Roles that place a high reliance on distinctly human skills such as;</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Customer Service Advisors</li>
<li>Sales and Marketing Professionals</li>
<li>Lawyers</li>
<li>Armed Forces and Police Officers</li>
<li>Nurses and Doctors</li>
<li>Care Workers</li>
</ul>
<p>Along with other roles that depend on empathy, compassion, human to human connection and social and religious reasoning are destined to stay.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">What skills will be important in the future?</span></h3>
<p>While it is clear that a high proportion of our workforce will inevitably need to re-skill to fulfil the emerging specialist roles, we can predict with some certainty that the importance of what it is that makes us &lsquo;human&rsquo; will become more all the more apparent and valuable.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Creativity</li>
<li>Originality</li>
<li>Initiative</li>
<li>Critical thinking</li>
<li>Persuasion</li>
<li>Negotiation</li>
<li>Attention to detail</li>
<li>Resilience</li>
<li>Flexibility</li>
<li>Emotional intelligence</li>
<li>Empathy</li>
<li>Leadership</li>
<li>Social influence</li>
</ul>
<p>These are the skills that are destined to become more important than ever to prospective employers.</p>
<p>If we fail to manage the coming automation transformation effectively and simply stand idle while technology pulls ahead, we run the risk of leaving our workforces behind the times struggling to keep up with momentum and leading to a growing divide of skills.</p>
<p>If however, we as a society are prepared ahead of time and take active measures to not only innovate but also adapt our approach to workforces, opportunity, skills and individual development we can look forward to a boom in job opportunities and an improved working life for all where jobs at any level are routed in skills, knowledge and individual prowess.</p>
<p>The rewards of this bright new era for individuals and society as a whole, could be exactly what we need to reshape the employment landscape and finally begin to make headway into broadening opportunities for workers with disabilities, reducing pay and gender inequality and eradicating workplace exploitation.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">5 ways you can prepare for an automated future.</span></h3>
<p><span style="color: #00b0f0;">1. Set your sights high.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #00b0f0;">&nbsp;</span>Explore the emerging roles mentioned above to identify an exciting new prospect. You can start working towards the skills and qualifications you may need right now. Check out the post on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/your-future-granted/">adult learning grants</a> to see if you can get help with returning to education.&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="color: #00b0f0;">2. Build on your natural skills. </span></p>
<p>Examine the important future skills listed and seek opportunities to build on these in your home or working life. Consider <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/jobs/">temporary jobs</a> or voluntary positions that could provide varied opportunities for using or developing these skills whilst building an impressive work experience record.</p>
<p><span style="color: #00b0f0;">3. Develop your workplace skills.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: black;">If you hope to remain in your current industry and work alongside robots, here are <span class="normaltextrun">3 great ways you can upskill to make sure you are&nbsp;</span></span><span style="text-decoration: none; color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none; color: black;">robot ready<span style="background: white;">.</span></span></span><span class="normaltextrun" style="color: black;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #00b0f0;">4. Moving up.</span></p>
<p>Moving up the ranks into a leadership or management position could provide some more stability than remaining in an operative role could. Check out our warehouse career path infographic&nbsp;to see where your career could take you.</p>
<p><span style="color: #00b0f0;">5. Moving on. </span></p>
<p><span class="normaltextrun" style="background: white; color: black;">If you feel that perhaps an immediate career change is in order, then check out this post providing a heap of alternative&nbsp;</span><span class="normaltextrun" style="color: black;">job ideas for warehouse workers. </span></p>
<p>References</p>
<p><a href="http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Future_of_Jobs_2018.pdf" target="_self">The Future of Jobs. Centre for New Economy and Society</a>. Released 2018 [Internet]&nbsp;</p>

The future of work

5 ways to overcome boredom at work

<article class="rich-text-article">
<p>A job as a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/how-to-become-a-commis-chef">Commis Chef&nbsp;</a>is often the first step on the kitchen career ladder. After gaining some experience, the next step up is a job as a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/how-to-become-a-chef-de-partie">Chef de Partie</a>.</p>
<p>To land your first job in the kitchen, you need a great&nbsp;CV that shows your passion for cooking and interest in food, plus any qualifications you have in cookery or food hygiene.</p>
<p>To move up the ladder your CV will need to show the skills you've learnt in the different sections of the kitchen, your willingness to listen to the senior and head chefs, and an ability to take on board their instructions and criticisms.</p>
<p>Whether you're looking to start your career in the kitchen&nbsp;or take that next step up the career ladder, our free CV template is&nbsp;tailored to ensure your CV stands out from the crowd.</p>
</article>
<article class="content-3col">
<div class="content-3col-left">
<article class="rich-text-article">
<p><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/chef-de-partie/rich-text-content/cv-template-a.png?h=280&amp;w=200&amp;hash=96E9D4C0564B0937E80447C68DAE211E" alt="CV Template"></p>
<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/kitchen-porter/rich-text-content/blue-arrow-cv-templates_a_kitchen-porter-and-assistant.docx"><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/chef-de-partie/rich-text-content/ba_download_button.png?h=50&amp;w=150&amp;hash=A14BF460D47DAD254C3B0EDB8741BA02" alt="Download"></a></article>
</div>
<div class="content-3col-middle">
<article class="rich-text-article">
<p><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/chef-de-partie/rich-text-content/cv-template-b.png?h=280&amp;w=200&amp;hash=9AD391BA4D0F0CF2DF3264366A1E4EAF" alt="CV Template"></p>
<p><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/kitchen-porter/rich-text-content/blue-arrow-cv-templates_b_kitchen-porter-and-assistant.docx"><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/chef-de-partie/rich-text-content/ba_download_button.png?h=50&amp;w=150&amp;hash=A14BF460D47DAD254C3B0EDB8741BA02" alt="Download"></a></p>
</article>
</div>
<div class="content-3col-right">
<article class="rich-text-article">
<p><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/chef-de-partie/rich-text-content/cv-template-c.png?h=280&amp;w=200&amp;hash=F815F3482CA7D29FB3C73F19BE443F4D" alt="CV Template"></p>
<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/kitchen-porter/rich-text-content/blue-arrow-cv-templates_c_kitchen-porter-and-assistant.docx"><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/chef-de-partie/rich-text-content/ba_download_button.png?h=50&amp;w=150&amp;hash=A14BF460D47DAD254C3B0EDB8741BA02" alt="Download"></a></article>
</div>
</article>
<article class="rich-text-article">
<h2>A guide to writing a Commis Chef/ Chef de Partie CV?</h2>
<p>FIRST AND SECOND NAME&nbsp;<br>Home number | Mobile number<br>Emailaddress@email.com<br>Home address, Home Street<br>Home Town<br>Postcode</p>
<h2>Personal Profile</h2>
<p>In the personal profile, you should professionally introduce yourself, in three or four sentences, with relation to the job you&rsquo;re applying to.</p>
<p>Try to include: your current work situation, what type of work you are searching for (part-time, flexible hours, or full-time employment starting immediately) some key skills and/or traits that will show the potential employer that you are a good candidate for the advertised job.</p>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<p><em>I am hard-working and reliable commis chef with two years of experience working in commercial kitchens. I am looking for a challenging full-time role that will expand my skills and knowledge of cooking. I have a positive attitude and good knife skills.</em></p>
<h2>Work History</h2>
<p>The work history section is to show the potential employer what jobs or work experience you&rsquo;ve done. It is the first chance for you to highlight the skills and experience each one has given you, and this is turn should show why you are a good fit for the job you&rsquo;re applying for. You don&rsquo;t need to include every last detail, just pick the best parts. You can always write down and save your examples or other relevant skills for the interview.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Job title, name of employer, location, month and year started &ndash; present (or month and year that you left)</strong>
<ul>
<li>Briefly list the duties you had, and skills you learned while working here. Choose skills or qualities that the employer has listed in their job description.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<ul>
<li><strong><em>Commis chef, Pizza Express, Upminster, June 2017 &ndash; present</em></strong>
<ul>
<li><em>Responsible for topping pizzas to order and working with the pizza chef to cook table orders correctly and in good time.</em></li>
<li><em>I have learned how to manage my preparation time effectively, read tickets, and the correct handling of dietary requirements and customer allergies.</em></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>What jobs should you include?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Try to include your work history for the last five years. If you haven&rsquo;t been working for that long, that is okay. It will be explained by the education history. If you have recently moved to the country, it&rsquo;s okay to include employment in other countries. There is more advice on work and education history in our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/cv-templates/cv-writing-tips">top tips online article</a>.</li>
<li>If you&rsquo;re a newly trained chef, put your education history first and include any work experience in kitchens, or other jobs you&rsquo;ve had that might be relevant, such as working as a waiter in a restaurant or a retail job.</li>
<li>If you&rsquo;re a chef de partie or looking to move up the ladder to your first CDP role, you&rsquo;ll need to include your current job role first in this section, and details of any other commis chef jobs you&rsquo;ve had. If you&rsquo;ve worked somewhere that doesn&rsquo;t have such a strict hierarchy of roles, that&rsquo;s okay. Just write down the name of the role as it was (chef or cook, for example) and explain what it involved and what you learned. If you have done any other relevant roles such as waiting tables or working as a barista you can include these too if your work history only goes back one or two years.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Education History</h2>
<p>In education history, this is a chance to show any relevant training you have done, what skills you have learned from your courses, as well as general education subjects you&rsquo;ve completed. As you get more work experience, this section will become shorter, as your work history becomes more relevant and more recent.&nbsp;</p>
<p>To be a Commis Chef, as a minimum, you will be required to have GCSEs in English and Maths and a Level 1 Food Safety Certificate.<br><br>It's possible to progress on to being a Chef de Partie from on&nbsp; the job training but generally, Chef de Parties have a NVQ Level 2 and a Level 2 Food Safety Certificate. Be sure to include other qualifications such&nbsp; Healthy and Safety, First aid and COSHH, (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) if you have them, as it will help your application.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Name of course or qualification, name of training centre or education centre, dates you were in attendance or you completed the course</strong>
<ul>
<li>Explain briefly the training certificate relevant to the job you are applying to. What did you learn that is relevant to the job?</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<ul>
<li><strong><em>Professional Cookery Level 3 NVQ Diploma, Havering College, September 2015 &ndash; May 2017</em></strong>
<ul>
<li><em>Improved my skills through practical and written assessments. We focused on cooking theory, knife skills, presentation, pastry and baking, sauces, making terrines, advanced butchery techniques and fine-dining desserts</em></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2>Skills</h2>
<p>Here is your chance to highlight the best skills you have in relation to the job you&rsquo;re applying for. Hint: these will be the skills listed in the job advert, but only highlight the skills you have. Misleading information on your CV is likely to trip you up in an interview and is unprofessional; you don&rsquo;t have to show you have every last skill listed in the job advert to be successful.</p>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<ul>
<li>Working in a team &ndash;&nbsp;<em>&lsquo;Working on group projects for my cookery diploma helped me learn to be a better team member, and how to successfully lead a team and delegate tasks to achieve a goal or run a smooth service.&rsquo;</em></li>
<li>Communication skills &ndash;&nbsp;<em>&lsquo;From working at Pizza Express I have learned to listen carefully to instructions for food preparation from my senior chef, and the importance of being able to communicate effectively with my team during service.&rsquo;</em></li>
<li>Knife skills &ndash;&nbsp;<em>&lsquo;Improved through demonstrations and in practical sessions at college and focusing on continued improvement at my job.&rsquo;</em></li>
<li>Running a section independently &ndash;&nbsp;<em>&lsquo;Since gaining more experience in my role at Pizza Express, I have been given more responsibility for my section and learned about maintaining stock levels, being ready for service and thinking about what to order for the next day.&rsquo;<br></em></li>
</ul>
<h2>References</h2>
<p><strong>First and last name</strong><br>Job title and relation to you in the work place (if it isn&rsquo;t obvious from the job title), work contact number (or main company phone number which they can be reached through) and work email address</p>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<p><strong>Jane Smith</strong><br>Sous Chef<br>0000 0000 00<br>janesmith@email.com</p>
<h4>Who should you include as a reference?</h4>
<ul>
<li>References should ideally be from your most recent line manager or supervisor. The second reference can be from a current colleague, or line manager or supervisor from a previous job. It&rsquo;s best practice to ask someone if they will be a reference for you before they are contacted. Be aware that not all employers actually contact references, but it&rsquo;s important to have them available if needed.</li>
<li>&nbsp;However while you are in your current job, it is also important to consider that you may not want your references to be contacted until you have had an interview for a new possible job, or are actually offered it. If, for instance, you weren&rsquo;t offered the new job, so you end up staying in your current job then you might not want your manager having been contacted as a reference. It can cause tension or awkward conversations about why you were trying to leave. One way to get around this is to just write &lsquo;References available on request&rsquo;. This shows the new employer that they can ask you for them as needed, but also means you can ask them to only contact them if you are offered the job, and then have time to ask the reference if it&rsquo;s okay for them to be contacted. Most potential employers will be happy to wait to do this after offering you the job.</li>
<li>If you have only had one previous job, or have been studying, it is okay to include a tutor as a reference, or someone else as a character reference (who is not related to you).</li>
</ul>
</article>

Commis Chef / Chef de Partie CV Template

<p>Office job interview tips are a hot topic right now. What would have been the 10 most common office interview questions&nbsp; months ago, are very different to what the 10 most common office interview questions are right now.&nbsp;</p>
<p>With 60% of the UK&rsquo;s population working from home during the Coronavirus lockdown and 26% continuing to do so either permanently or occasionally afterwards, the future of office work is for now, remote and hybrid.<sup>2</sup></p>
<p>While our previous interview tips, including the <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/how-to-ace-an-interview/">&lsquo;how to succeed in an interview&rsquo; </a>post and <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/what-not-to-say-in-an-interview/">&lsquo;what not to say in an interview&rsquo;</a> post are still relevant today with our remote and hybrid working practices, there is now a whole new set of work related questions that your prospective employer needs to ask and that you need to be prepared to answer. From do you have a reliable wi-fi connection and what is your solution for losing connection and do you have an uninterrupted home working environment, through to how do you organise your working day.&nbsp;</p>
<p>We discussed interview tips such as <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/interview-tips-how-to-answer-10-common-office-careers-questions/">how to prepare for an office interview&nbsp;</a>both for in-person and video interviews in this recent post but this time the focus is on the interview questions themselves.&nbsp;Your CV will have provided some insight into your experience and your skills already and so ensuring that you have what it takes to work unsupervised, will take precedence in the interviews of both temporary office jobs and permanent office jobs for the foreseeable future.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Interviewing for a remote position via a video link or even a socially distant in-person interview is a little unusual for most of us. There is no escaping the fact that we are working through some unprecedented times and that none of this has become &lsquo;normal&rsquo; yet. Where you live, who you live with and even if you have a pack of dogs barking in the background during your video interview, none of it matters. All that your prospective employer wants to know is that you can do the job in question, so you will be forgiven for interruptions or for being nervous and unsure as your interview begins, just relax and focus on answering the questions as best you can.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>How to answer the 10 most common office interview questions</h2>
<p>Any interviews taking place now are likely to focus primarily on your remote working abilities and your homeworking environment, with a few career development questions thrown in for good measure.</p>
<p><strong>1. How did you spend your time during the pandemic lockdown period?&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>How you answer this question will show either how self-motivated and driven you can be, or it will reveal what is important to you. There is no right or wrong answer providing you are honest. Maybe you spent your time learning new skills, working or organising a homeworking environment, or perhaps you spent time reconnecting with family, practising how to achieve and maintain work-life balance.</p>
<p><strong>2. How have you kept your skills sharp and your industry knowledge up to date throughout lockdown?</strong></p>
<p>Staying in touch with current events, emerging stories, trending topics on social media, as well as the continuous use of technology for research, work and home interests are all good answers for a question like this.</p>
<p><strong>3. Do you have any experience with remote or hybrid working?&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>Even if you have not worked in an official remote working or hybrid working environment before, there must be an instance that you can recall needing to get things done at home such as when you were studying for exams or teaching yourself something new? Anything you can draw upon to show that you can focus your energy even when you are working at home will be beneficial here.</p>
<p><strong>4. When you are remote working, how will you manage your time and organise your day?</strong></p>
<p>Working remotely takes self-discipline. When you are free to manage your own work load you need to be accountable for your time and the completion of your tasks, without the oversight of a line manager or colleague.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you are applying for work from home positions it is a good idea to research organisation techniques and systems so you can answer this question with some authority.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>5. How do you see yourself communicating with your manager and colleagues in a remote environment?&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>This is a chance for you to show not only that you understand the need for accountability but also the importance of collaboration and reporting. Be prepared with a few software based suggestions but demonstrate that you are open to adapting to existing systems and procedures.</p>
<p><strong>6. How do you balance your home and working time to ensure you are working responsibly and maintaining healthy working practices?&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>A question like this should reassure you that this is an employer who has your best interests in mind. Show that you have a thorough understanding of the need to take breaks, schedule time slots for work and move around frequently to maintain good mental and physical wellness.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>7. What tools do you feel we may need to provide to ensure you can work from home effectively?&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>This is a good opportunity to run through the homeworking set up you have in place. Let the interviewer know that you have a dedicated working space, a reliable internet connection, a laptop or computer and access to a headset and microphone. If you are in need of specialist equipment such as a tablet, a privacy screen or a work phone line to work in this specific role effectively, do not be afraid to say so.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>8. Will you be willing to work in an office again when/if remote working is no longer required?</strong></p>
<p>There is no hard and fast way to answer a question like this except, honestly. Be sure to let the prospective employer know what you are and are not comfortable with.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>9. How would you like your career to progress over the next 3 years?</strong></p>
<p>This is your chance to state how important things such as promotion, skills development and training are to you. Would you like to manage a team or perhaps cross train on another department? Your prospective employer will be taking notes and it is likely what you say here will map out the initial opportunities that come your way.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>10. Do you have any questions?&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>A resounding yes should be your answer here, there is much to know and understand, especially in remote working or hybrid working practices. Here are some examples:&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>How has the pandemic impacted the company and the team?&nbsp;</li>
<li>How many colleagues will be in my team and are they all remote working?</li>
<li>Do you have an action plan in place for the next six months of working practices?</li>
<li>How will I access training information and modules for my role?</li>
<li>What are the reporting procedures and expectations?&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h2>Bonus interview tips</h2>
<p>1. When you are answering interview questions for office careers in particular it is important that you try to demonstrate not only your industry knowledge and experience, but also your awareness of the current and evolving industry landscape. You can do this by making reference to trending topics, key articles or studies relevant to your field.</p>
<p>2. While working from home may seem an attractive proposition, drawbacks have been identified that could impact wellbeing and eventually, productivity. In a recent study by Finder.com.<sup>1</sup></p>
<ul>
<li>30.9% of remote workers say that they struggle with loneliness when working remotely.</li>
<li>22% of telecommuters say that &ldquo;switching off&rdquo; after work is their biggest challenge.</li>
<li>62% of remote workers want employers to provide better technology that helps them stay connected with their colleagues.</li>
</ul>
<p>To combat uncertainty, you should ask a lot of questions. There is no rule to say you can only ask one or two, so use the interview time to build a clearer idea of how the company works and how you will work with colleagues and different departments and teams.</p>
<p>Ask questions about training, daily tasks and communication methods, who you would report to or who you can ask for help when you need it.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>References&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>1 Finder.Com [Internet] September 2020 Chris Lilley https://www.finder.com/uk/working-from-home-statistics</p>
<p>2 Office for National Statistics [Internet] April 2020 https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/employmentandemployeetypes/bulletins/coronavirusandhomeworkingintheuk/april2020</p>

Interview Tips How to answer 10 common office careers questions

<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Would you consider an apprenticeship?</span></h3>
<p>Not everyone thinks of apprenticeships as a way of&nbsp; furthering their education but modern apprenticeships are recognised across a range of industries as a way to gain experience and a qualification. We asked a focus group of 18 to 21 year olds with different career aspirations if they had ever considered doing an apprenticeship in their chosen field. Some said they hadn&rsquo;t as they preferred to do full-time study and have the college or university experience. Others had looked into doing an apprenticeship as they liked the idea of getting practical experience as well as learning and getting paid.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What do apprenticeships involve?</span></h3>
<p>Apprenticeships are positions within a business where you work alongside the other staff and are provided with on-the-job training as well as some classroom study. The approved study programmes are provided by a recognised Training Provider either in-house or through day release to a college or university and will result in achieving a nationally recognised qualification. Apprenticeships can take anywhere from 12 months to 4 years, depending on the type and level.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What are the pros of apprenticeships compared to other training or study opportunities?</span></h3>
<p>Different people learn in different ways. For some, like in our focus group, academic study may be preferable. However, other people find they learn better through practical training. This is where apprenticeships can really be of benefit. Not only do you gain hands-on experience, learning from you co-workers and supervisors, but your study time is factored into your work schedule rather than in addition to. For many people the idea that they don&rsquo;t have to put their career on hold whilst gaining a professional qualification is very appealing as is the fact that you can be getting paid at the same time.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">How can apprenticeships benefit your future career?</span></h3>
<p>Many apprenticeships can lead to a permanent role within the same company, but the skills you learn, the experience you gain and the qualification you receive can be used wherever your next career step takes you. This was confirmed by the group we consulted; apprenticeships led to good jobs that paid well and they specifically stated that the amount of experience gained would help them in future jobs.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Considering a warehouse apprenticeships whatever level you are currently at will put you in a good position to pursue your career in warehousing and logistics further in the future.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What kind of warehouse apprenticeships can you do?</span></h3>
<p>Many businesses offer either warehouse apprenticeships programmes or logistics apprenticeships programmes. For those starting out in their warehouse career, these can lead to a Level 2 qualification (equivalent to 5 GCSE passes) in Warehouse Operations. For those looking to move on into Team Leader or Team Manager roles, a Level 3 apprenticeship (equivalent to 2 A level passes) or higher would be needed.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Some businesses may even offer apprenticeships up to a Level 6 or 7 qualification (equivalent to a Bachelor&rsquo;s or Master&rsquo;s degree). Eligibility for higher level apprenticeships will depend on your current skills, qualifications and experience.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Warehouse apprenticeships will involve some classroom based training which, in larger companies, may sometimes be onsite. Alternatively you may have a day or half-day release to go to a local college or training centre.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Warehouse apprenticeships also include a significant amount of on-the-job training and assessments as well as health and safety training. You can expect to work in several key areas of the warehouse business so that you learn and gain experience in a wide range of processes, learning skills that can be transferred to future Warehouse Operative or Warehouse Management roles.&nbsp;Learn more in our previous post about how warehouse <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/apprenticeship-opportunities/">apprenticeships can develop your warehouse career</a>.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">How can you find apprenticeships?</span></h3>
<p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship">The gov.uk website</a> is a really good starting point in your quest to find warehouse apprenticeships. This is a great tool for finding government apprenticeships in the warehouse industry across England, and will help give you an idea of what is available in your area, or further afield if you&rsquo;re happy to relocate.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The &lsquo;find an apprenticeship&rsquo; service on gov.uk provides an overview about what the government apprenticeships involve, details about the employer and training provider and information such as the requirements, hours, pay and future prospects.</p>
<p>You can apply for government apprenticeships direct from <a href="https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/register">the gov.uk website by creating an account</a> where you can manage your applications and set up alerts when new apprenticeships are listed.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you are based in Scotland then you will need to <a href="https://www.apprenticeships.scot/become-an-apprentice/modern-apprenticeships/">search apprenticeships.scot</a>&nbsp;to find available warehouse apprenticeships in your area. In Wales you can find <a href="https://careerswales.gov.wales/apprenticeships">government apprenticeships through Careers Wales</a>&nbsp;and in Northern Ireland the <a href="https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/search-apprenticeship-opportunities">nidirect government services</a>&nbsp;is the place to start.</p>
<p>If you are already in a Warehouse Operative job role you can approach your employer and ask about their training opportunities. You may find they have a suitable apprenticeship or training programme you can apply for.</p>
<p>Another option is to find warehouse apprenticeships direct with an employer. Businesses of all sizes may offer government apprenticeships, so if there is a specific company that you are interested in working with then it is worth checking out their website to find out what apprenticeship programmes they may have. One such company is Co-op. Their <a href="https://jobs.coop.co.uk/apprentice-hub-logistics">Level 3 Logistics Team Leader apprenticeship</a> could put you on the path for a position in Warehouse Management as well as other management roles within the supply chain.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Many apprenticeships are available to start throughout the year. However, higher level apprenticeships tend to start in September to correlate with the start of the academic year.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What other training options are there for Warehouse Operatives?</span></h3>
<p>A lot of companies have their own in-house training programmes, some of which can lead to specific technical qualifications but all will provide employees with valuable transferable skills and knowledge for both the warehouse environment and any future career moves.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This Autumn we are also seeing the implementation of the new government Plan for Jobs. The scheme aims to support the UK&rsquo;s economic recovery to help people gain skills and find jobs. Two key provisions of the plan will offer new training opportunities for the 16-24 year old age group.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Kickstart scheme</strong></p>
<p>The government&rsquo;s Kickstart scheme aims to provide funding to employers to create 6-month work placements for those aged 16-24 who are claiming Universal Credit and are at risk of long-term unemployment. No previous experience in your chosen sector is required to get a placement in the scheme and participation means you will gain skills and experience while getting paid the National Minimum Wage.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The UKWA (United Kingdom Warehousing Association) has welcomed the announcement of the scheme. They see it not only as a kickstart for young people but also for the warehouse industry. Warehousing has received a heightened profile due to COVID-19 and is now being more recognised as an essential business. With Brexit seeing immigrant workers leaving and creating more job openings in the industry, the Kickstart scheme is a prime opportunity for warehouse businesses to get involved and really show young people what it is all about.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Peter Ward, the CEO of UKWA, said that the scheme will enable the warehousing and logistics industry to be showcased as a &lsquo;fast-paced, IT driven environment with clear career paths, and to recruit the young employees needed as rapid online retail growth brings increased demand for our services&rsquo;.<sup>1</sup></p>
<p>It is expected that the first placements will begin this November and it is hoped that the scheme will continue until at least the end of 2021. To find out more about how you can apply for a Kickstart job you need to approach your Jobcentre work coach.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Traineeships</strong></p>
<p>The government is also providing an additional &pound;111 million this year towards traineeships for the 16-24 age group. A traineeship is a training programme not a job, and as such you will not be paid. However, as part of the training programme you will receive classroom-based lessons as well as up to 90 hours of unpaid work experience covering a period from 6 weeks up to 6 months.&nbsp;</p>
<p>A traineeship work placement is a valuable working experience which will provide you with skills and knowledge to support you in the next step of your career. There may even be the opportunity within the company to then move on into an apprenticeship or job at the end of the programme.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>References:</strong></p>
<p>1. United Kingdom Warehousing Association. 2020. UKWA offers support for government&rsquo;s Kickstart Scheme. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.ukwa.org.uk/market-intel/ukwa-offers-support-for-governments-kickstart-scheme/. [Accessed October 2020].</p>

Warehouse Apprenticeships the best training options

<p>At the beginning of 2020 we wrote a <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=C51B86D67508488CB3248B9039815631&amp;_z=z">blog about the Future of Work</a>, which looked at the long term prospect of jobs and the best future proof careers.&nbsp;As a Warehouse Operative you will have already acquired skills and experience that can help you transition into a variety of new careers&nbsp; and here we are going to consider a job change to become an Administrator.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What is an Administrator?</span></h3>
<p>An Administrator is a vital part of any business, helping to keep things running smoothly. An Administrator job will involve a variety of tasks including taking and making phone calls, data input, compiling and creating reports, managing diaries, sorting post, filing, even bookkeeping&hellip; The list can be endless depending on the industry and the size of the company, which is what makes a job in administration an exciting new prospect.&nbsp;<a href="~/link.aspx?_id=0F5A15D5802F43E1817E6CD3C04A3DEF&amp;_z=z">Read our interview &lsquo;What working as an Administrator has taught me&rsquo;</a>&nbsp;to learn what the job is like from someone who is already in the role.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Where can an Administrator work?</span></h3>
<p>Essential daily, weekly and monthly tasks are necessary in the running of all businesses and organisations and most will require a specific member of staff to take on that work. So Administrator jobs could be in almost any sector you can think of &ndash; healthcare, retail, finance, law, charities. Even places like art galleries, museums and zoos will need someone to take on an administrative role.</p>
<p>An Administrator job can be in a small business where you are responsible for running the entire office and will need to take on all admin tasks.&nbsp; Or you could work in a larger business where you are the Admin Assistant in a specific department; you may be solely responsible for that division or part of an admin team.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What skills do I need to have for an Administrator job?</span></h3>
<ul>
<li>Organisation</li>
<li>Communication</li>
<li>Computer competency</li>
<li>Time Management</li>
<li>Ability to work well within a team</li>
</ul>
<p>One of the key attributes for an Administrator is to be well organised. You need to be responsible for organising your time and your workload.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Both written and spoken communication skills are important for corresponding with customers and clients, so good English will be necessary for an Administrator job. Good numeracy skills are also needed as you will likely have data entry tasks to complete.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Computers will form a central part of your job so you will need to be comfortable with finding your way around the keyboard and with basic word processing and spreadsheet programs such as Word and Excel.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In an Administrator job you will be expected to have good time management skills. Your boss will expect work to be completed efficiently and on time.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Whether you work for a small business or large organisation, you will be an important part of a team, working together to keep the business running.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What if I have no experience?</span></h3>
<p>If you have been in Warehouse Operative job roles, you may not be used to having a desk-based job, but that doesn&rsquo;t mean you have zero experience.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Consider these questions:</p>
<ul>
<li>Are you responsible for planning your daily workload?</li>
<li>Do you have specific tasks to complete each day?</li>
<li>Do you have to email colleagues and/or clients?</li>
<li>Do you to need to speak to customers on the phone?</li>
<li>Are you required to enter data, update stock sheets and manage inventory?</li>
<li>Can you work efficiently?</li>
<li>Are you a good team player?</li>
</ul>
<p>Many Administrator jobs are entry level positions, so employers are not necessarily looking for prior experience as an Administrator. Being able to answer &lsquo;yes&rsquo; to the questions above means you have transferable skills which can put you in a good position for making this career change.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">How do I get an Administrator Job?</span></h3>
<p>A good way to gain experience in an admin role is to take on temporary assignments. <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=7780AF712266451CB5A9AC3A828253EC&amp;_z=z">Contact your local Blue Arrow office</a>&nbsp;to find out how we can help and <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/jobs?keywords=admin">what jobs might be available in your area</a>. When you <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=04304052493F4B6BA041D9BC39AB666D&amp;_z=z">apply for an Administrator job</a>&nbsp;be sure to include all relevant <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=C954C6BCD74B42B79ADD50E7F161E9C0&amp;_z=z">experience on your CV</a>.</p>
<p>Consider those transferable skills from your Warehouse Operative job because they are all important in showing where your competency lies. Equally, when you go to the job interview be ready with examples of things you have done and situations you have dealt with. These don&rsquo;t always have to be work-related so long as they are in some way relevant to the Administrator job you are applying for.&nbsp;</p>
<p>To begin as an Admin Assistant there are no specific qualifications required, although most employers will expect you to have GCSE English and Maths. If you need to get these, you can <a href="https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/find-a-course" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">find a course through the National Careers Service</a> or enquire at your local college.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you need to brush up on your computer or typing skills <a href="https://www.gov.uk/local-library-services" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">your local library&rsquo;s online portal</a>&nbsp;or College can help with information about basic courses in word processing, Excel, and email systems.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Individual businesses may require you to use their own internal systems or specific programs for certain tasks. They will not necessarily expect you to know how to use these before you begin the job, but if you can show that you are competent in using a computer and are able to take on new challenges then they will train you to use the systems and software needed to fulfil the job role.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What are the future career prospects for an Administrator?</span></h3>
<p>Starting out as an Administrator can be an exciting job change and the beginning of a new career. The range of business sectors you can go into mean there is scope for a wide variety of work whether you stay in an admin role or use this as a stepping-stone to move on to a different job role within the sector of the business you work for.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you stay in Administration or want to further your career in business there are <a href="https://www.cityandguilds.com/qualifications-and-apprenticeships/business-skills#fil=uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">a range of NVQs</a> you can work towards which cover various aspects of business and admin. You might also want to consider an apprenticeship so you can study for a qualification while still working and earning. Our post &lsquo;<a href="~/link.aspx?_id=9DAF74A85BEB4AD88828DC60EB4D93AE&amp;_z=z">Why do an Apprenticeship?</a>&rsquo; explains more about how modern apprenticeships work.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Making a career change to an Administrator job can lead to many different opportunities. Within administration you could go on to become a Secretary or even Personal Assistant to the boss. With experience under your belt, you can even consider starting your own business as a Virtual Assistant working from home.&nbsp;</p>
<p>As an Administrator you get to know a lot about the company and the business you work for which puts you in a good position to learn about other job roles within the industry that you could consider transitioning into. For example, if you are an Administrator in an IT company, you may find that IT is where your real interest and expertise lies &ndash; it may require some additional study and training, but being in the company already will put you in a good position to make that job change</p>
<p>At Blue Arrow we support many thousands of organisations by finding the best available staff to join their successful talent communities. This includes finding people with the right skills to work for a considerable number of sought-after employers, including <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=4FE3B71BB12D42DDA9FAC2493B40909F&amp;_z=z">household brand names</a>.</p>
<p>When thinking about how to change careers take the time to really consider your options. To learn more about how to become an Administrator read our <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=9AA34C138BFE4BEB892D990E27173548&amp;_z=z">Career Guide</a>.</p>
<p>For other new career ideas, see some of our posts where we have looked at <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=0470EC8D8B91407C980B31D14FDEF6B1&amp;_z=z">how to change careers from a Warehouse Operative job to a Call Centre Advisor</a>, <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=BDAAB69F5DF949AA97F9243FED7F825B&amp;_z=z">a Barista</a>&nbsp;and <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=EF7E3AF883D64EE295950D09AC4C88B1&amp;_z=z">a Receptionist</a>.</p>

Change careers from a Warehouse Operative to Administrator

<p>Warehouse work really has had a bad rap recently, for months all we heard was how badly workers had been treated in some warehouses, with headlines talking about staff being treated like cattle, forbidden toilet breaks, unobtainable targets and long shifts.</p>
<p>This gives all warehouses a bad name and while we accept that there are some not so nice places to work, it is important to note that there are also some fabulous places to be a Warehouse Operative, a Picker/Packer, a Team Leader or a Forklift Driver. There are so many places that pride themselves on supporting their staff, who only want what is best for each and every team member and who will encourage their warehouse workers to perform and succeed, no matter what stage they are at in their career.</p>
<p>It is not fair that all warehouses get tarred with the same brush, so we wanted to directly address a couple of the misconceptions associated with warehouse work.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Warehouse workers can&rsquo;t take toilet breaks.</span></h3>
<p>All of the reports about staff not being able to take toilet breaks were indeed shocking to read. &nbsp;But it is important to note that these people were not all reporting that they were not allowed to take a toilet break, they were claiming that their targets were so high they felt that they didn&rsquo;t have the time.</p>
<p>We can&rsquo;t speak for all warehouses but in general targets are an unavoidable part of warehouse work, you will have fulfilment targets to reach as part of your job. Sometimes targets are set as a team, sometimes as a department and sometimes individually, but these targets should always be attainable within the working day with a reasonable expectation on what is achievable.</p>
<p>Warehousing is not the only industry that is so busy the staff can feel overwhelmed, under pressure to perform and reluctant to take breaks so they don&rsquo;t fall behind. This is an occurrence in almost every industry and in every job, no matter what it is, from hospitality to law and from driving to admin.</p>
<p>Not matter what your job is or what industry you work in, we can&rsquo;t stress the importance of self care and open communication enough. Shift work can really take it out of you if you don&rsquo;t take the time to consider and look after your mental and physical well being. Our recent blog post <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/communities/warehouse/shift-your-thinking" target="_self">Shift your Thinking</a> provided some helpful hints and tips for surviving and thriving in shift work so do take a moment to check it out.</p>
<p>Don&rsquo;t discount how beneficial it can be to talk to your team leader, line manager or your boss about how you are feeling, they are there to help you and they really do want to ensure that you are happy and comfortable in your work. Together you can work towards setting achievable targets, implementing working methods that will help you in your role and identifying the support systems that are available to you.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Ambulances are a regular occurrence at warehouses so they must be unsafe places to work.</span></h3>
<p>Reports emerged in 2019 that ambulances had been called out to some warehouses over 600 times in a year, on the face of it this sounds like a really high number so people would be forgiven for thinking that warehouses in general are unsafe working environments.</p>
<p>The truth is that warehouses are actually subject to stringent health and safety policies and requirements, risk assessments are needed for absolutely everything that could raise any safety concern whatsoever. All staff are also provided with detailed health and safety training including manual handling and safe working environment training to help minimise accidents deriving from a lack of knowledge or carelessness.</p>
<p>We should recognise that the reports referred mainly to ambulances being called to treat staff who were generally unwell or for maternity reasons, not necessarily for accidents that happened at work.</p>
<p>For any work environment not just a warehouse, no amount of health and safety training can prevent staff illness. When employing any staff who are pregnant, the work place would have to conduct a detailed a risk assessment for the member of staff in their role which would hopefully mitigate any potential issues or dangers before they happen. To read more about working in a warehouse while pregnant click <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/communities/warehouse/pregnancy-in-a-warehouse-environment" target="_self">here</a>. You are the best judge of how you feel and what you are capable of and it is your responsibility to communicate this along with any worries, concerns and illnesses to your line managers and employers.</p>
<p>The fact is, warehouses are busy, challenging working environments and they can take their toll. When applying for any warehouse role do plenty of research into the challenging nature of <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/warehouse-jobs/working-environment" target="_self">working in a warehouse</a>&nbsp;and the <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/warehouse-jobs/skills" target="_self">fitness requirements</a>&nbsp;of the role. These are detailed very clearly on our <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/warehouse-jobs/skills" target="_self">warehouse section</a>&nbsp;so do go over and take a look, we can&rsquo;t stress the importance of reading all of the information and understanding all aspects of a role before you apply.</p>
<p>If you want a behind the scenes view of what life is like as a warehouse worker you can check out our interview with Edward, a <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/communities/warehouse/interview-an-employers-view-on-warehouse-work" target="_self">Warehouse Operative</a>and our <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/communities/warehouse/what-is-it-like-to-be-a-forklift-driver-in-a-warehouse" target="_self">Forklift Driver</a> interview.</p>

Warehouse working conditions

<article class="rich-text-article">
<p>If you&rsquo;re self-motivated, organised and need flexible hours, then a job as a cleaner could be perfect for you.</p>
<p>To land a job as a cleaner, your CV will need to show that you can work independently and methodically and have a keen eye for detail. Any cleaning experience or qualifications, such as COSSH, will also look great on your CV.</p>
<p>Whether you're looking to start your cleaner career&nbsp;or looking for a new challenge, our free CV template is&nbsp;tailored to ensure your CV stands out from the crowd.</p>
</article>
<article class="content-3col">
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<p><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/customer-service-advisor/rich-text-content/cv-template-a.png?h=280&amp;w=200&amp;hash=DBA19111F5A5F13D407D95D0AEFB10DF" alt="CV Template"></p>
<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/customer-service-advisor/rich-text-content/blue-arrow-cv-templates_a_customer-service-advisor.docx"><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/customer-service-advisor/rich-text-content/ba_download_button.png?h=50&amp;w=150&amp;hash=CFC97510780C59C2755E5C2788682478" alt="Download"></a></article>
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<p><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/customer-service-advisor/rich-text-content/cv-template-b.png?h=280&amp;w=200&amp;hash=7945C7369E645483867D70C4CB0189B6" alt="CV Template"></p>
<p><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/customer-service-advisor/rich-text-content/blue-arrow-cv-templates_b_customer-service-advisor.docx"><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/customer-service-advisor/rich-text-content/ba_download_button.png?h=50&amp;w=150&amp;hash=CFC97510780C59C2755E5C2788682478" alt="Download"></a></p>
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<p><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/customer-service-advisor/rich-text-content/cv-template-c.png?h=280&amp;w=200&amp;hash=F767D32C23760D7F81E2CA6A99EBCAAC" alt="CV Template"></p>
<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/customer-service-advisor/rich-text-content/blue-arrow-cv-templates_c_customer-service-advisor.docx"><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/customer-service-advisor/rich-text-content/ba_download_button.png?h=50&amp;w=150&amp;hash=CFC97510780C59C2755E5C2788682478" alt="Download"></a></article>
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</article>
<article class="rich-text-article">
<h2>A guide to writing a Customer Service Advisor CV</h2>
<p>FIRST AND SECOND NAME<br>Home number | Mobile number<br>Emailaddress@email.com<br>Home address, Home Street<br>Home Town<br>Postcode</p>
<h2>Personal Profile</h2>
<p>In the personal profile, you should professionally introduce yourself, in three or four sentences, with relation to the job you&rsquo;re applying to.<br><br>Try to include: your current work situation, what type of work you are searching for (such as part-time, flexible hours, or full-time employment starting immediately) some key skills or experience that will show the potential employer that you are a good candidate for the advertised job. So if you have previous administration or customer service experience, which gave you excellent communication skills mention this here.&nbsp;</p>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<div><em>I am a highly organised, target-driven individual with a professional telephone manner. I have two years of experience working as a customer service advisor in the education sector, and am looking for a challenging full-time role that will continue to improve my skills.</em></div>
<h2>Work History</h2>
<p>The work history section your first chance for you to highlight the skills and experience your current and each previous job has given you, and this is turn should show why you are a good fit for the job you&rsquo;re applying for. You don&rsquo;t need to include every last detail about the role, just pick the best parts that highlight&nbsp; relevant skills mentioned on the job description. You can always write down and save your examples or other relevant skills for the interview.</p>
<p>If possible, include your work history for the last five years. If you haven&rsquo;t been working for that long, don't worry, this will be explained by the education history. If you have recently moved to the country, it&rsquo;s okay to include employment in other countries. There is more advice on work and education history in our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/cv-templates/cv-writing-tips">top tips online article</a>.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Job title, name of employer, location, month and year started &ndash; present (or month and year that you left)</strong>
<ul>
<li>Briefly list the duties you had, and skills you learned while working here. Choose skills or qualities that the employer has listed in their job description.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<ul>
<li><strong><em>Customer service advisor, University of Southampton, November 2016 &ndash; present</em></strong>
<ul>
<li><em>My responsibilities in this role include answering and dealing with incoming phone calls, providing support for general and residence teams, individual projects and working with colleagues to resolve issues.</em></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>What jobs should you include?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Any jobs you&rsquo;ve had in the administrative and secretarial sector will be useful to include here as lots of the skills will overlap and show you&rsquo;re a good candidate for the role.</li>
<li>If you have recently left education, or are new to this type of work, try to include any jobs you&rsquo;ve had that will highlight the skills the employer is looking for. For example, if you have worked on the reception desk in a school or done work experience which involved dealing with customers, use this to show that you have developed a good telephone manner, great organisation skills and the ability to prioritise your workload.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Education History</h2>
<p>In education history, show any relevant training you have completed, what skills you have learned from your courses, as well as general education subjects you&rsquo;ve passed. As you get more work experience, this section will become shorter, as your work history becomes more relevant and more recent, If you have completed courses or gained certificates in other work-related areas, or first aid, include that information here also.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Although no formal qualifications are required to be a Customer Service Advisor, employers will expect you to have a good level of English and Maths. Any qualifications such as NVQs in customer service will definitely help your application stand out from the crowd.&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Name of course or qualification, name of training centre or education centre, dates you were in attendance or you completed the course</strong>
<ul>
<li>Explain briefly the training certificate relevant to the job you are applying to. What did you learn that is relevant to the job?</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<ul>
<li><strong>Microsoft Office Plus Diploma, Pittman Training, Southampton, September 2016</strong>
<ul>
<li>Covered the key areas of MS packages including word, outlook, excel, powerpoint and access, as well as two elective courses in excel expert and effective business communication.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2>Skills</h2>
<p>Here is your chance to highlight the best skills you have in relation to the job you&rsquo;re applying for. Hint: these will be the skills listed in the job advert, but only highlight the skills you have. Misleading information on your CV is likely to trip you up in an interview and is unprofessional; you don&rsquo;t have to show you have every last skill listed in the job advert to be successful.</p>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<ul>
<li><em><strong>Working in a team</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; &lsquo;I have learned how to work well in a team, taking on a leadership role where appropriate, in order to complete tasks. I&rsquo;ve learned the importance of realising individual strengths and how to set deadlines to ensure tasks are complete&rsquo;.</em></li>
<li><em><strong>Communication skills</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; &lsquo;In my current role I have been focusing on improving my communication skills. This includes listening carefully to others, ensuring that all information is passed on correctly and efficiently, and being aware of other people&rsquo;s situations and backgrounds.&nbsp;</em></li>
</ul>
<h2>References</h2>
<p><strong>First and last name</strong><br>Job title and relation to you in the work place (if it isn&rsquo;t obvious from the job title), name of work place, work contact number (or main company phone number which they can be reached through) and work email address</p>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<p><strong>Sarah Bride</strong><br>Supervisor at the University of Southampton<br>0000 0000 00<br>SarahBride@email.com</p>
<h3>Who should you include as a reference?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Your first reference should ideally be from a senior colleague or manager who you&rsquo;ve been working closely with in your most recent role. The second reference can be from a current colleague, or line manager or supervisor from a previous job. It&rsquo;s best practice to ask someone if they will be a reference for you before they are contacted. Be aware that not all employers actually contact references, but it&rsquo;s important to have them available if needed</li>
<li>It&rsquo;s important to remember that while you are in your current job, consider that you may not want your reference (eg. your current boss) to be contacted until you have had an interview for a new possible job, or are actually offered it. This is because, for instance, if you weren&rsquo;t offered the new job, and end up staying in your current job then you might not want your manager having been contacted as a reference. It can cause tension or awkward conversations about why you were trying to leave. A good way to get around this is to simply write &lsquo;References available on request&rsquo;. This shows the new employer that they can ask you for them as needed, but also means you can ask them to only contact them if you are offered the job, and then have time to ask the reference if it&rsquo;s okay for them to be contacted. Most potential employers will be happy to wait to do this after offering you the job</li>
<li>If you have only had one previous job, or have been studying, it is okay to include a tutor as a reference, or someone else as a character reference (who is not related to you)</li>
</ul>
</article>

Customer Service Advisor CV Template

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<p>If you have a passion for customer service, work well under pressure and are eager to learn, you&rsquo;ll make an excellent Barista, Bartender or Waiter/Waitress.</p>
<p>You don&rsquo;t need any formal qualifications, but any experience in the hospitality and catering sector, will look great on your CV and help you stand out.</p>
<p>Our free CV template is tailored to help you write the best CV to land your dream job.</p>
</article>
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<p><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/barista/rich-text-content/cv-template-a.png?h=280&amp;w=200&amp;hash=08411DBDD391EE24AC545287A6D2036C" alt="CV Template"></p>
<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/barista/rich-text-content/blue-arrow-cv-templates_a_bar-barista-waiter.docx"><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/barista/rich-text-content/ba_download_button.png?h=50&amp;w=150&amp;hash=058EE2642A5A23E25F38E33BEE31C9FD" alt="Download"></a></article>
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<p><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/barista/rich-text-content/cv-template-b.png?h=280&amp;w=200&amp;hash=6C65259AAA6DD1B98B0EBB53F18EDAD2" alt="CV Template"></p>
<p><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/barista/rich-text-content/blue-arrow-cv-templates_b_bar-barista-waiter.docx"><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/barista/rich-text-content/ba_download_button.png?h=50&amp;w=150&amp;hash=058EE2642A5A23E25F38E33BEE31C9FD" alt="Download"></a></p>
</article>
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<p><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/barista/rich-text-content/cv-template-c.png?h=280&amp;w=200&amp;hash=74A84ACE853D0764C6F761FDDA47544A" alt="CV Template"></p>
<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/barista/rich-text-content/blue-arrow-cv-templates_c_bar-barista-waiter.docx"><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/barista/rich-text-content/ba_download_button.png?h=50&amp;w=150&amp;hash=058EE2642A5A23E25F38E33BEE31C9FD" alt="Download"></a></article>
</div>
</article>
<article class="rich-text-article">
<h2>A guide to writing a CV for Baristas, Waiters, Waitresses and Bartenders</h2>
<p>FIRST AND SECOND NAME<br>Home number | Mobile number<br>Emailaddress@email.com<br>Home address, Home Street<br>Home Town<br>Postcode</p>
<h2>Personal Profile</h2>
<p>In the personal profile, you should professionally introduce yourself, in three or four sentences, with relation to the job you&rsquo;re applying to.</p>
<p>A good personal profile will&nbsp; include: your current work situation, what type of work you are searching for (such as part-time, flexible hours, or full-time employment starting immediately) some key skills and/or traits that will show the potential employer that you are a good candidate for the advertised job.</p>
<p>Are you a waiter who is looking to transition to being a barista or bartender? Mention any experience you have had behind the bar or using the espresso machines where you work.</p>
<p>Are you a waiter or bartender looking to transition to a supervisor or management position? Highlight your leadership and problem solving skills here.&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>EXAMPLE:</em></p>
<p><em>I am a precise, hard-working and reliable barista, with two years&rsquo; experience, looking for a challenging full-time role. I work well under pressure and enjoy the fast pace of busy moments. I enjoy working in a team to help produce a great experience for all customers.</em></p>
<h2>Work History&nbsp;</h2>
<p>The work history section is to show the potential employer what jobs or work experience you&rsquo;ve done. It is the first chance for you to highlight the skills and experience each one has given you, and this is turn should show why you are a good fit for the job you&rsquo;re applying for. Try to pick out the achievements you are most proud of. You can always write down and save your examples or other relevant skills for the interview.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Job title, name of employer, location, month and year started &ndash; present (or month and year that you left)</strong>
<ul>
<li>Briefly list the duties you had, and skills you learned while working here. Choose skills or qualities that the employer has listed in their job description</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<ul>
<li><strong><em>Barista, Roastworks Coffee Co, London, January 2017 &ndash; present</em></strong>
<ul>
<li><em>Responsible for taking customer orders, pouring espressos, and completing orders with milk. I have also helped serve customers on the floor and had training in machine maintenance and stock ordering for the section.</em></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>What jobs should you include?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Try to include your work history for the last five years. If you haven&rsquo;t been working for that long, that is okay. It will be explained by the education history. If you have recently moved to the country, it&rsquo;s okay to include employment in other countries. There is more advice on work and education history in our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/cv-templates/cv-writing-tips">top tips online article</a>.</li>
<li>Any jobs you&rsquo;ve had in the hospitality or retail sectors will be useful to include here as lots of the skills will overlap and show you&rsquo;re a good candidate for the role.</li>
<li>If you have recently left education, or are new to this type of work, try to include any jobs you&rsquo;ve had that will highlight the skills the employer is looking for. For example, if you have worked on a shop floor, use this to show you have experience serving customers on the till, which will be helpful in this role</li>
</ul>
<h2>Education History&nbsp;</h2>
<p>In education history, this is a chance to show any relevant training you have done, what skills you have learned from your courses, as well as general education subjects you&rsquo;ve done. As you get more work experience, this section will become shorter, as your work history becomes more relevant and more recent.</p>
<p>You don't need any specific qualifications to be a Barista, although a good standard of Maths and English is expected. If you've completed any courses in hospitality and catering, coffee training or mixology, do list them here as it will of course help you stand out from the crowd.</p>
<p>Additionally, if you have completed courses or gained certificates in food safety, COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) or first aid, include that information here too.&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Name of course or qualification, name of training centre or education centre, dates you were in attendance or you complete the course</strong>
<ul>
<li>Explain briefly the training certificate relevant to the job you are applying to. What did you learn that is relevant to the job?</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<ul>
<li><strong><em>Level 2 VRQ barista skills, London School of Coffee, November 2016</em></strong>
<ul>
<li><em>&nbsp;Learned about the fundamentals of espresso, grinding, steaming milk, filter coffee, tea, hot chocolates and other beverage skills</em></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2>Skills</h2>
<p>Here is your chance to highlight the best skills you have in relation to the job you&rsquo;re applying for. Hint: these will be the skills listed in the job advert, but only highlight the skills you have. Misleading information on your CV is likely to trip you up in an interview and is unprofessional; you don&rsquo;t have to show you have every last skill listed in the job advert to be successful.</p>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<ul>
<li><strong><em>Espresso</em></strong><em>&nbsp;&ndash; &lsquo;I have a good knowledge and skills in brewing shots to order, adjusting brewing variables and tasting to make sure shots are up to standard.&rsquo;</em></li>
<li><em><strong>Customer service&nbsp;</strong>&ndash; &lsquo;I have learned to communicate with customers effectively to make sure they get their coffee exactly as they like it. When time allows I also enjoy making the customers feel welcome and enjoy conversing with them.&rsquo;</em></li>
</ul>
<h2>References</h2>
<p><strong>First and last name</strong><br>Job title and relation to you in the work place (if it isn&rsquo;t obvious from the job title), name of work place, work contact number (or main company phone number which they can be reached through) and work email address</p>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<p><strong>Jack Jones</strong><br>Manager, Roastworks Coffee Co<br>0000 0000 00<br>jackjones@email.com</p>
<h3>Who should you include as a reference?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Your first reference should ideally be from your supervisor who you&rsquo;ve been working closely with in your most recent role. The second reference can be from a current colleague, or line manager or supervisor from a previous job. It&rsquo;s best practice to ask someone if they will be a reference for you before they are contacted. Be aware that not all employers actually contact references, but it&rsquo;s important to have them available if needed</li>
<li>It&rsquo;s important to remember that while you are in your current job, consider that you may not want your reference (eg. your current boss) to be contacted until you have had an interview for a new possible job, or are actually offered it. This is because, for instance, if you weren&rsquo;t offered the new job, and end up staying in your current job then you might not want your manager having been contacted as a reference. It can cause tension or awkward conversations about why you were trying to leave. A good way to get around this is to simply write &lsquo;References available on request&rsquo;. This shows the new employer that they can ask you for them as needed, but also means you can ask them to only contact them if you are offered the job, and then have time to ask the reference if it&rsquo;s okay for them to be contacted. Most potential employers will be happy to wait to do this after offering you the job</li>
<li>If you have only had one previous job, or have been studying, it is okay to include a tutor as a reference, or someone else as a character reference (who is not related to you)</li>
</ul>
</article>

Barista/Waiter/Waitress/Bartender CV Template

<p>Self-care for warehouse workers seems to all be about safe lifting techniques and getting enough rest in between shifts but we think that taking care of yourself also comes down to making sure you are comfortable.</p>
<p>There is nothing more irritating and uncomfortable when you do a manual job than sore, dry, itchy, cracked raw hands. You rely on your hands to complete almost every aspect of your work and so if you don&rsquo;t take care of them, they can quickly become extremely painful and can limit even the simplest day-to-day tasks. In a manual job, avoiding using your hands because they hurt isn&rsquo;t really an option.</p>
<p>Looking after your hands may not be the first thing you think of when we say, warehouse workers should take care of themselves, but prevention is far better than cure so getting into good habits before you notice problems is best. It doesn&rsquo;t have to be about taking day trips to the spa or having expensive manicures and massages, hand care is so simple it can be broken down in to three key areas:</p>
<h2><span class="normaltextrun1" style="color: #00aae3;">Combat Dry Skin</span></h2>
<p><span class="normaltextrun1">Cracked, split and dry hands can be avoided and relieved with the use of a good purpose-built moisturiser. There are a few good options available on the market</span></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><span class="spellingerror" data-contrast="auto"><a href="http://www.okeeffescompany.com/working-hands" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">O&rsquo;Keeffes</a></span><span class="normaltextrun1" data-contrast="auto"><a href="http://www.okeeffescompany.com/working-hands" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Working Hand Cream</a>.&nbsp;</span><span class="normaltextrun1" data-contrast="none">It is a </span><span class="contextualspellingandgrammarerror" data-contrast="none">non-greasy</span><span class="normaltextrun1" data-contrast="none">, </span><span class="contextualspellingandgrammarerror" data-contrast="none">non-perfumed</span><span class="normaltextrun1" data-contrast="none"> moisturiser, designed for working hands that are exposed to the toughest environments.</span></li>
<li><span class="normaltextrun1"><a href="https://www.getjackblack.com/Products/Industrial-Strength-Hand-Healer-with-Vitamins-A-and-E__4002O.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jack Black Industrial Strength Hand Healer</a>.&nbsp;</span><span data-contrast="none">Contains vitamins A &amp; E as well as macadamia nut oil and eucalyptus to condition rough skin and cuticles while remaining non greasy.&nbsp;</span></li>
<li><span class="normaltextrun1"><a href="https://www.burtsbees.co.uk/product/hand-salve/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Burts</a></span><span data-contrast="auto"><a href="https://www.burtsbees.co.uk/product/hand-salve/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Bees Natural Hand Salve</a>.&nbsp;</span><span class="normaltextrun1" data-contrast="auto">An </span><span class="contextualspellingandgrammarerror" data-contrast="auto">all natural</span><span class="normaltextrun1" data-contrast="auto"> product that offers moisture for dried cracked hands. Comes in a compact tin or a handy small </span><span class="contextualspellingandgrammarerror" data-contrast="auto">pocket sized</span><span class="normaltextrun1" data-contrast="auto"> container which is ideal for keeping in your pocket at work.</span></li>
</ul>
<h2><span style="color: #00aae3;">Gloves</span></h2>
<p><span class="normaltextrun1">The chances are, you are wearing gloves for a lot of your working day, this is great to protect your hands from cuts and abrasions, but it does mean that your hands are sitting in sweaty gloves for long period of time which can cause bacterial and fungal infections. The best way to keep your hands healthy when you wear gloves is to make sure that your gloves are clean when you put them on.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span class="normaltextrun1" data-contrast="auto">Wash your gloves at the end of every shift to keep the insides fresh, clean and free from sweat and dirt so bacteria and fungus doesn&rsquo;t have the chance to take over.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h2><span style="color: #00aae3;">Washing &amp; Drying</span></h2>
<p><span class="normaltextrun1">Wherever possible, avoid using fragranced soaps because they will dry out your hands. Moisturising soaps that are fragrance-free are much kinder to your skin but we don&rsquo;t always have a selection of soaps to choose from at work so unless you want to take your own, you will need to use what is there then opt for paper towels to pat your hands dry, (not a hand dryer) and apply some moisturiser afterwards to counter the drying effects of the soap.</span></p>

How to avoid sore dry and cracked hands from manual work?

<p>Getting some insight from a different perspective, from someone else who does the same job as you can be invaluable.</p>
<p>It is not often that we get to see our role through someone else&rsquo;s eyes, but through real life accounts we can find out how they make the most of every day and pick up some helpful tips and advice.</p>
<p>We had the opportunity to interview long standing temporary worker Edward Idahor who has been working in a large distribution centre in Thurrock for over 3 years.</p>
<p>What we love about Edward is his overall approach to life and work, he has such a positive outlook it is impossible not to be inspired by him. It is easy to see why he was also given the role of Lead Associate, helping new starters and reintegrating those who have been away from work for a while.</p>
<p>Edward clearly takes pride in his work and his ability to provide for his family, not only financially but also through his choice of shift he can ensure they also benefit from his time.</p>
<p>You can read the full interview with Edward <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=2DDB3E2E2CC74368A8CA39E8374F9F29&amp;_z=z">here</a>&nbsp;and really take advantage of his insights and advice, but if you are busy running here and there, making every moment count don&rsquo;t worry here are some of the highlights.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #00aae3;">7 Top tips for getting the most out of your temporary warehouse job</span></h2>
<ol>
<li>If you work hard and make yourself very useful you get a good reputation and you are more likely to be kept on longer than someone who is not hitting their targets and takes a lot of time off.</li>
<li>Doing the same thing can get boring no matter where you work but you have to remember what your motivation is. Money is the biggest motivation for anyone but so is pride in your work.</li>
<li>It can be tiring at times, but I have learned that you have to just get on with it, you have to put in your best effort no matter what. I would much rather be tired than unemployed.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Boots! A lot of safety boots are too heavy and will just make you more tired. Sometimes if you stand still a lot for work then it is not so bad but if you are walking a lot then find yourself some light weight safety boots, there are lots of different ones at all different price ranges so do shop around.</li>
<li>Wear thick clothing and make sure you wear layers. Dress warmly, you may be in some areas that are colder than others. Don&rsquo;t try to brave it.</li>
<li>You have to show them what you are made of and that you are a good member of staff then you will get noticed and have more opportunities.</li>
<li>&nbsp;Keep your head down and enjoy doing your job. Remember, this is not a social gathering, you are here for a reason. You are on the clock never forget that.</li>
</ol>

7 Lessons from a Warehouse Worker

<p class="Default"><span style="background: white; color: black;">How can you improve employee productivity in your commercial kitchen when staff safety and food quality are paramount? </span></p>
<p class="Default"><span style="background: white;">The first step is by ensuring your team all know what to expect! </span><span style="background: white;">The life of a Chef is not for the faint hearted. Long shifts, on your feet all day in a hot commercial kitchen can be tough but with passion and a unwavering desire to make it in the industry most Chefs will take the rough with the smooth doing whatever it takes to cook great food that people come back for time and time again.</span></p>
<p class="Default"><span style="background-color: white;">To find out more about how Chefs cope under the pressure, we spoke to Simon Temple, a Blue Arrow Chef who values hard work, a close-knit team, new Chef skill development and pulling your weight in the kitchen.</span></p>
<h3 class="Default"><span style="background: white; color: #009fe3;">Where do you currently work?</span><strong><span style="background: white; color: #009fe3;"> </span></strong></h3>
<p class="Default"><span style="background: white; color: black;">I am working all over for Blue Arrow as a Chef, I suppose you would call it Relief Chef.&nbsp; &nbsp;I like working in the old people&rsquo;s homes, the hourly rate is pretty good so if you have your DBS they are a good place to be.</span></p>
<h3 class="Default"><span style="background: white; color: #009fe3;">How long is the average shift for a kitchen worker?</span></h3>
<p class="Default"><span style="background: white; color: black;">It is around eight hours. It can be more or less or a split shift. You have legal breaks, sometimes I take them sometimes I don&rsquo;t it depends on how busy it is and if I have time. </span></p>
<h3 class="Default"><span style="background: white; color: #009fe3;">Your feet must hurt from a long shift, how do you cope with it?</span></h3>
<p class="Default"><span style="background-color: white;">By going to the pub and having a nice pint of Cider at the end of the shift! Aching feet is part of the life of a Chef, everyone is in the same boat. I wear steel toe cap clogs but there is no avoiding it really. I come from an old school generation of Chefs where you wouldn&rsquo;t complain about things like that, it was accepted as part of the job so now it&rsquo;s just normal. </span></p>
<h3 class="Default"><span style="background: white; color: #009fe3;">Repeatedly washing your hands can lead to skin irritation, how do you combat this?</span></h3>
<p class="Default"><span style="background-color: white;">Your hands are in water all day as a Chef, so they toughen up over time and get used to it. I suppose you could moisturize if needed but people don&rsquo;t tend too, your hands quickly get used to it.</span></p>
<h3 class="Default"><span style="background: white; color: #009fe3;">Standing all day and working at a counter can lead to back pain, how do you prevent or relieve this?</span></h3>
<p class="Default"><span style="background-color: white;">I&rsquo;m 54 and I do ok. You can get back ache now and then, but I think because you are moving around all the time in a kitchen you are not in one place for too long so it isn&rsquo;t so bad.</span></p>
<h3 class="Default"><span style="background: white; color: #009fe3;">How do you keep your team fresh and alert during a long busy service?</span></h3>
<p class="Default"><span style="background-color: white;">When you are working in a highly pressurized environment like a restaurant or kitchen you don&rsquo;t get chance to feel tired, it&rsquo;s at the end of the shift when you feel it. Chefs are tough, you won&rsquo;t hear anyone saying how tired they are, everyone is in the same boat, you are all hot and tired so you tend to just push through it as a team.</span>&nbsp;</p>
<h3 class="Default"><span style="background: white; color: #009fe3;">How do you stay cool in a hot kitchen?</span></h3>
<p class="Default"><span style="background-color: white;">You can&rsquo;t, you just have to drink lots of water. Sometimes a kitchen will have air conditioning but more money goes into how the front of house looks so kitchens are mostly secondary to that. When I worked in London their kitchens were underground so ventilation was not great, you do get used to it though.</span></p>
<h3 class="Default"><span style="background: white; color: #009fe3;">How do you work effectively with front of house staff to streamline productivity?</span></h3>
<p class="Default"><span style="background-color: white;">I always say you should have good relationship with the front of house staff, you are a team. It is not helpful if the front of house team is scared to come into the kitchen because the Chef is stressed and takes it out on them. Yes, it&rsquo;s a stressful job but you are a team, you have to work together. Team meetings once a week are good to keep everyone on same page. We used to have one where we would do a bit of wine tasting, it was nice for everyone to be involved together.</span></p>
<h3 class="Default"><span style="background: white; color: #009fe3;">Is the menu mainly decided based on productivity, creativity or budget?</span></h3>
<p class="Default"><span style="background-color: white;">A lot of it is based on budget and season, you have a bottom line you have to watch so unfortunately budget has always been the main focus.</span></p>
<h3 class="Default"><span style="background: white; color: #009fe3;">If you could give one piece of advice to a Chef just entering the trade what would it be?</span></h3>
<p class="Default"><span style="background-color: white;">It is a tough game so give it 6 months see if you can hack it before you quit. Find a good Head Chef and a team that will look after you and build your confidence, don&rsquo;t quit the industry before you have tried another team, it can be pot luck. If it&rsquo;s your passion then even with the stress, the heat, the aches and pains, you will just accept it because you love the job.</span></p>
<p class="Default"><span style="background: white; color: black;">Times are so different now to what they were when I first came in to it, now young people are encouraged, helped and supported. We need more Chefs, everywhere you go you will find people looking for Chefs to work in their kitchens so the more we can help and support new people coming through the better.</span></p>
<h3 class="Default"><span style="background: white; color: #009fe3;">Do you create dishes at home before adding them to your menu at work?</span></h3>
<p class="Default"><span style="background-color: white;">Yes, I am always Googling menu ideas. I am really in to middle eastern food, I love researching recipes and finding out the stories behind the dishes.</span></p>
<h3 class="Default"><span style="background: white; color: #009fe3;">Is the whole kitchen team encouraged to suggest menu ideas and recipes?</span></h3>
<p class="Default"><span style="background-color: white;">Yes, very much so, the idea won&rsquo;t always make it on to the menu, but it is nice to be included and have your ideas considered. It should always be encouraged by the Head Chef, that way the menu is made up of ideas from a diverse range of palettes. The Head Chef should always be humble enough to take on board ideas from other Chefs. When I worked at a seafood place in Brighton, I would make suggestions all the time and when my idea showed up on the menu it was great to know people were eating and enjoying my choice.</span></p>
<h3 class="Default"><span style="background: white; color: #009fe3;">How do you make sure your team have time in shifts to develop their skills?</span></h3>
<p class="Default"><span style="background-color: white;">Morning preparation time is when they learn the most, they are usually taken to one side and given a new skill to try. Even when its busy you have to invest time in developing knowledge and passing on what you know. Very few dishes are original anymore they are all reinventions of other dishes from years of learning. I still have recipes that I was given when I was 16 or 17, I may not use them all the time, but they are written down and I will keep them forever.</span></p>

Improving employee productivity in a commercial kitchen

<header class="l-section hero-section hero-section-blog"></header>
<div class="blog-article-body">
<p>Creating a purpose-driven workplace where your employees are engaged, happy and understand the &ldquo;why&rdquo; to what they do, can bring meaning and job satisfaction to your workforce. Building a company culture that shares its core values with its employees can encourage them to bring their best selves into the workplace and motivate them in a more purposeful way than a pay-packet ever can.</p>
<p>Below we discuss which non-monetary rewards can be used to motivate temporary and permanent staff, whether they are office based or non-clerical workers.</p>
<h2>What makes for a great workplace environment?</h2>
<p>When looking for a first role or next job,&nbsp;people are looking for more than how much money they will take home or what perks and benefits&nbsp;they can get. They want a workplace that will give them job satisfaction and meaningful work. A great working environment is one that fosters:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>A supportive work culture &ndash;</strong>&nbsp;where a company ensures its employees know that their work is recognised, meaningful and rewarding, embodies a supportive culture, and promotes mutual respect and trust.</li>
<li><strong>A purpose-driven workplace&nbsp;</strong>&ndash; an organisation that is driven by a greater purpose that is aligned with its employees and gives meaning to what they do and why they do it.</li>
<li><strong>Professional growth</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; the chance to be promoted and achieve success is important, and companies who focus on ways to grow based on their own employees&rsquo; passions and strengths will be rewarded with more enthusiasm and loyalty.</li>
<li><strong>Challenges and growth</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; challenging your employees to continually learn, evolve and grow within their roles can create a more engaged workforce and result in increased productivity.</li>
<li><strong>Liking your team&nbsp;</strong>&ndash; we often spend more time with our work colleagues than we do with our families, so it is imperative that teams like each other and can form a strong team who understand and support one another.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Creating a great&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/recruitment-solutions/industry-insights/how-to-involve-temporary-staff-in-your-workplace-culture/">workplace culture</a></h2>
<p>What can be done to create a workplace culture that will foster trust, encourage engagement, and increases productivity? In an interview with Forbes, Author and Researcher Bren&eacute; Brown, said that &ldquo;if leaders really want people to show up, speak out, take chances, and innovate, we have to create cultures where people feel safe.&rdquo;<sup>1</sup></p>
<p><strong>Employee/employer connection</strong>&nbsp;- Brown talks about the employee/employer connection, and how creating a supportive environment where people feel a sense of belonging, means managers and leaders are more likely to create an intimate connection within their teams. To build this workplace community, you need purpose and meaning, regular face-to-face contact, human connection, and empathy.</p>
<p><strong>A sense of purpose</strong>&nbsp;- when employees understand the &ldquo;why&rdquo; behind what they do, this will give them more purpose. Taking the time to explain the reason behind each task, why it matters and how it fits in to the bigger picture of the whole organisation, will help your team to connect, engage, and understand the purpose within their roles.</p>
<p><strong>Company culture and core values</strong>&nbsp;- finding a company whose core values connect with their own and a culture that fosters empathy, support, trust, recognition, and reward, will give employees the motivation to always do their best, be innovative, share ideas and become more engaged and therefore, be more productive as a result.</p>
<p><strong>Employee support</strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong>- it is important that the physical, mental, and emotional needs of all employees are being met. HR departments who are less focused on surveys and data, and more concerned with supporting employees as individuals with thoughts, emotions, and relationships, are more likely to see positive results. By helping employees to stay productive in challenging times, team leaders and HR departments will realise that playing a deeper role in the personal lives of their staff has a high level of positive impact.</p>
<h2>Non-monetary rewards</h2>
<p>Career progression, professional growth and recognition for work done well are examples of non-monetary rewards that people seek though their employment. There are many other non-monetary perks and rewards that can be used to increase motivation, employee engagement, improve productivity, and incite company loyalty.</p>
<p>For those who are office based, non-monetary rewards can include, the option to work from home, a four-day week or a six-hour workday and flexible work schedules. For those who are nonoffice based or work in the field, you can incentivise them with flexible shift patterns and branded workwear. Other rewards to consider for all employees are a subsidised workplace canteen, paid volunteer days, childcare vouchers or an on-site cr&egrave;che, discount vouchers and experiential rewards, such as group outings or tickets to sporting events.</p>
<p>Offering your employees benefits such as gym membership or an on-site fitness studio, a bike to work scheme, smart watches that promote physical well-being, subsidised dentist and comprehensive eyecare, will let them know that their health and mental well-being is important to you.</p>
Employee recognition is a powerful tool for incentivising productivity and boosting moral. From a simple &ldquo;well done&rdquo; to an annual awards ceremony, verbal and peer-to-peer recognition should never be undervalued. Any worker who knows that their efforts and contribution has been noticed is bound to feel a sense of pride in their work and workplace.<br><br>
<h2>How to ensure your company is a great place to work</h2>
<p>Company loyalty and staff productivity are two key indicators to know if your company is considered a great place to work by your employees. In our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/recruitment-solutions/industry-insights/what-is-the-link-between-happiness-and-productivity/">previous post&nbsp;</a>we discussed how happiness at work is directly linked to productivity and provided a questionnaire to measure staff happiness levels.</p>
<p>To establish if you have a people-centric and purpose-focused work culture, allocate time to speak to all your employees one-on-one to gain insight into them personally and their views on their role and responsibilities.</p>
<p>Ask your workers which items at work energise them, what do they look forward to and what makes them proud. Also ask them to identify their strengths and discuss any possibilities available at work where these skills can be used. By ensuring each employee enjoys what they do and is given the opportunity to learn and grow, then you can create a happy and more productive workplace.</p>
<p>Asking your team members to envisage their future within the workplace can help them to ascertain what is needed to achieve these goals. Having tangible goals should motivate them to become more productive and reap the reward of career progression and/or wage rises.</p>
<p>Help your workers to identify which tasks are most critical or high priority within their own workload, this will enable them to discover their inherent value as part of a larger team and the organisation. Knowing they are an integral part of something bigger will help them to feel self-worth and take pride in what they do.</p>
<p>Encouraging your employees to think about how they relate to others at work can make them realise that they are a meaningful part of a team. A valued and cohesive team are more likely to be loyal, productive, and happy in the knowledge that they are appreciated and that where they work is a great place to be.</p>
<p>In this series, we are looking to unlock the secrets behind empowering, engaging and motivating your entire workforce with the power of happiness. Although they are often under-represented within existing productivity and business development guidance, Blue Arrow believes that temporary workers are an integral part of the wider workforce driving businesses - so to find out more about how you can use happiness to improve productivity throughout your entire organisation,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/recruitment-solutions/industry-insights/improving-productivity/">click here.</a>&nbsp;</p>
</div>

How to make your company a great place to work?

<p>There has been talk lately that we are entering a 4th Industrial Revolution. This is far from the days of steam power and machinery which transformed Britain from rural cottage industries to large scale urban industrialisation in the early 1800&rsquo;s. Now it is all about the increase in automation and the continuing improvement in technology. As a result, the future of work is set to change and now is the time to get ready and think about a future proof career.</p>
<p>In our earlier blog, <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/the-future-of-work/">The Future of Work </a>we looked at how the world of work and warehouse jobs are changing &ndash; yes, automation and robots may take away jobs previously done by people, but we need to focus on the positive aspects of these changes. New roles not seen before will emerge because of automation and despite what we see in the movies, there are inherent human skills that really can&rsquo;t ever be replaced. &ldquo;Human skill&rsquo; roles are here to stay.</p>
<p>So, whether you continue with your warehouse career or consider a new direction, it&rsquo;s time to start your path to a future proof career now to be ahead of the game and get the skills and expertise you need to be ready.</p>
<h2>The Changing Future of Work</h2>
<p>It is true that over the past few years we have seen more and more jobs primarily done by people, be taken over by robots and automated processes. However, in many cases automation is about one specific task, not the whole job.</p>
<p>For example, if we look at the medical profession, robots can be used as tools to assist and improve procedures but a human professional is still required to talk to the patient, explain the process, program and control the machine and provide the necessary care before and after.</p>
<p>This example brings to light three factors:</p>
<ul>
<li>Existing job roles can be aided and enhanced by new technology. Machines will take on the routine and repetitive tasks so that distinctively human talents can be used more effectively.</li>
<li>Human skills such as critical thinking, attention to detail, empathy and compassion cannot be replaced. No robot can be as creative or understanding as a real person. Try telling Alexa how you feel &ndash; she has some advice, but she is not real.</li>
<li>Technology and automation requires designing, programming, engineering and maintenance. As this area continues evolving there is potential here for the creation of a whole array of new job roles.</li>
</ul>
<p>The future of work then is not that less jobs will be available, but that the roles employers are looking to fill will change. This is backed up by the findings of the Future of Jobs report from the Centre for New Economy and Society1 which estimated that between 2018 and 2022 we will see a decline of 0.98 million jobs but a gain of 1.74 million jobs.</p>
<p>It is important now more than ever to get yourself the future proof skills you&rsquo;ll need to take advantage of new opportunities. Be proactive and look at the skills you already have and start building on those. Consider the skills and expertise you need to gain through further training or in current warehouse job roles so that you will have what employers are going to be looking for in the future job market.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>What are the top 10 job roles of the future?</h2>
<p>Here are some of the job roles set to grow over the next few years. In some sectors these job roles are predicted to increase by up to 15% by 2022<sup>1</sup>.</p>
<ul>
<li>Customer Service Advisors</li>
<li>Sales &amp; Marketing Professionals</li>
<li>Nurses &amp; Care Workers</li>
<li>Training &amp; Development Professionals</li>
<li>Data Analysts</li>
<li>Software &amp; App Developers</li>
<li>Social Media Specialists</li>
<li>Financial Analysts</li>
<li>Process Automation Experts</li>
<li>Robotics Engineers</li>
</ul>
<p>If most of your experience has been from your warehouse career it can be easy to think that warehouse work is the only thing you can do, but that&rsquo;s not true at all. Think about the many personal and technical skills you have that can put you in good stead for other careers.</p>
<p><strong>People Skills</strong> &ndash; working among people from different backgrounds helps develop people skills, an important attribute if you&rsquo;re looking to work in a customer service role, the health profession or training and development.</p>
<p><strong>Teamwork</strong> &ndash; being able to work alongside others and as an integral part of a team will put you in a good position for sales and marketing roles, software development and care work.</p>
<p><strong>Health &amp; Safety</strong> &ndash; working in warehouses means you must be fully aware of good health and safety practices. This knowledge will help if you want to move into a customer service position in the hospitality or catering sector.</p>
<p><strong>Time Management and Organisation</strong> &ndash; being proven to meet deadlines and manage your workload efficiently will make you stand out to employers in many future roles.</p>
<p><strong>Operational Skills</strong> &ndash; understanding and being able to operate technical equipment puts you a step ahead of others when it comes to knowing how processes and machines work together. Robotics engineering or process automation could be something to aim for.</p>
<p><strong>Computer Skills</strong> &ndash; having a good working knowledge of using computer programs and software will help when moving to a career in software development or data analytics.</p>
<p><strong>Logic &amp; Problem Solving</strong> &ndash; working in a high-paced environment means thinking on your feet and coming up with solutions to tricky situations. Being able to think around a problem could help you move to a technical career working with process automation or perhaps into data analytics.</p>
<h2>Staying in the Warehouse</h2>
<p>Despite the expected shift in employment opportunities over the next few years, it&rsquo;s not to say there will no longer be a need for warehouse workers and warehouse jobs will not be disappearing, only evolving.</p>
<p>If you want to stay in the warehouse sector consider applying for different positions within the warehouse to broaden your knowledge and skill set. Start an apprenticeship in a sector that is new to you to gain a qualification as you learn more.</p>
<p>If you can, get experience in a position where automated processes are already in place that way you will see them in action and can get ahead by learning how to control and maintain the equipment before they become mainstream.</p>
<h2>Steps to a Future Proof Career</h2>
<p>Over the next few months we will be featuring blog posts giving advice on how to transition into different job roles and how these can be a stepping stone to your chosen future proof career.</p>
<ul>
<li>Use your people skills to become a call centre advisor in a bank as a step towards becoming a financial analyst.</li>
<li>Take your health and safety knowledge and your love of food to work in a kitchen and work your way up to becoming a chef.</li>
</ul>
<p>So rather than a story of doom and gloom with automation taking away our jobs, the next few years are actually full of many new and exciting prospective future proof careers. You just have to decide which one to go for.</p>
<p><strong>References</strong></p>
<p><sup>1</sup> <a href="http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Future_of_Jobs_2018.pdf">Centre for the New Economy and Society (2018) The Future of Jobs Report 2018</a>. (Accessed January 2020)</p>

Future of Work - Top 10 Job Roles of the Future

<p>I know it&rsquo;s not like me to start a post with a negative outlook, but the truth is today, more than most days I really miss the sun.</p>
<p>I am tired of the rain and perpetually cold toes. I am bored of my winter wardrobe and shoving my hair into a bobble hat.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I long to wear floaty clothing and complain about the heat, I want sand in my toes and salt water in my hair. In short, I want a holiday.</p>
<p>Before you say &ldquo;Oh Caree, its Christmas! Don&rsquo;t you just wish for snow, curled up by the fire drinking hot chocolate&rdquo;. The answer is no, I don&rsquo;t. I wish for sun, sea, and sand in a land far, far away.</p>
<p>I have decided that I am geographically displaced from where my soul wishes to reside and today, I refuse to be okay with it.</p>
<p>Just imagine my joy this morning when already feeling so chirpy (bitter, twisted and narky) I read about a company who not only provide paid holiday for their staff but who also pay for the holiday. Now imagine my mood when I confirmed that this was not my employer, it was someone else&rsquo;s.</p>
<p>The company is Full Contact, an American identity resolution and insights platform. American! Why do they need holidays, they live in a holiday destination!</p>
<p>Okay, I am sorry, I promise I will quit my ranting and tell you how lovely it is for the Full Contact employees to be provided with such a wonderful, and no doubt deserved perk. There, see, barely a grimace.&nbsp;</p>
<p>They call the benefit,&nbsp;<strong>Paid, Paid Vacation</strong>. Basically, this means that their employees get a minimum 15 days paid annual leave, plus the standard public holidays and then $7500 per year to spend on a holiday.&nbsp;</p>
<p>So, what&rsquo;s the catch? I hear you ask. Well, there isn&rsquo;t one. There are rules, but they are not what you could call a catch, more like life rules to live by:&nbsp;</p>
<p>1. You have to actually go on holiday, or you don&rsquo;t get the money.</p>
<p>2. You must disconnect while on holiday, no phoning the office.</p>
<p>3. You can&rsquo;t work while on holiday &ndash; at all.</p>
<p>That&rsquo;s it! They are the rules. I wonder if they are hiring? Someone please find me an application form.</p>
<p>They have even gone so far as to lay out some guiding principles to help their employees understand their thinking behind the concept &ndash; I am not sure they took much convincing, but it is interesting to read.</p>
<h3><strong>Guiding Principle 1 - It is really important to disconnect.</strong></h3>
<blockquote>&nbsp;&ldquo;In today&rsquo;s world of Email, iPhones, Androids, Twitter, Facebook and devices on our person 24&times;7, we&rsquo;re always connected. It&rsquo;s not healthy.&rdquo;- Bart Lorang, Full Contact</blockquote>
<p>Many people won&rsquo;t spend money on a holiday every year, either they don&rsquo;t have the cash to fund it or if they do, they think they should really save it. The problem is that then they miss the value of disconnecting. They power on through the year, never taking the opportunity to break out of their daily routine.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Full Contact want to incentivise employees to disconnect.</p>
<h3><strong>Guiding Principle 2 &ndash; Full Contact will be a better company if employees disconnect.</strong></h3>
<p>Founders, managers and employees alike all tend to fall into the same pattern of thinking, known as Hero syndrome, the &ldquo;I am the only one who can do this&rdquo;, mentality.</p>
<blockquote>&ldquo;That&rsquo;s not heroic. That&rsquo;s a single point of failure. It&rsquo;s not good for the employee or the company.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;- Bart Lorang, Full Contact</blockquote>
<p>It is a misguided outlook that they are working for the good of the company, but the truth is, they are doing more damage with this outlook then they realise. They prevent the corporate team from building a secure structure and a collaborative ethos.</p>
<p>If all employees were to disconnect then the company as a whole would be empowered to work smarter. To share information, to update notes, to contribute to a think-tank and ensure that all documents and information are available, there will be no computer islands.</p>
<p>Overall, by investing in disconnection Full Contact are investing in improving the company.A happy by-product of this is that by dropping the &ldquo;last line of defence&rdquo; belief, employees can relax. Happier employees make for a happier, stronger working environment.</p>
<h3><strong>Guiding Principle 3 &ndash; Everyone deserves a nice vacation.</strong></h3>
<blockquote>&ldquo;We felt that everyone should have the opportunity to take a nice vacation without constantly worrying about how much money they&rsquo;re spending while on vacation.&rdquo; -&nbsp;&nbsp;Bart Lorang,&nbsp; Full Contact</blockquote>
<p>Having read some of the comments online about this benefit scheme there seem to be mixed opinions, although I should say, none of them are from Full Contact employees, just from people musing about the idea. Some say that 15 days + public holidays is not enough, that they would opt for no money and more days.</p>
<p>Who are these people! If you don&rsquo;t have the cash to go on holiday what are you going to do with all those the extra days? Sit around in your underwear and eat nachos? Hell no! It also kind of defeats the point don&rsquo;t you think?</p>
<p>Can you imagine sitting in a staff meeting and this is announced, I know that my lunch break would be spent in the nearest travel agents gathering armfuls of brochures unashamedly.</p>
<p>I have to say that for me, this is by far the very best, most awesome perk I have heard of so far. It is going to take some doing to beat this one.</p>
<p>What do you all think? Is this something you would like to have added to your employment scheme?&nbsp; What about all you employers out there, would you consider providing something like this to your staff? Hint..hint.. wink.</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW212895013 BCX3"><span class="TextRun SCXW212895013 BCX3" data-contrast="none">Job seekers</span></p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW212895013 BCX3"><span class="TextRun SCXW212895013 BCX3" data-contrast="none">Join the Blue Arrow family, click&nbsp;<a href="http://https//www.bluearrow.co.uk/jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>&nbsp;to see our latest jobs</span></p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW212895013 BCX3"><span class="TextRun SCXW212895013 BCX3" data-contrast="none">Salary Checkers</span></p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW212895013 BCX3"><span class="TextRun SCXW212895013 BCX3" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW212895013 BCX3">Wondering what your take home pay will be, click here and check out our handy&nbsp;<a href="http://https//www.bluearrow.co.uk/salary-calculator" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">salary calculator tool.</a></span></span></p>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW212895013 BCX3"><span class="TextRun SCXW212895013 BCX3" data-contrast="none">Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/find-a-job/career-advice/cv-templates" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>&nbsp;to access our free CV templates&nbsp;</span><span class="TextRun SCXW212895013 BCX3" data-contrast="none">and our guide to creating a great CV.</span></p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW212895013 BCX3"><span class="TextRun SCXW212895013 BCX3" data-contrast="none">Get in touch</span></p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW212895013 BCX3"><span class="TextRun SCXW212895013 BCX3" data-contrast="none">You can keep up with my musings by subscribing to my nifty newsletter. If you want to get in touch you can email me at</span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW212895013 BCX3" href="mailto:Caree.R@bluearrow.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW212895013 BCX3" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW212895013 BCX3">Caree.R@bluearrow.co.uk</span></span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW212895013 BCX3" data-contrast="none">or jump over to&nbsp;</span><span class="TextRun SCXW212895013 BCX3" data-contrast="none">our</span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BlueArrowJobs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW212895013 BCX3" data-contrast="none">Facebook page</span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW212895013 BCX3" data-contrast="none">where you can join the community discussions or just say Hi!</span></p>

Full Contact Holiday - Company benefits

<p>Proven work experience as a warehouse operative is a great asset when you are looking for a new position, hoping to further your career by moving in to a permanent role or putting yourself up for a promotion.</p>
<p>We currently have lots of available opportunities for warehouse workers and warehouse forklift operators, you can see all of our current jobs by clicking over to our <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/find-a-job/warehouse-jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">warehouse jobs page,</a></p>
<p>In preparation for submitting an application it is a good idea to build up an overview of the experience and skills you have gained so far. By adding this to your application you significantly increase your chances of getting the job you want.&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>On-the-job experience could include:</li>
<li>Familiarity of warehouse environments and practices</li>
<li>Ability to use inventory software, databases and systems&nbsp;</li>
<li>Experience with hand-held scanners and tablets</li>
<li>Health and safety, safe lifting training</li>
<li>Machinery operation experience</li>
</ul>
<p>While working as a warehouse operative you pick up and develop many useful skills that are applicable to various roles and positions. These skills are known as transferrable &lsquo;soft&rsquo; skills and attributes, examples of such skills are:</p>
<ul>
<li>Organisation</li>
<li>Time management</li>
<li>Self-motivation</li>
<li>Planning</li>
<li>Leadership</li>
<li>Punctuality</li>
<li>Reliability</li>
<li>Team working</li>
<li>Flexibility</li>
<li>Communication &amp; Listening</li>
<li>Decisiveness</li>
</ul>
<p>These are excellent skills to include on your CV or job application, they are also great for formulating answers to interview questions.</p>
<p>If you are serious about finding a job, we have lots of tools to help you succeed, check out our <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/cv-templates/">range of tailored CV templates</a> to help you to create a professional looking CV quickly.</p>
<p>Check out all of our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/jobs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">current job opportunities</a> and start your application process today.&nbsp;</p>

Top skills to boast about for warehouse workers when applying for a new job

<p>Is 2020 your year for getting your driving career on the road? Before you set your sights on a standard truck driving job, take a moment to check out some of the highest paid driving jobs in the industry. From getting your HGV/LGV licence through to becoming an all seeing, all knowing Transport Manager we are about to show you that the opportunities and earning potential in this industry are excellent.</p>
<p>Truck driving jobs pay pretty well across the board with plenty of opportunities for overtime, specialising and of course travel to make it a tempting career choice for many but each qualification level does bring a salary improvement from the one before.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">A quick recap of the various HGV/LGV Licences</span></h3>
<p><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/drivingjobs/">Vehicles and licences are sectioned into categories</a>:</p>
<ul>
<li>Category B &ndash; Main car driving licence &ndash; vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes.</li>
<li>Category C1 - Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) weighing up to 7,500kg/7.5 tonne.</li>
<li>Category C - rigid vehicles weighing over 7,500kg/7.5 tonne with trailers weighing up to 750kg.</li>
<li>Category C+E - articulated vehicles in excess of 7,500kg/7.5 tonne with trailers weighing more than 750kg.</li>
</ul>
<p>As a newly qualified HGV/LGV Driver with a category C1 Licence you can expect to earn a basic salary of &pound;18,000 rising to &pound;24,000 when you gain experience and start earning overtime and night working bonuses.*</p>
<p>Most Category C and above driving roles involve straight A to B routes with no, or few, multi-drop requirements. For those who start out in the driving industry as Delivery Drivers or Multi-drop Drivers, this is a definite plus point as they are no longer just navigating towns and cities but getting out on the open road travelling greater distances.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Earning more money as a truck driver</span></h3>
<p><strong>Experienced Driver </strong></p>
<p>A C+E Driver can expect to earn around &pound;28,000 per year on a standard salary but experience can play a big role in your earning potential as can your accident record and the amount of points on your licence.* Some of the highest paid driving jobs require a squeaky clean driving licence so if you have your sights set on the best and highest paying roles you will need to keep your speed in check and watch out for those new smart motorways.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What are the highest paid truck driving jobs?</span></h3>
<p><strong>Tanker/Hazmat Driver </strong></p>
<p>Tanker Drivers can earn in the region of &pound;45,000 per year making it the highest paid truck driving job in the UK right now.*</p>
<p>To become a Tanker Driver you will need your HGV/LGV Licence, ideally up to C+E level, a Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) and an <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/driving-dangerous-goods-and-special-loads#driver-training-certificates-required-under-adr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ADR</a> (European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road) driver certificate. You will need this ADR certificate in order to carry hazardous materials such as fuel oil. In some cases, if you don&rsquo;t have an ADR but you fit all other criteria and have a good level of experience, your prospective employer may opt to pay for your ADR training and certificate.</p>
<p><strong>Abnormal/Oversize Load Driver </strong></p>
<p>The big pay checks tend to go to those who have the more specialised skills and the experience of carrying the more unusual loads. Hauling extra wide or long items doesn&rsquo;t require any additional qualification to the categories mentioned above but it does require a lot of skill and knowledge. It is a good idea to work somewhere that can provide you with the opportunities for variation in your work to gain the experience you need to start pulling in a salary between &pound;30,000 and &pound;40,000 per year.*</p>
<p><strong>Long Haul Truck Driver </strong></p>
<p>Driving long haul can be a great way to bump up your driving pay and regular trips into Europe can put Long Haul Truck Driver pretty high up in the list of highest paid truck driving jobs. With lay over money and the opportunity for fuel efficiency and safe driving bonuses you can bump your salary up into the high &pound;30,000&rsquo;s.*</p>
<p><strong>Transport (Fleet) Manager </strong></p>
<p>Truck Drivers who are looking to ease off the accelerator and put their trucking skills and knowledge to use in a slightly different way should consider a position as a Transport Manager before they hang up their keys for good.</p>
<p>Transport Managers can earn upwards of &pound;31,000 per year.* They are responsible for the direction, execution and coordination of a company&rsquo;s logistical requirements. This could be organising schedules and routes, managing the fleet of drivers, ensuring the vehicles are safe and compliant, overseeing legal requirements, budgeting and reporting. Coming into this role as an experienced driver provides you with the ability to empathise, understand and inspire the workforce under you as well as problem solve by drawing on the wealth of on the job knowledge you have built over the years.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Applying for a new truck driving job</span></h3>
<p>If you don&rsquo;t already have one, getting your HGV/LGV and CPC licence is the obvious first step. For details on how to get your licence check out the following links:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/jobs/?keywords=7.5+Tonne+Driver">How to become a LGV Cat C1 Driver</a>.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/jobs/?keywords=LGV+Category+C+Driver">How to become a LGV Cat C Driver</a>.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/jobs/?keywords=Class+1+Driver+">How to become a LGV Cat C+E Driver</a>.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p>If you have found the ideal job for you then you need to be sure that you have the very best chance of landing the role. The driving industry is highly competitive so be sure to spend some time getting your CV in order and updating your personal statement.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Top trucking tip</span></h3>
<p>A great top tip for Truck Drivers is to keep a record of your driving experience. You will be keeping regular driving records and tachograph records as part of your role, but this record is more of a portfolio of sorts. If you can keep a diary of your driving experience including any long hauls, abnormal loads, difficult routes and problems you have overcome you will be able to demonstrate to any employer that not only are you experienced but also diligent, forward thinking and proactive, all great traits for an LGV Driver.</p>
<p>To keep an eye on the latest trucking jobs, you can visit our dedicated <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/drivingjobs/">driving jobs</a>&nbsp;area.</p>
<p>If you are ready to&nbsp;apply for a&nbsp;new driving job, you can find out <a href="https://bluearrow.co.uk/app/">how to register with Blue Arrow</a>.</p>
<p>If you already work for Blue Arrow, in a driving role or otherwise and you are looking for a new challenge, speak with your in-branch consultant who will be able to help you. You can also find your local branch <a href="https://bluearrow.co.uk/contact-us/">contact details here</a>.</p>

What are the highest paid driving jobs?

<p>Recent employment news has been dominated by the governments new Plan for Jobs scheme and how it not only seeks to support jobs but to also support individuals.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Plan for Jobs is the second phase of the governments staged recovery from Coronavirus (COVID-19) plan and is tailor made specifically to help individuals find work and gain the skills they need.</p>
<p>Following on from our recent <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=3D3D1897F4C94E8D8A3593306509A2AD&amp;_z=z">&lsquo;What does the new Plan for Jobs mean for you&rsquo; article</a>, our second article in the series <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=24D1E37EE2EA4757BEDD0DC07D4698CF&amp;_z=z">&lsquo;Finding work and gaining the skills you need - A Plan for Jobs&rsquo; article</a>&nbsp;provided detailed information on how the government is supporting jobs under the Plan for Jobs scheme along with an in depth review of the new Kickstart scheme.</p>
<p>In this, the third article in our Plan for Jobs employment news series, we will be delving deeper into the &lsquo;Supporting Individuals&rsquo; section of the initiative.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Supporting Individuals</h2>
<p>The Plan for Jobs scheme contains the following provisions to assist individuals in relation to both their work and their personal finances:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Universal Credit and Legacy benefits</strong> - To support families on low incomes changes to the UK&rsquo;s welfare system increased the financial support for those claiming Universal Credit and Legacy benefits.</li>
<li><strong>Council Tax Hardship Fund</strong> - A new &pound;500 million Hardship Fund is in place to help vulnerable people in England to meet their council tax payments over the coming year.</li>
<li><strong>Food support </strong>- &pound;63 million in funding has been allocated for local authorities in England to assist people struggling to afford food and other essentials.</li>
<li><strong>Income Tax Self-Assessment</strong> - Income Tax Self-Assessment payments due in July 2020 have been deferred to January 2021, helping up to 2.7 million taxpayers across the UK with their finances and cashflow.</li>
<li><strong>Rent and mortgage payment Holidays</strong> - Lenders should pause repossession proceedings until 31 October 2020 to help people to stay in their homes. Additionally, landlords are required to give tenants at least three months&rsquo; notice before seeking repossession.</li>
<li><strong>Off-Payroll Working Rules (IR35)</strong> - The government has delayed reform to the off-payroll working rules (commonly known as IR35) in the private and third sectors from April 2020 to April 2021.</li>
<li><strong>Credit payment holidays </strong>- The government has worked with credit providers and the Financial Conduct Authority to ensure the financial sector provides support for people across the UK to manage their finances by providing payment holidays on consumer credit products (loans and credit cards) and support on overdrafts.</li>
<li><strong>Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)</strong> &ndash; COVID-19 - Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) related SSP has been made payable from the first day of sickness absence, rather than the fourth, and extended to people self-isolating and shielding.</li>
<li><strong>Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS)</strong> - Two taxable grants worth 80% of average monthly trading profits and 70% of average monthly trading was paid to self-employed individuals whose businesses have been adversely affected by COVID-19.</li>
<li><strong>Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS)</strong> - So far, the government has paid the wages for over 9.4 million jobs, enabling 1.1 million employers to keep employees on a period of temporary leave (&lsquo;furlough&rsquo;) throughout lockdown.</li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Claiming Universal Credit and Legacy benefits</span></h3>
<p>To support families on low incomes, changes to the UK&rsquo;s welfare system increased the financial support for those in need:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Claiming Universal Credit </strong>&ndash; Claim Universal Credit and access advance payments upfront without the requirement to attend a jobcentre.</li>
<li><strong>Universal Credit Standard Allowance and Working Tax Credit Basic Element </strong>&ndash; Increases to both the Universal Credit Standard Allowance and the Working Tax Credit Basic Element.</li>
<li><strong>Housing support</strong> &ndash; Increased housing support for private renters through Local Housing Allowance rates.</li>
<li><strong>Minimum Income Floor</strong> &ndash; The requirements of the Universal Credit Minimum Income Floor have been temporarily relaxed.</li>
<li><strong>Contributory Employment and Support Allowance</strong> &ndash; Employment and Support Allowance available from day 1 of sickness rather than day 4.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>How do I claim Universal Credit and access discounts?</strong> The full scope of what changes have been made to the Universal Credit system, how to claim and how you can access additional grants and discounts is <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=BDD30805649D450E9013D93BA60A4B68&amp;_z=z">discussed in our recent Universal Credit Perks article</a>.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Council Tax Hardship Fund</span></h3>
<p>The <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-confirms-500-million-hardship-fund-will-provide-council-tax-relief-for-vulnerable-households">government has established a new &pound;500 million Hardship Fund</a>&nbsp;to help vulnerable people in England to meet their council tax payments over the coming year.&nbsp;All councils have their own schemes providing support to working age council tax payers. The level of support is decided by the council, taking account of local circumstances, but will provide a reduction on council tax bills to lower income households, income and savings will be taken into consideration.</p>
<p><strong>How do I claim a council tax reduction?&nbsp;</strong>The fund is open to those in receipt of local council tax support. There is no need for you to make a separate claim for the allocation, your local authority will automatically assess your eligibility and apply the reduction.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Food support</span></h3>
<p>The government has announced <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/63-million-for-local-authorities-to-assist-those-struggling-to-afford-food-and-other-essentials">&pound;63 million funding for local authorities in England</a> to assist people struggling to afford food and other essentials.&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://www.trusselltrust.org/">The Trussell Trust reported</a> an 89% increase in need for emergency food parcels including an 107% rise in those given to children in April compared to same time last year<sup>1</sup>. <a href="https://www.foodaidnetwork.org.uk/">Food banks in the Independent Food Aid Network (IFAN)</a>&nbsp;also reported a 177% rise in the number of food parcels distributed in May, compared to May last year.<sup>2</sup></p>
<p>Local authorities are already working hard to support those who are vulnerable and this additional funding will contribute to that work. Many local authorities have existing mechanisms to provide this support in a way that suits the needs of their community including provision of cash payments, food vouchers and alternative means of support.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>How can I access food support?</strong> HMRC has provided advice on their website about <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-accessing-food-and-essential-supplies">accessing food and essential supplies</a>.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Income Tax Self-Assessment</span></h3>
<p>The government has supported individuals and the self-employed by temporarily deferring <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/defer-your-self-assessment-payment-on-account-due-to-coronavirus-covid-19">Income Tax Self-Assessment payments</a>. The payments that are due in July 2020 can now be deferred until January 2021, helping up to 2.7 million taxpayers across the UK with their finances.</p>
<p><strong>How can I defer my payment on account?</strong> Deferring your payment on account is optional and you do not need to tell HMRC. Additionally, choosing to defer will not stop you from being entitled to other Coronavirus (COVID-19) support from HMRC.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Support for housing and renters</span></h3>
<p>Alongside payment holidays on residential and Buy to Let mortgages, the government has extended the stay on repossession proceedings in the private and social rented sector until 23 August 2020. Lenders have also paused repossession proceedings until 31 October 2020 to help people to stay in their homes.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The government also introduced emergency measures in schedule 29 of <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2020/7/section/81/enacted">the Coronavirus Act 2020</a>, which are in place until 30 September, to require landlords to give tenants at least three months&rsquo; notice before seeking repossession.</p>
<p><strong>Where can I get help? </strong>The <a href="https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/coronavirus">UK charity Shelter has released detailed housing advice</a> on their website to provide information and support to those at risk of repossession and homelessness.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Credit payment holidays</span></h3>
<p>The government has worked with credit providers and the Financial Conduct Authority to ensure the financial sector provides support for people across the UK to manage their finances by providing payment holidays on consumer credit products (loans and credit cards) and support on overdrafts. As of 19 June, 1.9 million mortgage holidays and over 1.8 million payment holidays on consumer credit products were granted.</p>
<p><strong>How do I get a credit payment holiday?&nbsp;</strong>Customers need to request a payment freeze or an arranged interest free overdraft of up to &pound;500 directly from your bank or lender &ndash; you have until 31st October 2020 to do this.&nbsp;If you have already taken up support and are still experiencing temporary payment difficulties due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), lenders will continue to offer support with options including a further payment deferral or reducing payments to an amount you can afford for a further three months.</p>
<p>At the end of the payment freeze, lenders will contact customers to find out if they can resume payments, if so, a plan will be agreed on how the missed payments can be repaid.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)</span></h3>
<p>As of 13th March, <a href="https://www.gov.uk/employers-sick-pay/entitlement">COVID-19 related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)</a>&nbsp;was made payable from the first day of sickness absence, rather than the fourth. COVID-19 related SSP is applicable to those who cannot work because of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and extends to people self-isolating and shielding.</p>
<p>SSP is payable (providing you are off work due to Coronavirus (COVID-19)) for more than 4 days in a row, including non-working days.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>How can I claim Statutory Sick Pay for being off work due to Coronavirus (COVID-19)?</strong> To claim SSP you must tell your employer by the deadline they set or within 7 days if they have not set one.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you cannot work for 7 or more days (including non-working days) you will need to show your employer any of the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>An &lsquo;isolation note&rsquo; if you&rsquo;re unable to work due to Coronavirus (COVID-19).</li>
<li>A letter from your doctor advising you to take extra precautions because you&rsquo;re at very high risk of severe illness from Coronavirus (COVID-19) (known as &lsquo;shielding&rsquo;).</li>
<li>Your notification from the NHS or public health authorities if you&rsquo;ve been told to self-isolate because you&rsquo;ve come into contact with someone with Coronavirus (COVID-19).</li>
<li>A letter confirming the date of your procedure if you&rsquo;ve been advised to self-isolate before going into hospital for surgery.</li>
</ul>
<p>Visit the HMRC website for more <a href="https://www.gov.uk/statutory-sick-pay">information on claiming SSP</a>.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS)</span></h3>
<p>The government has supported 2.7 million self-employed individuals, including partnerships, whose businesses have been adversely affected by COVID-19 with over &pound;7.7 billion awarded in grants so far.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The SEISS grants are made up of two parts, the first taxable grant worth 80% of their average monthly trading profits was paid in a single instalment capped at &pound;7,500. Until 19 October, eligible applicants can claim a second and final taxable grant worth 70% of their average monthly trading profits, capped at &pound;6,570.</p>
<p><strong>How can I claim a SEISS grant?&nbsp;</strong>To be eligible for a SEISS grant you must be self-employed or a member of a partnership and your business must have been adversely affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19). Find out if you are eligible for a <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-a-grant-through-the-coronavirus-covid-19-self-employment-income-support-scheme">SEISS grant on the HMRC website</a>.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS)</span></h3>
<p>The government has paid the wages for over 9.4 million jobs, enabling 1.1 million employers to keep employees on a period of temporary furlough leave between March and October.&nbsp;Throughout lockdown, employers claimed &pound;27.4 billion to cover 80% of their usual monthly wage costs. As of 1st August, employers were asked to contribute to the cost of furloughing employees.</p>
<p><strong>Can my employer use the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Job Retention Scheme?</strong> As at the time of writing (September 2020), in order for your employer to be <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-you-could-be-covered-by-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme">eligible for the furlough grant</a>&nbsp;they must have previously submitted a claim for you in relation to a furlough period of at least 3 consecutive weeks taking place any time between 1 March 2020 and 30 June.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you are concerned that your employer has not claimed on your behalf, you should speak to the directly. HMRC is unable to provide information about individual applications.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Job help from Jobcentre Plus&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p>Jobcentre Plus, under the Department for Work and Pensions, has created a new website for people looking for work. There currently are over 58,200 <a href="https://jobhelp.campaign.gov.uk/latest-jobs/">vacancies advertised</a> on the site across a variety of sectors as well as <a href="https://jobhelp.campaign.gov.uk/local-support/">information on jobfairs and skills training opportunities</a> by geographical area.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Job help from Blue Arrow&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p>All of our latest temporary and permanent vacancies for industries including warehouse, driving office and hospitality are <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/jobs">posted on our website here</a>.</p>
<p><strong>References</strong></p>
<p>1 Trussell Trust [Internet] June 2020&nbsp; https://www.trusselltrust.org/2020/06/03/food-banks-busiest-month/</p>
<p>2 Food Aid Network [Internet] July 2020 https://www.foodaidnetwork.org.uk/ifan-data-since-covid-19</p>

What support is there under the Plan for Jobs scheme?

<article class="rich-text-article">
<p>To be successful as a Recruitment Consultant you need determination, a good memory and a quick mind.</p>
<p>Before applying for jobs, it&rsquo;s important to make sure your CV shows all your skills and experience that are relevant to recruitment.</p>
<p>Our free CV template is&nbsp;tailored to help you write a CV that will&nbsp; ensure you stand out from the crowd.</p>
</article>
<article class="content-3col">
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<p><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/recruitment-consultant/rich-text-content/cv-template-a.png?h=280&amp;w=200&amp;hash=AC55BF2211A01FFF392681F7A5446948" alt="CV Template"></p>
<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/recruitment-consultant/rich-text-content/blue-arrow-cv-templates_a_recruitment-consultant.docx"><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/recruitment-consultant/rich-text-content/ba_download_button.png?h=50&amp;w=150&amp;hash=B06DAAD58C6C4FF4B68C92291806C4DC" alt="Download"></a></article>
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<p><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/recruitment-consultant/rich-text-content/cv-template-b.png?h=280&amp;w=200&amp;hash=3E66C63BFC63071A720DDABA0C1BECDF" alt="CV Template"></p>
<p><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/recruitment-consultant/rich-text-content/blue-arrow-cv-templates_b_recruitment-consultant.docx"><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/recruitment-consultant/rich-text-content/ba_download_button.png?h=50&amp;w=150&amp;hash=B06DAAD58C6C4FF4B68C92291806C4DC" alt="Download"></a></p>
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<p><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/recruitment-consultant/rich-text-content/cv-template-c.png?h=280&amp;w=200&amp;hash=A8072F411FD978D4001D8DAB8475C15F" alt="CV Template"></p>
<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/recruitment-consultant/rich-text-content/blue-arrow-cv-templates_c_recruitment-consultant.docx"><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/recruitment-consultant/rich-text-content/ba_download_button.png?h=50&amp;w=150&amp;hash=B06DAAD58C6C4FF4B68C92291806C4DC" alt="Download"></a></article>
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<article class="rich-text-article">
<h2>A guide to writing a CV for a job as a Recruitment Consultant&nbsp;</h2>
<p><strong>Name:</strong>&nbsp;Alex Lambert<br><strong>Tel No:</strong>&nbsp;0000 0000 00<br><strong>Email:</strong>&nbsp;AlexLambert@email.com<br><strong>Address:</strong>&nbsp;91 Winchester Road<br>Luton<br>LU81 4PL</p>
<h2>Personal Profile</h2>
<p>In the personal profile, you should professionally introduce yourself, in three or four sentences, with relation to the job you&rsquo;re applying to.<br><br>Try to include: your current work situation, what type of work you are searching for (such as part-time, flexible hours, or full-time employment starting immediately) some key skills and/or traits that will show the potential employer that you are a good candidate for the advertised job.&nbsp;For example if you have previous experience of working in customer services or sales where you worked to targets, mention this here.</p>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<p><em>I am a dedicated recruitment consultant with three years&rsquo; experience, and am looking for a challenging new role. I am target-driven, have a positive attitude, and great organisational and interpersonal skills.</em></p>
<h2>Work History</h2>
<p>You should use the work history section to show the skills and experience your current and previous jobs have given you; highlighting skills that are relevant to the job you're applying for. This will show potential employers why you are a good fit for the job. You don&rsquo;t need to include every last detail, just pick the best parts. You can always write down and save your examples or other relevant skills for the interview.</p>
<p>Try to include your work history for the last five years. If you haven&rsquo;t been working for that long, that is okay. It will be explained by the education history. If you have recently moved to the country, it&rsquo;s okay to include employment in other countries. There is more advice on work and education history in our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/cv-templates/cv-writing-tips">top tips online article.</a></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Job title, name of employer, location, month and year started &ndash; present (or month and year that you left)</strong>
<ul>
<li>Briefly list the duties you had, and skills you learned while working here. Choose skills or qualities that the employer has listed in their job description</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<ul>
<li><strong><em>Junior recruitment consultant, Blue Arrow, Luton, October 2016 &ndash; present</em></strong>
<ul>
<li><em>My key responsibilities included publishing job adverts, screening applicants to pass on to the employer, liasing with new clients and taking phone calls from job seekers</em></li>
<li><em>I have also learned about maintaining client relationships and building good working relationships</em></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>What jobs should you include?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Any jobs you&rsquo;ve had in the administrative and secretarial, customer services or sales sector will be useful to include here, as lots of the skills will overlap and show you&rsquo;re a good candidate for the role</li>
<li>If you have recently left education, or are new to this type of work, try to include any jobs you&rsquo;ve had that will highlight the skills the employer is looking for. For example, if you have worked on the reception desk in a school, use this to show that you have developed a good telephone manner, paperwork organisation and the ability to prioritise your workload.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h2>Education History</h2>
<p>In education history, this is a chance to show any relevant training you have done, what skills you have learned from your courses, as well as general education subjects you&rsquo;ve done. As you get more work experience, this section will become shorter, as your work history becomes more relevant and more recent.&nbsp;</p>
<p>To be a Recruitment Consultant you need to be educated to at least GCSE-level and have good numeracy and literacy skills. Both on-the-job training and formal courses will likely be given to you on the job, especially when you first start in this role.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Name of course or qualification, name of training centre or education centre, dates you were in attendance or you completed the course</strong>
<ul>
<li>Explain briefly the training certificate relevant to the job you are applying to. What did you learn that is relevant to the job?</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<ul>
<li><strong><em>Microsoft Office Plus Diploma, Pittman Training, Bedford, November</em></strong>
<ul>
<li><em>Covered the key areas of MS packages including word, outlook, excel, powerpoint and access, as well as two elective courses in excel expert and effective business communication</em></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>If you have completed courses or gained certificates in other work-related areas, or first aid, include that information here.</p>
<h2>Skills</h2>
<p>Here is your chance to highlight the best skills you have in relation to the job you&rsquo;re applying for. Hint: these will be the skills listed in the job advert, but only highlight the skills you have. Misleading information on your CV is likely to trip you up in an interview and is unprofessional; you don&rsquo;t have to show you have every last skill listed in the job advert to be successful.</p>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<ul>
<li>Communication skills &ndash; &lsquo;In my current role I have been actively improving my communication skills. This includes listening carefully to others, ensuring that information is passed on correctly and efficiently and being aware of other people&rsquo;s situations and backgrounds. I feel more confident in contacting successful and unsuccessful candidates about roles they have applied for.&rsquo;</li>
<li>Multi-tasking and prioritising &ndash; &lsquo;Particularly during the busiest times of year, I have learned how to manage my workload, work on multiple projects and prioritise what jobs need dealing with first.&rsquo;</li>
</ul>
<h2>References</h2>
<div><strong>First and last name</strong><br>Job title and relation to you in the work place (if it isn&rsquo;t obvious from the job title), name of work place, work contact number (or main company phone number which they can be reached through) and work email address</div>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<div><strong>Jessica Scott</strong></div>
<div>Manager at Blue Arrow, Luton<br>0000 0000 00<br>Jessica Scott@email.com</div>
<h3>Who should you include as a reference?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Your first reference should ideally be from a senior colleague or manager who you&rsquo;ve been working closely with in your most recent role. The second reference can be from a current colleague, or line manager or supervisor from a previous job. It&rsquo;s best practice to ask someone if they will be a reference for you before they are contacted. Be aware that not all employers actually contact references, but it&rsquo;s important to have them available if needed</li>
<li>It&rsquo;s important to remember that while you are in your current job, consider that you may not want your reference (eg. your current boss) to be contacted until you have had an interview for a new possible job, or are actually offered it. This is because, for instance, if you weren&rsquo;t offered the new job, and end up staying in your current job then you might not want your manager having been contacted as a reference. It can cause tension or awkward conversations about why you were trying to leave. A good way to get around this is to simply write &lsquo;References available on request&rsquo;. This shows the new employer that they can ask you for them as needed, but also means you can ask them to only contact them if you are offered the job, and then have time to ask the reference if it&rsquo;s okay for them to be contacted. Most potential employers will be happy to wait to do this after offering you the job</li>
<li>If you have only had one previous job, or have been studying, it is okay to include a tutor as a reference, or someone else as a character reference (who is not related to you)</li>
</ul>
</article>

Recruitment Consultant CV Template

<p>As counterproductive as it may first seem, meeting conflict in the office head on and resolving it quickly and discreetly is always better than avoiding conflict all together. When issues are masked or swept under the rug they can grow and manifest into something altogether more problematic.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Conflict in the office is in some ways to be expected, offices are small confined spaces and when you combine proximity with a stressful workload, ambition and a diverse mix of personalities things can sometimes become a little tense.&nbsp;</p>
<p>So many conflicts in life are caused by a lack of communication and misunderstandings. Even in today's changing world as we continue to navigate remote and hybrid working practices throughout regional and national lockdowns, workplace conflict has not dissipated through distance. Instead with changes to how we communicate and collaborate along with the inability to apply usual face to face conflict management techniques, small disagreements or perceived slights can quickly manifest into deeply rooted issues.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">5 ways conflict can manifest</span></h3>
<p>Conflict in the office can manifest in five different ways:</p>
<ol>
<li>Intrapersonal - within an individual.</li>
<li>Interpersonal - between individuals.</li>
<li>Intragroup - within a group.</li>
<li>Intergroup - between groups.</li>
<li>Intraorganisational - within the organisation.</li>
</ol>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Types of workplace conflict</span></h3>
<p>Conflict in the office can be caused by a multitude of factors, some of the most common conflict causing issues include:</p>
<p><strong>Leadership</strong></p>
<p>Everyone has a different leadership style, some people are detail and deadline focused, some are aggressive, some are loud and brash, others are laid back, caring and friendly, while some are so hand&rsquo;s off you rarely see them. It is difficult to please everyone; different people respond to variations in management styles in different ways. Consistency, clear expectations and actionable feedback is the best way to reduce the necessity for leadership based conflict management on all levels.</p>
<p><strong>Workstyle</strong></p>
<p>Some people enjoy working in a team while some prefer to work alone. Some thrive on collaborative think tanks and others will seek out secluded focused work time. Getting the right balance is not always easy, some people will feel like they have not been consulted, others may feel their ideas have not been heard while some may become frustrated by lots of ideas and little action taking place. Strike a balance between work styles, provide ample opportunities for collaboration and protect focused lone working time.</p>
<p><strong>Personality</strong></p>
<p>The variety in our skills, personalities, interests and motivators are what creates a diverse thriving workforce. It is not all plain sailing though; some personalities can clash and these small skirmishes can quickly change our perceptions and tolerances. Creating a culture of diversity and celebrating the unique is a good basis upon which to avoid intergroup personality conflicts.</p>
<p><strong>Values</strong></p>
<p>Our cultural differences, values, beliefs and backgrounds are in many ways what makes us great at what we do. These differences can however (similarly to personality differences) draw out some quite serious interpersonal conflicts, in extreme cases leading to discrimination claims. Champion diversity, inclusion and equality across all areas of your workplace and maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination.</p>
<p><strong>Interdependence</strong></p>
<p>When you have tasks that are reliant on the work of other colleagues, things can become tense and frustrating if those colleagues continually let the side down. Team interdependence is a highly effective approach to productivity but if reliance is unclear and accountability is not defined as well as it could be, resentment can quickly turn into conflict. Clarity with responsibilities, accountability and expectations will help to reduce the opportunity for interdependent conflict arising.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Why is conflict management better than conflict avoidance?</span></h3>
<p>Unresolved negative feelings can drain productivity, impact individual confidence, damage group morale and cause an uncomfortable air of bad feeling for others.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The misunderstanding or misconstruing of words or actions has the potential to create conflict at any level across the workforce. With technology-based communication being used more and more, especially while we are remote and hybrid working, the opportunity for misunderstanding is greater than ever.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Ensuring that the lines of communication remain as open as possible through the use of regular telephone conversations and video calls instead of solely relying on email and instant messaging will help to minimise and quickly resolve these misunderstandings.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The most effective long-term approach to conflict management is to champion a culture of collaboration and compromise, ensuring that individuals have the confidence to raise problems, openly question things that have left them feeling unsure and seek resolutions at the earliest opportunity.&nbsp;</p>
<p>When resolved properly, conflict can lead to better ideas, better understanding, and better working relationships.</p>
<p>&ldquo;Peace is not absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means.&rdquo;~ Ronald Reagan</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">5 top tips for dealing with conflict in the office</span></h3>
<p><strong>1. Be discreet</strong></p>
<p>Raising the issue directly with the individual(s) in question or with your Team Leader is always better than sharing your frustrations with other team members. Resolutions come from communication and communication is an excellent soft skill to practice, especially in times of frustration.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>2. Never end the day in conflict</strong></p>
<p>It is never good to leave work with a feeling of dissatisfaction, mistrust or frustration. Seek to calmly and discreetly resolve conflicts as they arise. If you are in the office, perhaps ask if you can go and have a coffee together at lunch, on a break or at the end of the day. Find somewhere quiet where you can talk privately while maintaining social distancing measures.</p>
<p><strong>3. Breathe</strong></p>
<p>Try not to indulge your immediate feelings and emotionally react without taking a beat to compose yourself. Disengage from the situation, take a break and a deep breath then take a look at the situation from a position of calm before responding.</p>
<p><strong>4. Focus on behaviour not personality</strong></p>
<p>Focusing on behaviour, actions and events is a faster route to resolution than focusing on personality traits. If your only resolution is for an individual to change who they are you are going to be disappointed in the outcome.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>5. Being right is overrated</strong></p>
<p>Refusing to consider the situation from the other perspective rarely leads to a lasting resolution. Take the time to listen to the other point of view, it may be that neither of you were &lsquo;right&rsquo;. The most important factor is how you resolve and avoid conflict in future - this process starts with mutual understanding.&nbsp;</p>

How to deal with conflict in the office?

<p style="text-align: justify;">In November last year, the UK government announced what the annual National Living Wage increase in April 2023 would be &ndash; its largest increase since its introduction in 2016. The large increase comes as a much-needed pay rise to millions of workers across the UK who are feeling effects of a sharp rise in the cost of living.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The National Minimum Wage, statutory sick pay, maternity, adoption, paternity and shared parental pay rates also increased in April 2023, along with annual increases in tribunal compensation limits.</p>
<article class="rich-text-article light-grey-bg full-width">
<div class="l-container">
<h3>National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW)</h3>
<p>Whilst we refer to the NMW and NLW as two separate things, the only difference between them is the legal age brackets associated with each. A NMW is offered at a minimum to those between school leaving age and 22 years, and those aged 23 or over shouldn&rsquo;t be paid less than the NLW.</p>
<p>These minimum hourly pay rates generally increase each year, based on recommendations made by an independent body called the Low Pay Commission. The new rates for 2023 will apply&nbsp;<strong>from 1 April 2023</strong>, and are as follows:</p>
<table border="1" width="668" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom">
<p><strong>Legal age brackets</strong></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom">
<p><strong>Rate from April 2023</strong></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom">
<p><strong>Increase from 2022 (&pound;)</strong></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom">
<p><strong>Increase from 2022 (per cent)</strong></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom">
<p><strong>Ages 23 and over (NLW)</strong></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom">
<p>&pound;10.42</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom">
<p>&pound;0.92</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom">
<p>9.7%</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom">
<p><strong>Ages 21-22</strong></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom">
<p>&pound;10.18</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom">
<p>&pound;1.00</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom">
<p>10.9%</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom">
<p><strong>Ages 18-20</strong></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom">
<p>&pound;7.49</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom">
<p>&pound;0.66</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom">
<p>9.7%</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom">
<p><strong>Ages 16-17</strong></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom">
<p>&pound;5.28</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom">
<p>&pound;0.47</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom">
<p>9.7%</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom">
<p><strong>Apprentices*</strong></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom">
<p>&pound;5.28</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom">
<p>&pound;0.47</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom">
<p>9.7%</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><em>*There are&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.gov.uk/become-apprentice/pay-and-conditions" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>different rates of pay for apprentices</em></a><em>&nbsp;depending on your age and what year of your apprenticeship you&rsquo;re in.</em></p>
<p>When you receive your first pay cheque after 1 April, use the information above together with your payslip to check that you&rsquo;re earning the minimum hourly rate of pay for your age. If you need some help understanding or finding key information on your payslip, refer to our blog &ndash; &lsquo;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/your-payslip-explained">Your Payslip Explained</a>&rsquo;.</p>
<p>If your hourly rate is not displayed on your payslip but you know how much you have earned for the week or the month before tax, you can use<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/salary-calculator">&nbsp;our salary calculator</a>&nbsp;to see what you are earning per hour before tax.</p>
<p>Whether you work full or part time has no bearing on the rate of pay you are entitled to receive. Part time employees have the legal right to earn the same rates as their full-time counterparts.</p>
</div>
</article>
<article class="rich-text-article primary-bg full-width">
<div class="l-container">
<h3>Statutory Sick Pay increase</h3>
<p>Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) will rise&nbsp;<strong>from &pound;99.35 a week to &pound;109.40 a week from 2 April 2023</strong>. SSP is paid when you&rsquo;re too ill to work, and is paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks. You cannot receive less than the statutory amount, however you could get more if your employer has a sick pay scheme as part of your employment contract.</p>
<p>To be eligible for SSP, you must:</p>
<ul>
<li>be classed as an employee and have done some work for your employer</li>
<li>earn an average of at least &pound;123 per week</li>
<li>have been ill for at least 4 days in a row (including non-working days)</li>
</ul>
<p>Visit the UK government website for more information on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/statutory-sick-pay" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">SSP.</a></p>
</div>
</article>
<article class="rich-text-article light-grey-bg full-width">
<div class="l-container">
<h3>Statutory maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental pay rises</h3>
<p>On 2 April 2023, statutory maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental pay rates will rise&nbsp;<strong>from &pound;156.66 to &pound;172.48 a week.</strong></p>
<p>If you&rsquo;re wanting to claim any parental pay, check with your manager or Blue Arrow consultant to confirm if you qualify, or visit the links below for more information:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.gov.uk/maternity-pay-leave/pay" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Statutory maternity pay</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.gov.uk/paternity-pay-leave/eligibility" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Statutory paternity pay</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.gov.uk/employers-adoption-pay-leave/eligibility" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Statutory adoption pay</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.gov.uk/shared-parental-leave-and-pay/eligibility-for-birth-parents" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Statutory shared parental pay</a></li>
</ul>
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<h3>Increase in compensation limits</h3>
<p><strong>The Employment Rights (Increase of Limits) Order 2023</strong>&nbsp;came into effect on 6 April 2023, increasing the limits on various maximum employment tribunal awards.&nbsp;If you are made redundant after 6 April 2023 and you qualify for statutory redundancy pay, your statutory redundancy pay will be calculated using a &lsquo;week&rsquo;s pay&rsquo; of up to &pound;643 (previously &pound;571). You will normally be entitled to statutory redundancy pay if you&rsquo;re classified as an employee and you&rsquo;ve been working at your current employer for two years or more.</p>
<p>If you ever feel that you&rsquo;ve been unfairly dismissed from your job and you make a claim against your employer at an employment tribunal, the maximum amount of compensation that you could receive is &pound;105,707 (previously &pound;93,878). However, this will be based on individual circumstances and may be lower than this maximum amount. &nbsp;</p>
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<h3>Next steps</h3>
<p>Whether you&rsquo;re a temporary worker or permanent employee, there is nothing you need to do in order to prepare for these changes in legislation. The NMW, NLW and statutory pay increases will take effect, and your employer or agency will ensure that they&rsquo;re paying you in line with the new laws.</p>
<p>If you feel that you&rsquo;re not receiving at least the minimum statutory pay rates where applicable, ask your manager, HR department or Blue Arrow consultant to explain how your pay has been calculated.</p>
<p>As a trusted recruitment agency, we ensure that all candidates are paid the NMW and NLW at a minimum. Reach out to your Blue Arrow recruitment consultant or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/our-branches">local branch</a>&nbsp;if you have any questions about your pay rate.</p>
</div>
</article>

Increase to the National Living Wage

<p>In an agency setting it means you are the name on the tip of everyone&rsquo;s tongue.&nbsp; When a new position pops up, you hear recruiters whispering your name as the person to call with ego boosting sentiments that once upon a time, only your mum would say!</p>
<p>What do you want to be known for? What positive distinctions would you like people to make about you so you can put together the very best personal branding statement and start cultivating your very own professional brand across your social media platforms, in your outreach correspondence and in your day-to-day life?</p>
<p>In basic terms professional branding comes down to how you are perceived by others and what people say about you when you are not in the room? Eeek, doesn&rsquo;t bear thinking about right!</p>
<p>Now that professional branding is becoming a &lsquo;thing&rsquo;, I knew I wanted to write about it, so I have been seeking inspiration for this post everywhere, then one rainy Tuesday afternoon an inspirational gift landed at my feet.</p>
<p>I was travelling on the train, to the Blue Arrow head office pretending to read my book while inconspicuously looking around the carriage to see who my fellow passengers were. I like to sit mid carriage with my back against the window, so I have the ideal vantage point for people watching at both ends of the train.</p>
<p>Have you noticed that on a commuter train the type of people never seem to change, only their faces? You can guarantee that in your carriage, no matter where you are travelling to you will be able to pick out most if not all of the same people I observed.</p>
<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">First up there was the perfectionist who took a table seat. She lined up her laptop, phone, pad and pen at perfect right angles with her ticket on the left next to the flask and the foldable&nbsp;cup.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="background: white;">She was a train travelling pro, it was clear she had done this a few times and I watched in fascination<span style="color: #222222;"> as she spread her items out across the whole table. The best part was that following this ritual she just sat and looked out of the window not touching a single one of them for the entire journey.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222;">Sitting opposite her was the one I am always in awe of, the time-saver. The girl who brought her entire makeup bag and a change of shoes. I have no idea how she gets her make-up so perfect on the train, I can't do it properly on a stable surface, but she deftly applies her eyeliner without a care in the world, allowing for the sway and bump of the train she critically inspects the perfect cat eye she managed to create.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222;">Moving across to the adjacent table I could see we had a twitcher. You know the guy that wobbles his leg, vibrating all of the table and chairs in his section causing a repeating squeak sound in time to the twitch. I love trying to guess which of his fellow passengers will reach out in frustration and stop the man mid-twitch.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222;">Just behind me was the one I dread, the sleeper. The guy who is catching up on his beauty sleep, head back, mouth hanging open with a throaty catch of phlegm with every inhale of breath that makes you want to repeatedly clear your throat for him.</span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222;">Directly over the carriage from me was another one that I try to ignore as much as possible, the eater. The one who always seems to eat the most socially offensive sandwich, egg mayo or tuna, who eats like a Labrador and excavates his teeth then inspects the findings. Ergh!&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222;">Down the other end of the carriage was the caller. That one who makes and receives a ton of calls at full volume with no regard for the rest of us listening in to one side of the conversation, I always think he must be super important until I hear "okay bye mum".&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222;">Just over from the caller was the watcher. The one with the laptop or tablet out, headphones in catching up on the next episode on Netflix. You get to see so many emotions travel across his face as the scene unfolds before him and I always make a mental note to glance at the screen as I walk past to see what he is watching; Geez I am so nosey. The watcher was one of my favourite co-passengers today, he had his headphones in, but they were not plugged into his tablet so everyone else could hear his programme too. Someone actually had to pick up the end of the lead to show him it wasn't plugged in - this is totally something I would do.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="background: white;">From my mid carriage vantage point I had made quite a few presumptions about these people just from their unconscious behaviours, I had summarised who I would and would not be drawn to, who made me wrinkle my nose and turn away, and who irritated me.</p>
<p>I found myself trying to guess what they did for a living and mentally writing professional brand profiles for each of them. Just as I was trying to decide what I could say about the eater we pulled in at a station and a few more candidates joined the carriage.</p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222;">This one guy boarded the train and instantly captured my attention&hellip; now before you all start with your &ldquo;oooohh Caree fancies a boy&rdquo; nonsense this was a strictly professional observation, it is research, honestly. </span><span style="color: #222222;">Anyway, he was dressed in the effortless perfection that only someone who knows who they are and what they are about can do; jeans, shoes, t-shirt, blazer, fedora hat, designer stubble, a nice but not overly flashy watch and a wedding ring that I just happened to notice, not that I was looking for it.</span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222;">So, Mr Perfect ahem, sorry I mean fedora man, selected a seat while taking the time to make eye contact with those around him and smile in greeting. Once settled, he briefly looked at his phone and slid it into his inside breast pocket, picked up his notebook and began to sketch, every now and then wistfully looking out of the window followed by carefully making notes or sketching.</span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222;">I was mesmerised, he could have been a complete fruit loop in reality but he gave off this aura of calm, assured confidence that oozed creativity, it was as though a team of marketing experts had carefully crafted his entire image to appeal &ndash; this was him, this was the guy who has nailed the personal brand to perfection and was so practiced, he didn&rsquo;t even know he was doing it. Screw the rest of them, I spent the whole rest of the journey watching him sketch and musing over what he might do for a living.</span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222;">Is this what professional branding&rsquo;s really about? I don&rsquo;t mean wearing a fedora and carrying a notebook, I mean knowing yourself, being confident and so comfortable with who you are, what you do and how you do it that you unconsciously persuade those around you that you really do have it all worked out. If so, how do we act as our own team of marketing experts and communicate this into a job application where simply having a good sense of style is not so helpful?</span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222;">It is all going to come down to a branding statement because of its versatility in the online job-hunting sphere. Marketers use branding statements to persuade people to buy a product. By reading or hearing a powerful and concise message the customer becomes convinced that the product is ideal for their needs, solves their problems and generally rocks their world &ndash; your job is to come up with a statement that turns the recruiter into your customer.</span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222;">Start by noting down the answers to these bullet points;</span></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Who &ndash; who are you?</li>
<li>What &ndash; what do you do?</li>
<li>How &ndash; how do you do it &ndash; what you want to be known for?</li>
<li>Who For &ndash; who do you do it for?</li>
</ul>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222;">Top tip: Try to include some powerful words relevant to your skills, industry or audience.</span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222;">Once you have your basic answers noted down you can start to figure out how they can all fit together.</span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222;">Using the fedora man from the train as an example and taking quite a bit of artistic license, here is what his professional branding statement might look like if he was a Corporate Brand Designer.</span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><strong>&ldquo;Creative and charismatic corporate Brand Designer who is always seeking inspiration and concepting new designs that evoke an emotive response, effortlessly crossing the divide between industries, genres and markets.&rdquo;</strong></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222;">Taking another fellow passenger, the perfectionist, as a slightly different example, her professional statement might look something like this;</span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><strong>&ldquo;A highly skilled Admin Assistant recognised for an unerring focus on the finer details, an eye for accuracy and organisational prowess, I am committed to developing a career in office productivity and time management systems within SME&rsquo;s where small changes can make the biggest difference.&rdquo;</strong></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222;">In both cases they deliver a clear concise message about who they are and what makes them tick. The good thing about these two statements is that their subconscious behaviours back up their statements, both are totally believable.</span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222;">It is no good creating a statement that you can&rsquo;t naturally pull-off, the whole point of this is to be a lasting brand, one that develops and marinades and the only way for that to happen is through longevity. It would be like the sleeper passenger describing himself as</span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><strong>&ldquo;A highly trained Personal Security Specialist who is always on duty, alert, focused&nbsp;and diligent in observing his surroundings at all times.&rdquo;</strong></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222;">I think someone may see through this quite quickly, don&rsquo;t you!</span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222;">Once you have created your statement you can use it in so many ways, you could use it on your social media and LinkedIn accounts, a business card, a cover letter, networking outreach, CV intro, you could even create your mini video by delivering your statement to camera.</span></p>

Why professional branding may be the way forward for job hunting success

<p>Few people can say that they truly know how to deal with negative feedback when they are working in temporary office jobs. When you are moving between work placements you have such a small amount of time to make a good impression, connect with the team and network as well as learn the ropes and produce great work, that having your efforts criticised can be difficult to hear.</p>
<p>For some, ignoring negative feedback altogether is the first course of action and for others challenging it head on is the way to go, rarely will you hear someone say that they embrace it and seek it out in order to learn from it. This, when you think about it, is strange considering we are in fact seeking feedback all of the time without conscious effort.&nbsp;</p>
<p>We live in a world of instant gratification and opinion, where you can publish a post or a picture and have it celebrated or rejected by your peers in a heartbeat. Where success and popularity is calculated through followers, likes and emojis and everything we do is voluntarily put up for public scrutiny and feedback, but face to face negative feedback at work, now that feels much more personal.</p>
<p>Feedback is not a term we use very often when we refer to people. People use the words compliments and criticisms, good things and bad things with very little reference to a middle ground. Feedback on the other hand is a word that we generally associate with businesses. We buy something online and get invited to fill out a customer feedback survey to help them improve the service or products that they offer.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Businesses actively seek out feedback, people generally don&rsquo;t. So, when a worker is invited for a performance appraisal or an informal chat about their work, their reaction generally follows the same pattern. First of all, a panic induced stomach flip.... that is always the first no matter who you are. Second, defensive posture, third, combative reasoning/excuses, and lastly having remembered that they are working in a temporary role so why do they even care.... dismissive.</p>
<p>No doubt this is sounding familiar, yep for you and every other worker out there. Let&rsquo;s face it, no one likes to hear that they are doing something wrong but there are 5 steps to turning negative feedback into your greatest asset:&nbsp;</p>
<ol>
<li>Ask</li>
<li>Listen</li>
<li>Look for patterns</li>
<li>Analyse the data</li>
<li>Take action</li>
</ol>
<p>Let&rsquo;s look at each step in a bit more detail:&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">1. Ask</span></h3>
<p>The first thing we need to do to help us to deal with negative feedback at work is to open ourselves up to receiving it in the first instance.</p>
<p>When businesses actively seek out feedback in a customer feedback survey, in their efforts to seek public opinion they don&rsquo;t do so with a fragility or trepidation as to what they may hear, they know that in order to improve they need to know what they are doing well and what they are not so they have to put their own personal fears aside.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Be brave enough to ask for constructive feedback on your work before it is offered. Here are some questions that you could ask your line manager or boss:</p>
<ul>
<li>Does my work meet your expectations?</li>
<li>How can I improve on the work I am delivering?</li>
<li>What areas of my work do you feel could benefit from additional training or study?</li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">2. Listen</span></h3>
<p>Hearing negative feedback is not easy but it is important to take the time to hear what is being said so you can use the information to your advantage.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Flying off the handle, emotionally breaking down or even just dismissing the feedback entirely is a wasted opportunity to improve, and career development is all about improvement so brush up on your <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=288478978DA84EBBAA44C10901B3FAF2&amp;_z=z">active listening skills</a>&nbsp;and start to take in what is really being said.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">3. Look for patterns</span></h3>
<p>Whether we are receiving unsolicited negative feedback or constructive feedback resulting from questioning it is a good idea to look at it objectively in the first instance.</p>
<p>Continuing with when a business actively seeks out feedback in a customer feedback survey, it is important to remember that a retailer does not just take one opinion and believe it to be true, the idea of a survey is to get a cross section of opinions and reinforce it with research. It takes more than one person&rsquo;s opinion to make a business act and change their course.&nbsp;</p>
<p>We too should seek more information before accepting the feedback as truth. Funnily enough, most of us already do this with positive feedback. Sadly, most of us will hear a compliment and dismiss it in the first instance, it is in our nature to be less susceptible to believing good things than we are to hear bad things. Yet, if we are so fast to dismiss a compliment as false why are we so quick to accept a criticism as truth.&nbsp;</p>
<p>How do we look for patterns? If for example, your attitude to work is the topic of the negative feedback, start by thinking back to other work placements, have you been told this before or is it a new and unique isolated opinion?&nbsp;</p>
<p>If it is a new piece of feedback then taking it with a hint of scepticism is a good idea, it could simply stem from a personality clash, or your boss/the person giving this feedback could just be having a bad day so don&rsquo;t take it to heart immediately. Leaving it a day or two and approaching your boss/this person again for a more detailed discussion could reveal that it is not as bad as you initially thought. If their opinion has not changed you will still probably find that they have a more constructive way of explaining things after a day or two.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If it is something you have heard before from other sources, then some action needs to be taken to rectify the problem. Before you can take action however, you need to work out what the cause of the issue might be.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">4. Analysing the data</span></h3>
<p>Sticking with the "poor attitude to work" feedback example, if you have heard it before or even if you haven't but you suspect it might be true, you are going to need to ask yourself some questions to get to the root of the issue.</p>
<p>Some questions you might ask yourself are:</p>
<ul>
<li>Could it be due to a lack of training?</li>
<li>Are you struggling due to a lack of essential skills?</li>
<li>Do you lack enthusiasm for the industry?</li>
<li>Do you dislike the work you are doing?</li>
<li>Do you dislike your boss or a colleague?</li>
<li>Are you lacking confidence in your abilities?</li>
<li>Do you have unreasonable expectations of what it means to be successful in your work?</li>
<li>Are you struggling to balance work and home?</li>
<li>Is there something going on at home that is affecting your working ability, attitude or concentration levels?</li>
</ul>
<p>There could be a whole heap of possible reasons that far exceed this list, but they are a good starting point for you to begin with.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">5. Take action</span></h3>
<p>Now that you have spent some time reflecting on the negative feedback and getting to the source of the issue it is time to take some decisive action to put things right.</p>
<p>Finding ways to solve the problem at the root is a longer term and more sustainable approach than simply deciding to work faster and harder to please your boss. If you don&rsquo;t work on the cause of the issue, then before you know it you could find yourself back in the same position in the not too distant future.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">5 great resources for personal development:</span></h3>
<ol>
<li>Brush up on your skills to ensure you have all of the <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=5707835FDF684E27A4578EF102531ED7&amp;_z=z">tools to succeed in your work</a>.</li>
<li>If where you work is the issue, look for a new temporary work placement. Check out <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=3FA5F17B422F48BEA163914714DFC907&amp;_z=z">our list of office jobs</a>.&nbsp;</li>
<li>If you dislike the work you are doing consider trying your hand at some different roles within your industry. If you are a naturally bubbly people person you could try your hand at <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=8A6854BA1FAB4E49BEA2AA2F314ADC87&amp;_z=z">being a Customer Service Advisor</a>. If you have a keen eye for detail perhaps <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=9AA34C138BFE4BEB892D990E27173548&amp;_z=z">a job as an Administrator</a>&nbsp;is for you.</li>
<li>If you are lacking confidence in your abilities check out this post all about <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=8577721943764640BBE2180709AC5E74&amp;_z=z">making comparisons</a>.</li>
<li>If you are struggling to balance your work and home life check out these posts for some inspiration and actionable insights. <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=78CB7E8FBA664C178E0996D55038535A&amp;_z=z">5 working life hacks &amp; 10 bonus quick fix life hacks</a>&nbsp;and <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=16F19F89CF5A4F8CADEC142ECA544A4E&amp;_z=z">8 steps to achieving work/life balance</a>.</li>
</ol>
<p>With so many resources available and opportunities to turn negative feedback into constructive criticism, hearing the words &ldquo;can we have a chat&rdquo; from your boss should no longer fill you with dread but instead, confidence.</p>

How to deal with negative feedback?

<header class="l-section hero-section hero-section-blog">
<div class="l-container">
<h1 class="blog-article-hero-title">Productivity, Efficiency and Performance</h1>
</div>
</header>
<div class="blog-article-body">Productivity, efficiency and performance; all words that are commonplace within organisations. However, their meanings are often confused: managers will say that top performers are productive and efficient. So, are they the same things? The answer is no. These are separate, but connected and key concepts for us to understand and improve the ability of organisations to be successful.<br><br>
<h2>What is Productivity?</h2>
<p>Productivity is a measure of the efficiency of production, expressed as the rate of output that is created for every unit of input using variations of the following:</p>
<img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/latest-blogs-workforce-planning/productivity-efficiency-and-performance/blog-image/input-output-equation3.jpg" alt="">
<p>This means that where input remains unchanged and the output increases, we become more productive. Alternatively, we could become more productive where we maintain output but decrease the input. Equally, the reverse of each of these results in decreased productivity.</p>
<p>Let us think about this in terms of cars on a racing track: car&nbsp;<em>A</em>&nbsp;and car&nbsp;<em>B</em>. Car&nbsp;<em>A</em>&nbsp;crosses the finish-line first, in a time of 45 minutes. At this point, car&nbsp;<em>B</em>&nbsp;is still a mile behind. We can say that in 45 minutes, car A is more productive; it produces half a mile greater distance than car&nbsp;<em>B</em>. What then are the options available to car B to improve its productivity and beat car&nbsp;<em>B</em>&nbsp;in a rematch?</p>
<h2>What is Efficiency?</h2>
<p>Efficiency is a ratio of effort to outcome and is used to measure process. If two processes create the same outcome, then the one requiring the least effort is the most efficient.</p>
<img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/latest-blogs-workforce-planning/productivity-efficiency-and-performance/blog-image/process-efficiency-equation3.jpg" alt="">&nbsp;
<p>Let us say that car B has a standard manual transmission: a gear stick and three pedals (clutch, brake, accelerator). The effort required to change gear in car&nbsp;<em>B</em>&nbsp;is greater than in car&nbsp;<em>A</em>, which has a semi-automatic transmission found in most modern race cars: paddles and two pedals (brake and accelerator). Car&nbsp;<em>A</em>&nbsp;is more effective than car&nbsp;<em>B</em>&nbsp;in the process of changing gears.</p>
<p>Whether it is a new gearbox to improve the process of changing gears, a new lubricant to improve the process of the engine turnover through reduced friction or a new car design to improve the aerodynamic process and reduce air resistance; all these changes improve efficiency.</p>
<p>Efficiency, therefore, relates to the demand-side of productivity. When we improve our internal processes so that we can generate the same output from less input or greater output from the same input, then we are more productive.</p>
<h2>What is Performance?</h2>
<p>Performance is a measure of how an action is performed. If two people are performing the exact same process with the same tools and systems, then the one who create the greatest net value is the best performer. Now, value can take different forms, but it is often taken to mean a combination of speed and quality.</p>
<img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/latest-blogs-workforce-planning/productivity-efficiency-and-performance/blog-image/value-of-outputs3.jpg" alt="">&nbsp;
<p>Another way to look at performance is to say that it is the difference between the perfect performance of the process and the reality of what was done. To improve performance in car&nbsp;<em>B</em>, they could spend more time training the driver so that executing processes become instinct.</p>
<p>Performance, therefore, relates to the supply-side of productivity. When we improve the ability of our people so that we can generate the same output from less input or greater output from the same input, then we are more productive.</p>
<h2>Bringing these together</h2>
<p>We can see that these things are interconnected. As efficiency is improved, there is less variability in process outcome. With less variability and distractions, the likelihood of errors is reduced, which in turn improves performance.</p>
<p>Think about productivity, efficiency and performance in your own business. When there are productivity challenges, do you tend to look first at the performance of your workforce or do consider the efficiency of the process? How much time and effort do you spend focusing on the underperformance of a single worker rather than dealing with the inefficiency of a process performed by hundreds or thousands of your staff? What could you do differently that will make a real difference?</p>
</div>

Productivity, Efficiency and Performance

<p>Hands up if you remember doing the quiz in the magazines when you were a teenager? Come on admit it, whether it was Shout magazine or Nuts we all know no one could resist the quiz. They were a bit of light-hearted fun that always seemed to give the advice you didn't even know you were looking for.</p>
<p>I had so much fun writing the quiz below it was like being Editor &amp; Chief of my very own glossy mag&hellip;ok perhaps that's a bit extra but still, a girl can dream right?</p>
<p>Anyway, on to the quiz - what kind of candidate are you really?</p>
<p><strong>1. You need a job and you just found a ton of positions on the Blue Arrow website, do you:</strong></p>
<p>A) Make a list of all the jobs and create pros and cons for each on a sheet of cherry-scented paper using your very best pen so you can thoroughly investigate the&nbsp; opportunities.</p>
<p>B) Narrow down the search criteria to jobs you have done before, after all its best to stick to what you know.</p>
<p>C) Apply to every job maximising the possibility of landing an interview. When in doubt, reach out&hellip; right?</p>
<p><strong>2. A job post requests that you submit a CV and any other supporting information.</strong></p>
<p>A) No problem, I will prioritise some time to amend my CV so it is specific to the job, and write the best cover letter they have ever seen.</p>
<p>B) I think I have the one I made for my last application I will dig that out, if not I will find the one I made at school.</p>
<p>C) I don't have a CV but I do have an awesome Instagram profile, that tells them everything they need to know about me.</p>
<p><strong>3. Great news you have secured an interview, what are you going to wear?</strong></p>
<p>A) This calls for an all new look, I am going shopping for the perfect &ldquo;Hire Me&rdquo; outfit.</p>
<p>B) I am pretty sure I have a suit in my wardrobe I will get that dry cleaned.</p>
<p>C) I have the perfect t-shirt, it is hilarious, and it shows off my personality.</p>
<p><strong>4. The day of the interview is here, are you</strong></p>
<p>A) 2 hours early so you can get a good parking space and pre-scout the location, I never just rely on Google Maps.</p>
<p>B) Checking out the bus timetable to see which one gets you there on time</p>
<p>C) Texting all your friends to see if one can give you a lift so you don't have to leave too early.</p>
<p><strong>5. You are waiting to be called in to the interview room, do you</strong></p>
<p>A) Remain standing and adopt a power pose showing you are confident and self-assured that this job is yours.</p>
<p>B) Obsess over how sweaty your hands are and pray that they don't want to shake your hand, #palmsweat #awks</p>
<p>C) Relax, take a seat and post a pre-interview selfie to Facebook.</p>
<p><strong>6. You have been asked why you are a good fit for the job, what do you say?</strong></p>
<p>A) I am perfect for this job, I fit all of the key criteria you are looking for, in fact you would be lucky to have me.</p>
<p>B) I have some experience, so I think I can do this job pretty well.</p>
<p>C) I need a job, you need staff - perfectamundo</p>
<p><strong>7. The interview is drawing to a close, the final step is to ask any questions you have. What do you ask?</strong></p>
<p>A) What are the opportunities for growth, can I progress up the ladder quickly?</p>
<p>B) Is there an opportunity for overtime?</p>
<p>C) How long do we get for lunch?</p>
<p>That's it everybody, pens down papers closed. Take a look below to see what kind of candidate you are.</p>
<p><strong>Mostly A&rsquo;s - The overachiever</strong></p>
<p>You are organised and diligent, a formidable force once you have set your sights on something. Be careful that you don&rsquo;t focus so much on perfection that you miss a good opportunity.</p>
<p>Have you thought about a job as a <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=E7DA969F43FA4189AEC661AC1151958F&amp;_z=z"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Personal Assistant</span></a>, <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=70DB4A1D10294CC08C6997ABAF675A2A&amp;_z=z"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Head Chef</span></a>, <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=6073E007ED8849818B4FDC28AB57B314&amp;_z=z"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Chef de Partie</span></a>, <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=A9C9FB45206E496EA6D1843832819BAA&amp;_z=z"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Commis Chef</span> </a>or <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=1BE88A29DE244C719D2D75D09D2A0618&amp;_z=z"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Sous Chef</span></a>? With your attention to detail and organisation you would be great at any of these.</p>
<p><strong>Mostly B&rsquo;s - Steady as they go</strong></p>
<p>You are reliable and no doubt a great team player but don't sell yourself short. It's ok to step a little bit outside of your comfort zone and set yourself a challenge, you may just surprise yourself.</p>
<p>A job in <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=8A6854BA1FAB4E49BEA2AA2F314ADC87&amp;_z=z"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Customer Service</span></a>&nbsp;would be a great option for you that would really play to your strengths.</p>
<p><strong>Mostly C&rsquo;s - The freedom fighter</strong></p>
<p>Working to live that's you, you are a bubble of personality and a fly by the seat of your pants kind of person who would thrive in a young, vibrant working environment. Be sure to let people see all sides of you though, even the more serious parts so your potential for opportunities and growth shine through.</p>
<p>A <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=23B61807B30D40F081056B26DA6CE706&amp;_z=z"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">sales assistant</span> </a>role would be a perfect fit for you, you have the personality and charisma to really make a connection.</p>

Quiz What kind of candidate are you really

<p>The best life hacks are those that actually make a real difference to the way you live your life or approach your work. It is these hacks that leave a lasting impression so they are definitely worth the bit of effort it takes to implement them.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">1. Use all of your time</span></h3>
<p>We all have 24 hours, no more and no less, so make sure you use them all effectively. We all love an evening off but if you have a ton of things to do, using the evening and night opens up a wealth of extra hours that you can utilise.</p>
<p>Working nights after a day at work can seem like an unhealthy approach to work-life balance but hear me out on this. I am not saying you should do this every night but when things are mounting up, pushing some tasks to the evening could be the smartest option. At night things are quiet, you feel engaged and invigorated by the change of scenery and focused from the tranquillity and stillness that comes after the twilight hours.</p>
<p>Personally, I try to avoid creative tasks at night, but process tasks, repetitive tasks, spreadsheets and project management tasks are all fair game for an evening session.</p>
<p>All you have to do is set yourself up to succeed ahead of time, this means planning which evening you are going to work then during that day you need to avoid anything, and everything that will make you feel tired or relaxed. This means that you have to drop your usual evening wind-down routine. Avoid relaxing hot bubble baths before getting stuck into the tasks, baths are a night owl&rsquo;s danger zone. No matter how much of a good idea they seem you have to resist those bubbles. A shower is the only option, full power, nice and hot, full body scrub and a hair wash to get your blood pumping and invigorate you to be productive.</p>
<p>It is important to eat, but you must avoid anything that is going to make you feel like hibernating while you process your meal. Personally, I like to opt for desk snacks, salads and finger food.</p>
<p>Don&rsquo;t forget, the tasks you push to the evening don&rsquo;t have to be work-related, they can be your home-based tasks that you have not had time to do around your shifts. Who says cleaning the bathroom has to be done in the daytime?</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">2. Enter the Matrix (The Eisenhower Matrix)</span></h3>
<p>Feeling overwhelmed and disorganised can be awful, especially when all you want to do is power through your to do list and get out of the other side as quickly and painlessly as possible. It can be so tempting to charge ahead trying to get as much done as you can but unless you take the time to get yourself set up and into the clearest headspace possible you could find that you are working on all of the wrong things. The Eisenhower Matrix is<span style="color: #222222;"> a great visual way to get a grip on the priority order of your to do list. The basic concept is that you create your to do list in your usual way, then you draw 4 boxes on a sheet of paper.</span></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><span style="color: #222222;">Box 1 = Urgent and Important &ndash; Do this now! </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222;">Box 2 = Urgent but not important &ndash; Do these next.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222;">Box 3 = Not urgent but still important &ndash; Plan/schedule a time to do these tasks.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222;">Box 4 = Not urgent and not important &ndash; Only do these if/when you have cleared everything from the other three boxes.</span></li>
</ul>
<p>Re-write your tasks into the corresponding box that best suits its urgency and importance. Urgency is determined by its deadline and importance is determined by the degree of criticality.</p>
<p><span style="color: #222222;">To power through your tasks and regain a feeling of control just focus on those tasks in boxes 1 and 2, these are the most urgent and most important tasks you have on your list. </span></p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">3. Mantra</span></h3>
<p><span style="color: #222222;">Have you heard the term, &lsquo;you become what you say you are&rsquo; or &lsquo;say it enough and you start to believe it&rsquo;? I can&rsquo;t stress enough how true this is. Our inner voice is the one thing we cannot escape from. Think of it like the friend who came for a sleepover and never went home, you have no choice but to listen and there is no escaping to your room for a quiet 5 mins.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #222222;">When you are around someone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week it is only natural that you will begin to think like them and act like them so it is probably best that you make sure this voice is one that says nice things about you, and to you. It should be a voice of encouragement, inspiration and without a doubt it must be the best damn cheerleader you could ever have. </span></p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">4. Walk it off</span></h3>
<p><span style="color: #222222;">Instead of rushing home after your shift stop to take a 30-minute walk. This will help you to process your day and reset your mind from work to home mode. Wherever possible try to find a body of water (ocean, river or lake) to walk near &ndash; water helps us to feel calm and refreshed. If water is not an option find a forest or a woodland walk where you can escape the hustle and bustle, reconnect with nature and enjoy some peace and quiet.</span></p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">5. Talk to yourself</span></h3>
<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Talking to yourself is not always a sign of a questionable mental state, I talk to myself all the time and I am 100% sure I am mostly sane. Creative types tend to chatter away to themselves internally or out loud, but we also run the risk of losing track of a great idea because we have so many thoughts rushing around our heads. Using a voice recording app or speech to text app on your phone is a great way to keep all those nuggets of wisdom safe.</span></p>
<h2 style="background: white;"><span style="color: #00b0f0;">10 Bonus life hacks that will blow your mind</span></h2>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222;">I realise that these first 5 hacks are mostly work focused so as an added bonus here are 10 light-hearted hacks you can implement super-fast.&nbsp; </span></p>
<ol>
<li><span style="color: #222222;">If you are embarrassed to buy something, grab a birthday card to buy with it and bingo, an embarrassing purchase becomes an ironic gift. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222;">Painting your home &ndash; add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the paint to mask awful paint fumes without affecting the colour. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222;">If you ever pass a car with a flat tyre, take a close-up picture of the tyre so you can use it as evidence of your own fictional flat tire when you need a failsafe late excuse. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222;">Sending food back in a restaurant; saturate it in salt so you will know if they have just reheated the same plate. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222;">Need to stop a sneeze, say the word pineapple and poof the urge is gone. Use with caution, now every time I need to sneeze, I involuntarily think of the word pineapple&hellip; I haven&rsquo;t sneezed in months. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222;">Cut a potato in half and rub it on a minor burn to take the heat out and stop the pain.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222;">Switch Facebook and Instagram for <a href="https://www.quora.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Quora</a></span>&nbsp;<span style="color: #222222;">or <a href="https://medium.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Medium</a></span>&nbsp;<span style="color: #222222;">to turn your time sucking, social surfing habit into a knowledge building session.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222;">When writing an email always add the recipient email last to avoid accidental sending. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222;">Didn&rsquo;t read the hack above and accidentally&nbsp;emailed the wrong person? Immediately switch your phone to airplane mode so it fails to send and you can delete it. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222;">When boiling eggs add a teaspoon of baking soda to the water for easy peeling.</span></li>
</ol>

Career Post Life hacks

<p>In any physical job there are times when aches and pains start to appear but this is especially true for warehouse workers due to the <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/find-a-job/warehouse-jobs/working-environment" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">working environment</a>&nbsp;and the <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/find-a-job/warehouse-jobs/skills" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">nature of the job.</a></p>
<p>Most of the time we put these aches and pains down to tiredness or just part and parcel of the job, but it doesn&rsquo;t have to be that way. There are things you can do to protect yourself from physical strains and it is not just about learning the correct lifting procedures for moving heavy or large objects.&nbsp;</p>
<p>While following the correct lifting and moving procedures for the load is the first most important observation when you are at work, no matter how careful you are, sometimes the general pressure on your body from everyday repetitive movements can lead to discomfort and fatigue.&nbsp;</p>
<p>For warehouse workers the most common areas of discomfort are the back and wrist joints and as these are areas that are heavily relied upon to carry out the daily tasks, aches that are ignored can become much more painful over time resulting in the need to take time off work to rest and recover.</p>
<p>For most of us, time off work is a luxury we cannot afford so taking care of yourself and ensuring you are protecting your joints from overuse and strain should be your primary concern.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #00aae3;">Protecting your back</span></h2>
<p>Back pain does not always derive from a poor lifting technique but often from instability in the muscles that surround your spine. By strengthening these muscles, you greatly reduce the likelihood of causing yourself an injury.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Prevention is better than cure so taking part in an exercise that works on strengthening your core muscles such as Yoga, Pilates, and Swimming will greatly assist you in ensuring you are providing the best possible natural support for your spine when carrying out your daily duties.</p>
<p>A holistic approach to back care would be to apply heat and find a willing assistant to massage your back. Alternatively, soaking in a bath infused with an essential oil such as lavender or rosemary will help to relax your muscles after a long shift.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Additional support can come from back braces that are usually worn over your uniform for the most comfortable fit. These braces can not only reduce pain from occurring but can also in some cases provide pain relief and increased mobility. When choosing a back brace, choose breathable fabrics like cotton or &ldquo;performance&rdquo; textiles and ensure you position your back brace correctly as per the manufacturer&rsquo;s instructions. If in doubt, you could ask your GP to recommend a brace and instruct you on the correct placement.&nbsp;</p>
<h2><span style="color: #00aae3;">Protecting your wrists</span></h2>
<p>Repetitive activities can put a huge amount of strain on your wrists. Wrists may not be the first area that springs to mind when thinking about protecting your joints, but pain in this area can be one of the most frustrating pains to endure.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Your wrists are made up of a complicated collection of joints that are responsible for backwards, forwards and side-to-side movements of the hand and without thinking about it, we use our hands and wrists for pretty much everything, so when everything you do inflames the dull ache it can become extremely annoying and tiring to live with.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Working on your grip can have a surprising beneficial effect on your wrists. The more your hands can assist your wrists in the work that needs to be done, the less strain is inflicted on your wrist joints and forearms. Work to improve your crush (force of closing your hand into a fist) and pinch strength (the force of your fingers pressing against your thumb), a cheap and easy way to do this is by squeezing a stress ball or a tennis ball.&nbsp;</p>
<p>A holistic approach to joint care would be to apply heat to the area after your shift perhaps when relaxing at home, either using warm towels or heat packs. This is especially beneficial when used alongside an essential oil such as peppermint (in a carrier oil) massaged into the area.&nbsp;</p>
<p>An excellent way to protect your wrists from a strain or a slowly developing repetitive injury is by using a wrist support. Supports work to keep your joints in a neutral position, reducing overexertion and the associated inflammation that can occur from repetitive movements.</p>
<p>Occupational wrist supports can come in many different forms and it is important that you find and select the most comfortable fit for you and that you stick to a regular support wearing regime to maximise the benefits. Another good tip is to buy two pairs, as wrist supports are fabric they will be machine washable (without and splints inserted) and so by having two pairs you can wear one while one washes.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Ensuring you are comfortable while carrying out your duties has a big influence on how much you can enjoy your job and the effort you can put into carrying out your tasks, so invest in your mobility, strength and general wellbeing by including some joint care and strain prevention in your day.</p>
<p>If you find that no matter what you do, a job as a warehouse operative is not ideal for you due to your range of movement and mobility, don&rsquo;t give up, consider applying your knowledge and skills to another warehouse role.&nbsp;</p>
<p>There are many different roles available in a <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/find-a-job/warehouse-jobs/warehouse-career-prospects" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">warehouse</a>&nbsp;so if you are thinking of taking a step up, or a step across then why not check out our <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/find-a-job/warehouse-jobs#Warehouse Jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">job pages</a> to see all of the latest warehouse jobs available.&nbsp;</p>

How to care for your back and wrists as a warehouse worker?

<p>Shift work, especially where the start time varies can be difficult to get used to, no sooner do you feel like you are getting the hang of it, then you get a few days off and the pattern you thought you had cracked suddenly goes out of the window.</p>
<p>For anyone working as a Warehouse Operative, you will know that the physical nature of the work makes getting through a night shift even tougher.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Many can be forgiven for resorting to energy drinks but when you read the label you will see that they are just full of sugar and caffeine, so bear in mind, what goes up, must come down&hellip; often half way through a shift.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>So how do you survive shift work?&nbsp;</p>
<h2><span style="color: #00aae3;">Sleep</span></h2>
<p>It&rsquo;s best to identify a suitable sleep schedule and try to stick to it.&nbsp; If you work regular shifts try going to bed at different times, for example soon after you arrive home from work or just before the next shift and see what works best for you.&nbsp; Always have a short sleep before your first nightshift after time off.</p>
<p>Your sleep environment is also important.&nbsp; If you need to sleep in the daytime then use heavy curtains or blackout blinds, or if that is not possible then some funky eyeshades will help. Tell your family not to disturb you and let your neighbours know that you are working shifts and so may be asleep during the day.</p>
<p>If it&rsquo;s too noisy then you could use earplugs or perhaps background music. You can even get a pillow that had an internal speaker you could plug into an iPod or similar.&nbsp; Great for some quiet music to make you drift off.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #00aae3;">Eat Well</span></h2>
<p>Digestive problems are often common in shift workers due to the disruption of the body clock and a tendency to indulge in a poor diet, grabbing whatever is available.&nbsp; It is best to eat regular light meals as this is likely to maintain alertness, whereas having a blowout just before your shift can cause drowsiness, as well as making it difficult to perform your duties.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Choose foods that are easy to digest, avoid fatty and spicy foods and even sweets and chocolate, as they provide a short term energy boost often followed by a dip in stamina.&nbsp; Fruit and vegetables are good snacks as they provide vitamins, minerals and fibre, and don&rsquo;t forget to drink plenty as dehydration can reduce both physical and metal performance.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Don&rsquo;t turn to stimulants and/or sedatives!&nbsp; Using coffee or cigarettes to stay awake and then sedatives such as sleeping pills or alcohol to help you sleep is definitely not to be recommended!</p>
<h2><span style="color: #00aae3;">Get Fit</span></h2>
<p>Even if your shift involves something strenuous as is often the case with warehouse work, still doing some regular exercise such as attending a gym, a fitness class or just getting outdoors for a walk or cycle is advisable.&nbsp; Indeed, if you have the opportunity to go for a swim after work, a good dip and an invigorating shower afterwards will make you feel a whole lot better and ready to enjoy your time off to the full.&nbsp;</p>
<h2><span style="color: #00aae3;">Be Sociable</span></h2>
<p>Working shifts can make you feel isolated, particularly if your family and friends are working normal hours.&nbsp; Try to make friends with others on a similar shift rota to you so that you can share your spare time doing something fun.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you can get to grips with taking care of yourself and prioritising your health, there is a good chance that you will be able to not only survive shift working but also thrive.&nbsp;</p>
<p>For more advice and information about self-care for shift workers there is a really helpful article on the <a href="http://www.hse.gov.uk/humanfactors/topics/shift-workers.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Health &amp; Safety Executive (HSE) website</a>.</p>

Shift Your Thinking

<p>A new financial year has snuck up on us and it is time once again to check your tax code. For most people, a new financial year indicates that it is time to eagerly anticipate what the new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/increase-to-the-national-living-wage">national minimum and living wages</a>&nbsp;is, but what good is a pay rise if you have the wrong tax code and you are paying too much tax?</p>
<p>Last year the subject of tax codes made headlines after a number of workers were given incorrect tax codes due to an admin mix up. Mistakes like this do happen and personal circumstances that can affect our taxation often change so, it is important that you take the initiative to check your tax code is correct and not just assume that HMRC or your employer has it right.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What is a tax code?</h3>
<p>A tax code is a payroll identifier from HMRC. It provides your employer or pension provider with essential information needed to calculate your wages. A tax code is not a unique to each individual.</p>
<h3>What your tax code means</h3>
<p>Your tax code will usually start with a four digit number and end with a letter. For example, 1250L.</p>
<p>The numbers tell your employer how much tax free income (personal allowance) you get in that tax year with the last digit removed.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What is tax free income (Personal Allowance)?</h3>
<p>Personal allowance or tax free income is the total amount of money you can earn in a year before you start paying tax.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>How are the numbers in the code worked out?&nbsp;</h3>
<p>The tax you pay is calculated on all income that you earn over and above your personal allowance. Sticking with the tax code example 1250L, the personal allowance indicated by this code is &pound;12,500 with the last zero and any symbols removed = 1250. So, an individual with the tax code that begins 1250 can earn up to &pound;12,500 in a tax year before they start paying tax.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What do the letters mean?&nbsp;</h3>
<p>The letters at the end of your tax code identify your personal situation and how it affects your personal allowance, these letters come from a predefined list of tax codes that you can find a little further down this post.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>How to check your tax code</h3>
<p>The numbers in a tax code can change depending on your personal circumstances but 1250L is the tax code currently used for most people who have one job or pension.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It is the letters at the end of your tax code that is the most important part to check against the following list of tax codes to make sure the description is an accurate fit for you. You will find your tax code on a recent payslip. Find out more about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/your-payslip-explained">understanding your payslip and where to find your tax code</a>.</p>
<h3>List of tax codes and what they mean</h3>
<ul>
<li>L -------- You are entitled to the standard tax free personal allowance.&nbsp;</li>
<li>W1 -------- Emergency tax code - This is a temporary code that will be used if you have not yet provided details of your previous employment such as a P45 to your employer. Until HMRC can work out what your tax code should be, an emergency code will be used.&nbsp;</li>
<li>M1 -------- Emergency tax code - This is a temporary code that will be used if you have not yet provided details of your previous employment such as a P45 to your employer. Until HMRC can work out what your tax code should be, an emergency code will be used.&nbsp;</li>
<li>X -------- Emergency tax code - This is a temporary code that will be used if you have not yet provided details of your previous employment such as a P45 to your employer. Until HMRC can work out what your tax code should be, an emergency code will be used.&nbsp;</li>
<li>M -------- Marriage Allowance: 10% of your partners personal allowance has been transferred to you.&nbsp;</li>
<li>N -------- Marriage Allowance: 10% of your personal allowance has been transferred to your partner.</li>
<li>T -------- Your tax code includes other calculations to work out your personal allowance. You can ask HMRC or your employer what these are.&nbsp;</li>
<li>OT -------- Your personal Allowance has been used up, or you have started a new job and your employer does not have the details they need to give you a tax code. You need to speak with your employer to resolve any issues.&nbsp;</li>
<li>BR -------- All of your income from this job or pension is taxed at the basic rate 20%. Usually used if you have more than one job or pension).</li>
<li>DO -------- All of your income from this job or pension is taxed at the higher rate 40%. (Usually used if you have more than one job and your earnings exceed &pound;50,001.</li>
<li>D1 -------- All of your income from this job or pension is taxed at the additional rate 45%. (Usually used if you have more than one job and your earnings exceed &pound;150,000.</li>
<li>NT -------- You are not paying any tax on this income.&nbsp;</li>
<li>S -------- Your income or pension is taxed using the rates in Scotland.</li>
<li>SOT -------- Scotland - Your personal Allowance has been used up, or you have started a new job and your employer does not have the details they need to give you a tax code.&nbsp;</li>
<li>SBR -------- Scotland - All of your income from this job or pension is taxed at the Scottish basic rate 20%. Usually used if you have more than one job or pension).</li>
<li>SDO -------- Scotland - All of your income from this job or pension is taxed at the Scottish immediate rate 21%. (Usually used if you have more than one job and your earnings exceed &pound;25,159.</li>
<li>SD1 -------- Scotland - All of your income from this job or pension is taxed at the Scottish higher rate 41%. (Usually used if you have more than one job and your earnings exceed &pound;43,431.</li>
<li>SD2 -------- Scotland - All of your income from this job or pension is taxed at the Scottish top rate 46%. (Usually used if you have more than one job and your earnings exceed &pound;150,000.</li>
<li>C -------- Your income or pension is taxed using the rates in Wales.</li>
<li>COT -------- Wales - Your personal Allowance has been used up, or you have started a new job and your employer does not have the details they need to give you a tax code.&nbsp;</li>
<li>CBR -------- Wales- All of your income from this job or pension is taxed at the Welsh basic rate 20%. Usually used if you have more than one job or pension).</li>
<li>CDO -------- Wales - All of your income from this job or pension is taxed at the Welsh higher rate 40%. (Usually used if you have more than one job and your earnings exceed &pound;50,001.</li>
<li>CD1 -------- Wales - All of your income from this job or pension is taxed at the Welsh additional rate 45%. (Usually used if you have more than one job and your earnings exceed &pound;150,000.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>If your tax code has a K at the beginning&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>K - You have an income that exceeds your personal allowance and has not already been taxed. For example, if you are receiving state benefits that exceed your personal allowance, your employer will deduct the tax for these.</p>
<p><strong>Emergency tax codes</strong></p>
<p>You may be put on an emergency tax code if you change jobs or if you begin working for an employer after being self employed. HMRC will correct it automatically after you have given your employer some details about your previous income or pension. Your employer can get these details from your P45 but if you don't have one, they will ask you for some further information to help them out.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Online tax code checker</h3>
<p>The HMRC website does have an online portal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/check-income-tax-current-year" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">to help you to check your tax code, click here</a>.</p>
<h3>What to do if you think your tax code is wrong</h3>
<p>If you think your tax code is wrong, you need to contact HMRC so they can send a new tax code notice to your employer.&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Online:</strong>&nbsp;You can&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/check-income-tax-current-year" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">use HMRC's online Income tax checker</a>&nbsp;to let them know about a change in your circumstances.</li>
<li><strong>Phone:</strong>&nbsp;You will need to have your National Insurance (NI) number to hand when you call HMRC regarding your tax code. The phone line uses automated voice recognition software to help direct your call, so it is important to speak clearly and say &ldquo;question about my tax code&rdquo; when you are asked why you are calling. The phone number you need is 0300 200 3300 and the opening times for the phone line are currently Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Does having a second job affect my tax code?&nbsp;</h3>
<p>No, your tax is calculated on everything you earn as a whole regardless of how many jobs you have. Your personal allowance (tax free income) doesn't change with the number of jobs you have; you are still taxed on anything you earn over and above this amount. The only real affect a second job has on your tax could be the rate of tax you pay ie: basic 20%, higher 40% or additional 45% based on your total income combined from all jobs. Your tax code may display the letters BR DO or D1 on the payslip from your second job.&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>All earnings (after personal allowance) up to &pound;50,000 are taxed at 20%</li>
<li>All earnings between &pound;50,001 and &pound;149,000 are taxed at 40%</li>
<li>All earnings above &pound;150,000 are taxed at 45%</li>
</ul>
<h3>Can I get a second job even if I am furloughed?</h3>
<p>This depends on your employment contract and your employer. During a furlough period, you are still employed under contract so the first thing you need to do is check with your employer or HR department to see if your contract restricts you from being able to work for someone else while you are furloughed or if you are free to go ahead and take a second job or a temporary job to help subsidise your income.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Even if your contract does state that you cannot take on a second job, it is worth still getting in touch with your employer to ask if it is ok to get a temporary job during these unprecedented times. The chances are your contract was not created with a situation like this in mind and so many employers are open to making an exception in light of current circumstances.&nbsp;</p>
<p>There are many jobs where staff are urgently needed to help during the COVID-19 outbreak.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/hospitality-and-catering">Catering Assistants</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/jobs?keywords=porter">Porters</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/jobs?keywords=postal+worker">Postal Workers</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/drivingjobs">Delivery Drivers</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/warehousejobs">Warehouse Operatives</a> are among the most in demand roles across the UK right now.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

Tax Codes Explanation - Check your tax code

<p><span style="background: white; color: black;">Working in any industry with a disability is absolutely possible, including the warehouse and logistics industry. In many cases all it takes are a few reasonable adjustments to the environment, a carefully selected role or additional equipment provisions to enable a profession to be inclusive and accessible to all but in some cases these adjustments are a little more complicated. </span></p>
<p><span style="background-color: white;">Disability comes in many forms, seen and unseen, life limiting and life impairing, mental and physical, all only really scratch the surface of what is a complicated and diverse topic. So, when it comes to working in a warehouse with a disability there are a number of factors you need to know, understand and consider before you apply for a job, accept a position, continue in your role or return to work after a period of absence.</span></p>
<h3><span style="background: white; color: #00b0f0;">1. The Law</span></h3>
<p><span style="background-color: white;">The Equality Act 2010 provides protection for disabled people from discrimination in a range of areas including employment. This Equality Act 2010 makes it unlawful for employers to discriminate against employees (temporary and permanent equally) because of a mental or physical disability.</span></p>
<p><span style="background-color: white;">This means that your employer might have to make reasonable adjustments for you if you are at a substantial disadvantage compared to people without a disability due to a working practice, a physical feature of the workplace or insufficient equipment. It is important to understand that the disadvantage you might experience without reasonable adjustments being made needs to be substantial, it can&rsquo;t be a minor inconvenience.</span></p>
<p><span style="background-color: white;">When we talk about reasonable adjustments, it is a bit of a complicated subject after all who deems what is reasonable and what is not? In a broad sense, the guidelines say that &ldquo;If a feature or practice puts an employee with a disability at a disadvantage an employer should look to see what reasonable adjustments can be made&rdquo; It goes on to specify &ldquo;but an employer does not have to change functions essential to the role&rdquo;.</span></p>
<p><span style="background-color: white;">In many cases, what is reasonable is deemed by the size of the organisation, the costs involved in making the adjustments and the impact those adjustments may have on other staff and the organisation as a whole. Due to these factors affecting the decisions and outcomes, each workplace, job role and employee or applicant need to be considered on their unique&nbsp;circumstances with an assessment and resolution being decided on a case by case basis.</span></p>
<p><span style="background: white;">Citizens Advice offer more guidance on disabilities and the equality act <a href="https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/work/discrimination-at-work/checking-if-its-discrimination/check-if-youre-disabled-under-the-equality-act/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><span style="background: white; color: #00b0f0;">2. The Environment</span><strong><span style="background: white; color: #00b0f0;"> </span></strong></h3>
<p><span style="background-color: white;">A warehouse can sometimes be a noisy place to work. It is a busy environment with hundreds of warehouse operatives, pickers and packers, working alongside forklift truck drivers and other machine handlers who are moving pallets between shelves, loading and unloading trucks and transporting goods around to assist distribution.</span></p>
<p><span style="background-color: white;">They are buzzing with activity and the safety of the warehouse staff is of paramount importance so strict health and safety guidelines are in place, from ensuring that the aisles are free from hazards through to safely stacked shelves, with plenty of considerations and prevention&nbsp;in between.</span></p>
<p><span style="background-color: white;">Being such vast places, warehouses can be cold environments to work in. Even in warehouses that don&rsquo;t have chilled or frozen sections they are rarely warm toasty places to be. This can have a negative effect on many medical conditions and should be taken into consideration. Will additional protective clothing be enough?</span></p>
<p><span style="background-color: white;">If you are applying for a warehouse job, you need to thoroughly research the working environment as well as the job duties and responsibilities. It would also be an idea to research the other roles within the warehouse to see if there is scope to work in a role that is more suitable to your needs and abilities.</span></p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">3. Transparency</span></h3>
<p><span style="background-color: white;">The very best approach is to be honest and upfront about your disability regardless of whether you are an existing employee or an applicant.</span></p>
<p><span style="background-color: white;">You need to be open about the areas of the role that you feel could be a challenge and offer suggestions for adjustments, equipment provision or process strategies that could be implemented to enable you to fulfill&nbsp;the duties of the role.</span></p>
<p><span style="background: white; color: black;">It is not all on you, it is a two-way street and the employer is required to also do their bit but working together from the outset is often the best way forward. An employer can only make reasonable adjustments if they are aware of your condition. </span></p>
<p>Only you know what it is like to live and work with your condition, everyone is different even those with seemingly similar disabilities to you have their own experiences and so you alone are the best judge. Trust in your own judgement, be honest about your limitations and be realistic in your expectations.</p>
<p>Excellent sources of information, support and advice are available:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong><span style="color: #00b0f0;"><a href="https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/work/discrimination-at-work/taking-action/asking-your-employer-for-changes-to-help-if-youre-disabled/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Citizens Advic</a><a href="https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/work/discrimination-at-work/taking-action/asking-your-employer-for-changes-to-help-if-youre-disabled/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">e</a></span></strong> <span style="color: black;">Aims to give people the knowledge and confidence the need to find their way forward, whoever they are and whatever their problem.</span></li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Citizens Advice, Adviceline: <span style="background: white; color: black;">03444 111 444</span></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong><span style="color: #00b0f0;"><a href="https://www.acas.org.uk/disability" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Acas (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service)</a></span></strong> Provides free and impartial information and advice to employers and employees on all aspects of workplace relations and employment law&nbsp;
<p>Acas helpline: Telephone: 0300 123 1100</p>
</li>
<li><strong><span style="color: #00b0f0;"><a href="http://www.equalityadvisoryservice.com/app/help" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">EASS (Equality Advisor and Support Service)</a></span></strong> Can provide support if you feel you are being or have been discriminated against. They can assist you with next steps advice but cannot provide legal advice.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p><span style="color: #004b88;">&nbsp; &nbsp; </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; EASS helpline Telephone: 0808 800 0082</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong><span style="color: #00b0f0;"><a href="https://ridi.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">RIDI (Recruitment Industry Disability Initiative)</a></span></strong> A great website with plenty of information aimed at helping employers become disability confident and offer more job opportunities to people with disabilities. A great way to find out what initiatives are underway that could benefit you.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Working in a warehouse with a disability

Best Warehouse Workwear picks

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<p>You&rsquo;re spoilt for choice when working as an administrator, as you can work in nearly any job sector. Whether it be for a retail business, transport company, hospital or school, you&rsquo;ll be the one making sure all administrative duties are taken care of.</p>
<p>To land a job as an administrator, your CV will need to show that you&rsquo;re highly organised, have strong computer skills and are able to work well as part of a team.</p>
<p>Whether you're looking to start your career in administration or take that next step up the career ladder, our free CV template is&nbsp;tailored to ensure your CV stands out from the crowd.&nbsp;</p>
</article>
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<p><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/administrator/rich-text-content/cv-template-a.png?h=280&amp;w=200&amp;hash=69DD46BBFA277EAF103D3049A08DB6F7" alt="CV Template"></p>
<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/administrator/rich-text-content/blue-arrow-cv-templates_a_administrator.docx"><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/administrator/rich-text-content/ba_download_button.png?h=50&amp;w=150&amp;hash=1D8D25D2FD40CFCE4E5673FCE9778F12" alt="Download"></a></article>
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<p><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/administrator/rich-text-content/cv-template-b.png?h=280&amp;w=200&amp;hash=C080E469B03C02040AEA28434EA9405A" alt="CV Template"></p>
<p><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/administrator/rich-text-content/blue-arrow-cv-templates_b_administrator.docx"><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/administrator/rich-text-content/ba_download_button.png?h=50&amp;w=150&amp;hash=1D8D25D2FD40CFCE4E5673FCE9778F12" alt="Download"></a></p>
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<p><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/administrator/rich-text-content/cv-template-c.png?h=280&amp;w=200&amp;hash=751993B6822C5E4BFDCD8429BE6D35C1" alt="CV Template"></p>
<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/administrator/rich-text-content/blue-arrow-cv-templates_c_administrator.docx"><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/career-advice/cv-templates/administrator/rich-text-content/ba_download_button.png?h=50&amp;w=150&amp;hash=1D8D25D2FD40CFCE4E5673FCE9778F12" alt="Download"></a></article>
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<h2>A guide to writing a CV for a job as an Administrator</h2>
<p>FIRST AND SECOND NAME<br>Home number | Mobile number<br>Emailaddress@email.com<br>Home address, Home Street<br>Home Town<br>Postcode</p>
<h2>Personal Profile&nbsp;</h2>
<p>In the personal profile, you should professionally introduce yourself, in three or four sentences, with relation to the job you&rsquo;re applying to.&nbsp;<br><br>Try to include: your current work situation, what type of work you are searching for (such as part-time, flexible hours, or full-time employment starting immediately) some key skills, traits&nbsp; or key achievements that will show you're the perfect fit for the advertised job.</p>
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<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
</div>
<p><em>I am a highly organised individual with great communication and interpersonal skills, and have three years&rsquo; experience working as an administrator. I have strong typing and data entry skills, and enjoy working independently as well as in a team.</em></p>
<h2>Work History</h2>
<p>The work history section is to show the potential employer what jobs or work experience you&rsquo;ve done. It is the first chance for you to highlight the skills and experience each one has given you, and this is turn should show the potential employer why you are perfect for the job you&rsquo;re applying for. You don&rsquo;t need to include every last detail, just pick out any key achievements or times you went above and beyond your role. You can always write down and save your examples or other relevant skills for the interview.</p>
<p>Try to include your work history for the last five years. If you haven&rsquo;t been working for that long, that is okay. It will be explained by the education history. If you have recently moved to the country, it&rsquo;s okay to include employment in other countries. There is more advice on work and education history in our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/cv-templates/cv-writing-tips">top tips online article</a>.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Job title, name of employer, location, month and year started &ndash; present (or month and year that you left)</strong>
<ul>
<li>Briefly list the duties you had, and skills you learned while working here. Choose skills or qualities that the employer has listed in their job description</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><em>EXAMPLE:</em></p>
<ul>
<li><strong><em>Administrator, HR department at HSBC, London, October 2017 &ndash; present</em></strong>
<ul>
<li><em>My duties include updating current employees details on file, in addition to issuing, chasing up and inputting new employees&rsquo; details. I also set up interview meeting rooms for managers and prospective employees, and screen some of the general emails and phone calls to the department</em></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>What jobs should you include?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Any jobs you&rsquo;ve had in the administrative and secretarial sector will be useful to include here as lots of the skills will overlap and show you&rsquo;re a good candidate for the role.&nbsp;</li>
<li>If you have recently left education, or are new to this type of work, try to include any jobs you&rsquo;ve had that will highlight the skills the employer is looking for. For example, if you have worked on the reception desk in a school, use this to show that you have developed a good telephone manner, paperwork organisation and the ability to prioritise your workload.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h2>Education History</h2>
<p>In education history, this is a chance to show any relevant training you have done, what skills you have learned from your courses, as well as general education subjects you&rsquo;ve done. As you get more work experience, this section will become shorter, as your work history becomes more relevant and more recent.</p>
<p>You don't need any formal qualifications for most administrator roles, although employers will expect you to have a good level of English and Maths. So any GCSEs or college courses should be listed here. Any business related qualifications should also be listed, as this will help your application.&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Name of course or qualification, name of training centre or education centre, dates you were in attendance or you complete the course</strong>
<ul>
<li>Explain briefly the training certificate relevant to the job you are applying to. What did you learn that is relevant to the job?</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<ul>
<li><strong><em>Microsoft Office Plus Diploma, Pittman Training, Holborn, August 2016</em></strong>
<ul>
<li><em>Covered the key areas of MS packages including word, outlook, excel, powerpoint and access, as well as two elective courses in excel expert and effective business communication</em></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>If you have completed courses or gained certificates in other work-related areas, or first aid, include that information here.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Skills</h2>
<p>Here is your chance to highlight the best skills you have in relation to the job you&rsquo;re applying for. Hint: these will be the skills listed in the job advert, but only highlight the skills you have. Misleading information on your CV is likely to trip you up in an interview and is unprofessional; you don&rsquo;t have to show you have every last skill listed in the job advert to be successful.</p>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<ul>
<li><em><strong>Communication skills&nbsp;</strong>&ndash; &lsquo;Through working with a wide variety of employees I have learned how to improve my verbal and written communication. Making sure information is fully understood and passed on effectively.&rsquo;</em></li>
<li><em><strong>Organisation</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; &lsquo;I have improved my ability to sort through electronic and paper files, and systematically process them. I have also been able to improve one of the systems used by my team to help workflow and efficiency.&rsquo;</em></li>
</ul>
<h2>References&nbsp;</h2>
<p><strong>First and last name</strong><br>Job title and relation to you in the work place (if it isn&rsquo;t obvious from the job title), name of work place, work contact number (or main company phone number which they can be reached through) and work email address</p>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<p><strong>Susan Crane</strong><br>Manager at HSBC<br>0000 0000 00<br>SusanCrane@email.com</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Who should you include as a reference?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Your first reference should ideally be from a senior colleague or manager who you&rsquo;ve been working closely with in your most recent role. The second reference can be from a current colleague, or line manager or supervisor from a previous job. It&rsquo;s best practice to ask someone if they will be a reference for you before they are contacted. Be aware that not all employers actually contact references, but it&rsquo;s important to have them available if needed.&nbsp;</li>
<li>It&rsquo;s important to remember that while you are in your current job, consider that you may not want your reference (eg. your current boss) to be contacted until you have had an interview for a new possible job, or are actually offered it. This is because, for instance, if you weren&rsquo;t offered the new job, and end up staying in your current job then you might not want your manager having been contacted as a reference. It can cause tension or awkward conversations about why you were trying to leave. A good way to get around this is to simply write &lsquo;References available on request&rsquo;. This shows the new employer that they can ask you for them as needed, but also means you can ask them to only contact them if you are offered the job, and then have time to ask the reference if it&rsquo;s okay for them to be contacted. Most potential employers will be happy to wait to do this after offering you the job</li>
<li>If you have only had one previous job, or have been studying, it is okay to include a tutor as a reference, or someone else as a character reference (who is not related to you)</li>
</ul>
</article>

Administrator CV Template

<p style="text-align: justify;">A change is coming for those working in <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/hospitality-and-catering"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">catering and hospitality roles</span></a>. A new tipping bill called &lsquo;The Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023&rsquo; has received Royal Assent (which means that it&rsquo;s become law). The new bill makes it unlawful for employers to keep tips, gratuities and service charges paid by customers from workers. The official date that the legislation will come into effect is expected to be announced sometime this year.&nbsp;</p>
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<h3>What changes will the new tipping bill bring?</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Fair distribution of tips</strong>: All tips received from an employer&rsquo;s customers will need to be fairly distributed amongst workers at a place of business &ndash; this includes both non-public facing and public-facing staff. Tips that are distributed would include employer-received tips (e.g. paid by a customer as part of payment) as well as worker-received tips (e.g. tips given to workers by customers directly).<br><br></li>
<li><strong>How tips are paid</strong>: tips would be paid to workers in cash or deposited in their bank accounts along with their usual pay by no later than the end of the month, following the month in which the tip was paid by the customer. However, employers may have the option to pay a &lsquo;qualifying&rsquo; tip instead of money, in the form of a stamp, voucher, token or similar which is of a fixed monetary value, and is capable of being exchanged for money, goods or services.<br><br></li>
<li><strong>New worker rights and updated legislation</strong>: The current &lsquo;Employment Rights Act 1996&rsquo; will be updated to reflect the new changes, and a Code of Practice is being developed by the government and other stakeholders to help guide employers and workers on how to implement the new laws. Employers also won&rsquo;t be allowed to make any unauthorised deductions from tips, such as costs stemming from breakages or accidents caused by a worker during a shift.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
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<div class="image"><img src="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/-/media/bluearrow/blog/tipping-bill-ensures-fair-allocation-of-tips/narrative-panel/candtipsnarrative-panel.jpg?h=428&amp;w=428&amp;la=en&amp;hash=F7846CA9A0B870914ECBEF08328A2303" alt="Two people discussing worker rights"></div>
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<p>Workers will receive new rights that entitle them to request information relating to their employer&rsquo;s tipping records if they feel that they haven&rsquo;t received a fair share of tips. If workers have any grievances with their employer about tip allocations, they&rsquo;ll be able to take their grievances to employment tribunals.</p>
<p>If an employment tribunal finds an employer&rsquo;s tipping practices are unlawful, workers can receive compensation up to &pound;5,000 &ndash; this will vary on a case-by-case basis.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Tips are just one part of what makes working in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/hospitality-and-catering">catering and hospitality</a>&nbsp;a great job and career, and this parliamentary bill will ensure that workers receive their fair share of tips from their employer no matter where they work within the UK. It will also give those typically working in non-public facing roles such as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/jobs?keywords=chef">Chefs</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/jobs?keywords=cleaner">Cleaners</a>&nbsp;the opportunity to earn customer tips for the first time. Great hospitality experiences don&rsquo;t happen without huge efforts from front and back of house teams, and gratuities are a way for customers to show their appreciation.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you&rsquo;re a Blue Arrow candidate and have any questions or concerns about the new tipping bill legislation coming into effect, contact your Blue Arrow consultant for advice.</p>
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Tipping Bill Ensures Fair Allocation of Tips

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<p class="Paragraph SCXW32392095" style="color: windowtext; background-color: #ffffff; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">Where is December going! It feels like we are plummeting past Christmas and headlong into the New Year much too fast. The brakes have failed and all that is left to do is grab the handbrake, yank the wheel and drift sideways into 2019 in style with a glass of wine in one hand and a box of chocolates in the other.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW32392095" style="color: windowtext; background-color: #ffffff; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">I planned on doing just that, bursting into 2019 in a very stylish manner was officially my plan. So, I happened to mention to my family that I would be taking a little down-time over the festive period. No work, just personal projects, to prepare myself for the very best start possible to a New Year.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW32392095" style="color: windowtext; background-color: #ffffff; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">Inevitably, the minute you declare yourself a work-free zone your family members start to claim pockets of your &lsquo;free&rsquo; time for things you can help them with or do for them.&nbsp;No, it is not just you, I am a sucker for this as well. Before I knew it, I had promised my daughter that we will spend some time revamping her CV and writing her personal statement ready for when the New Year rolls around and she starts applying for a new job. Sigh.&nbsp;Still, it&rsquo;s nice to be asked, right! She must think I have some knowledge worth listening to, I will take that as a parenting win.</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW32392095" style="color: windowtext; background-color: #ffffff; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">I wasn&rsquo;t too concerned by the revamping of the CV part of the request; she is an avid Pinterest user, so I was pretty sure she had the design aspect nailed. It was the personal statement side of things where she was probably hoping for a little more guidance, everyone struggles to write about themselves.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW32392095" style="color: windowtext; background-color: #ffffff; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">I was jotting down some basic thoughts on how I would approach it when, in a moment of inspiration, I remembered that back when I was a teenager, my school had made us write a statement as part of our careers week.</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW32392095" style="color: windowtext; background-color: #ffffff; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">This was before the internet was really a &lsquo;thing&rsquo; so our job application process involved walking into shops and asking for an application form. You took that to the nearest bench, quickly filled it in, then went back to the shop and handed it to one of the shop assistants, hoping that they would pass it on to the manager.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW32392095" style="color: windowtext; background-color: #ffffff; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">The personal statement was supposed to be one of the key factors in this process, the unwritten rule was that the shop assistant would read the statement and they would decide from that if you were someone they wanted to pass on.</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW32392095" style="color: windowtext; background-color: #ffffff; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">I thought perhaps the statement I wrote back then would provide some useful info or even an approach that we had not considered. I knew there had to be a copy of it somewhere. My loft is like a museum for the days gone by, all of my old school books that my mum had lovingly treasured (hoarded!) and passed over to me when I left home are in there.</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW32392095" style="color: windowtext; background-color: #ffffff; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">I was squatting precariously on one of the beams in the loft flipping through the books by the light of my mobile phone, enjoying the memories and the feelings of nostalgia, when I found it in all of its glory, the personal statement of Caree R Hunter.</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW32392095" style="color: windowtext; background-color: #ffffff; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><strong>&ldquo;I like to read books, I love to write, and I am a good team player because I like sports&rdquo;&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW32392095" style="color: windowtext; background-color: #ffffff; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">Oh dear, young Caree was not in any danger of getting hired with that nugget of wisdom was she. Was that really all I could come up with? I sincerely remember being much cooler than that at the time. I was a teenager, I knew everything! Or at least, I thought I did.</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW32392095" style="color: windowtext; background-color: #ffffff; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">I resolved to hide that book at the bottom of the pile and forget it exists, no-one else needed to know how uninspired I was as a teen. It was time to switch back to plan A and finish the notes I started before my loft excursion.</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW32392095" style="color: windowtext; background-color: #ffffff; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">The personal statement goes into the scary white box that is on every application, you know the one without any lines in it, so your handwriting is always going diagonally across the page at a jaunty angle no matter how hard you try to write it straight, yep that one. Online applications are a dream come true, even if it is just for this reason.</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW32392095" style="color: windowtext; background-color: #ffffff; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">The statement is always the bit you leave until last, but by the time you come to it you have had enough, you are flustered from remembering the dates you started and left your first job and stressed out from having to admit to your less than exemplar exam results.</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW32392095" style="color: windowtext; background-color: #ffffff; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">We have all been there and if my school effort proves anything, it is that we all end up doing the same thing, writing a short paragraph that could not only describe you but also your nan, your brother and Dave from next door.</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW32392095" style="color: windowtext; background-color: #ffffff; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">The truth is, a personal statement is more often than not, anything but personal, it is generic, and yawn&hellip; boring.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW32392095" style="color: windowtext; background-color: #ffffff; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">You can&rsquo;t really write honestly and say that in your spare time you enjoy sleeping, eating and watching Netflix boxsets. That you hate cheese and a pint of cider goes down a treat. But then you also can&rsquo;t stretch the truth and say that you spend your evenings and weekends volunteering at animal shelters and studying astrophysics for fun.</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW32392095" style="color: windowtext; background-color: #ffffff; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">The only thing you can do is make the personal statement, personal.</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW32392095" style="color: windowtext; background-color: #ffffff; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">&nbsp;Before you get the wrong idea and create something more suited to a Tinder profile, I am not saying be really up close and personal. That could get a little awkward in the tea room if you do get the job, some things are best left to the imagination after all.</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW32392095" style="color: windowtext; background-color: #ffffff; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">I mean, make it more unique than personal. Yes, unique is probably a better word to use, let's roll with that.</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW32392095" style="color: windowtext; background-color: #ffffff; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">So, in this unique statement you can be a little bit more creative than just &lsquo;I am a good team player who likes to get to work on time&rsquo;. You have the chance to show people who you are and what is important to you.</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW32392095" style="color: windowtext; background-color: #ffffff; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">You could use the space to affirm who you strive to be, to detail what you would like to achieve, or perhaps even what you have learned from your past endeavours and how you will use it to inform your future.</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW32392095" style="color: windowtext; background-color: #ffffff; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">If you are concerned that there is a gap in your employment, then perhaps use the space to explain what you were doing in that time and what you learnt from it.</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW32392095" style="color: windowtext; background-color: #ffffff; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">You could say how you aspire to progress your learning. Or even talk about how the bigger picture looks for you, are you on the road to climb the corporate ladder, do you aspire to be a manager some day?&nbsp;</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW32392095" style="color: windowtext; background-color: #ffffff; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">Be careful here that you do not say that this job is just a stop gap to greater things and that you are waiting for your dream job to land in your lap, no employer likes to hear that. Instead focus on why you feel this role is an important step in your journey.</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW32392095" style="color: windowtext; background-color: #ffffff; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">A great idea would be to use a profound quote from someone you admire, or a passage from your favourite book. If you take the time to explain why it is important to you, how it shapes your behaviour or the way you see the world then you are creating personal statement gold dust.</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW32392095" style="color: windowtext; background-color: #ffffff; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">Wish me luck as I try to draw something creative and aspirational from my daughter over Christmas for her statement. If you have a go at this then do send me what you come up with, I would love to show her some examples.</p>
</div>

Personal Statement

<p>What is it really like to work as a Forklift Truck Driver?&nbsp; We spoke to one of our Forklift Drivers to find out more about the best and worst parts of the job.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Tell me about where you work and what you do.</span></h3>
<p>I currently work in the warehouse at DHL as a forklift operator working the night shift.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">When did you start?</span></h3>
<p>I started in June 2019 but I did work here before for almost a year.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">How do you work your shifts around your home life?</span></h3>
<p>I have worked night shifts pretty much all of my life, so I am used to the shift pattern now and it works for me. I made the decision not to start a family, so I am able to sleep in the morning and have some free time through the day.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">What does your job entail?</span></h3>
<p>I generally work through stock replenishment, inbound emergency orders, moving items from upper shelves to lower shelves, and general stock rotation. I spend my whole time operating a forklift.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Did you already have your forklift license when you started the job or did you do it at work?</span></h3>
<p>I had my license before I started working here but I was assessed by the employer when I started like you would be at all new places of work.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Why did you need to be assessed if you already had your license?</span></h3>
<p>It is basically the same test that you do during training, but it is really just to demonstrate to the employer that you do have the skills required to work in that environment.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Do you like your job &amp; why?</span></h3>
<p>I do like it; I know that some people wouldn&rsquo;t like it or see it as a good job, but it is a responsible job to do. It may seem like I just drive around all day, but people don&rsquo;t see that you have to be focused because it can be a very dangerous job. I like to be focused, organised and proactive when I am at work and this is a really good job for that.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Why did you want to do this job?</span></h3>
<p>There are not very many Forklift Drivers in the industry and it can be quite dangerous, you are at quite a high risk of injury so people tend to avoid the job but it is a great job and I was always drawn to being a female in a role that tends to be more male orientated.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">What is the worst part of your job?</span></h3>
<p>The risk to injury is probably the worst part, I mean it is not risky all of the time but you are at more risk than in a different role especially if the environment is not properly cared for.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">I hear about boredom being a big factor in warehouse work, how do you cope with that?</span></h3>
<p>I really don&rsquo;t see it as boring at all, it depends on the place where you work. If you have to do the same job over and over it will always be boring no matter what the role is. But in my job I always have something to do and it is always different somehow.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">There has been a lot in the press about bad working conditions in warehouses, what is your view on that?</span></h3>
<p>Yes, I saw all of the news before too, but I have never experienced any of what they were saying, everywhere I have worked has been fine.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">How do you cope with the physical aspects of your role?</span></h3>
<p>It&rsquo;s not really relevant in my role, it&rsquo;s more physically demanding for the picking and packing operatives because they walk so far and lift things all of the time but I spend all of my time driving and operating machinery so I only need to be moderately fit to do it.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">What would you change if you could?</span></h3>
<p>We need more experienced people, particularly in my role to spread the work out a bit.</p>
<p>Most of all I would change the forklift training, its usually 3 days including the test, but the test can take up to 5 hours or more so 3<sup>rd</sup> day is really just the test. It does depend on how many instructors, trucks and candidates they have on hand, but two days is not enough to learn everything well enough to put it into practice at work comfortably.</p>
<p>Ideally it would be 3 days training and another one for testing. Some people really need that extra day to get comfortable with the techniques.</p>
<p>We really need more well trained forklift drivers working in warehouses so I hope more people train to get their license.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">What are your top tips for other warehouse workers?</span></h3>
<p>Always focus on the task in hand. Be organised, proactive and be aware of hazards, keeping in mind the weight of the load. Remember that everything you learn on your training is important.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">What do you hope to achieve long term?</span></h3>
<p>I want to achieve more than being an FLT driver, I was thinking I would maybe like to be an instructor or more of a team leader in the warehouse to help the new people starting.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">What are your co-workers like?</span></h3>
<p>They are all very nice people, it&rsquo;s a good team, they come and help each other out. Night shifts generally have less people on, so the other shifts help us hit our targets if we are falling behind. The management really listen and help us with any problems we have.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">How can you progress your career as a forklift driver?</span></h3>
<p>You can build up other licenses for different types of machinery if you want to. If you want to be an instructor, you would need to have most of the other machinery licenses. As an alternative you could move into carrying out the assessments for new starters in your warehouse.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Would you recommend your job to a friend &amp; why.</span></h3>
<p>I would highly recommend my job, I love it. I know some people don&rsquo;t like working nights but I like them, it is so different to working a normal 9 to 5 job.</p>

What is it like to be a Forklift Driver in a warehouse?

<p>If you are thinking of returning to work, increasing your hours or even studying a course to better your chances of getting a job, it can be a confusing and stressful time trying to figure out how getting a job will affect your benefits, how will you afford to study a course, (can anyone actually afford uni?) and just where will you find the cash to get a decent interview outfit?&nbsp;</p>
<p>A little known nugget of wisdom is that there are little kitty&rsquo;s of money set aside as grants and funds available for those who are trying to find a new job, develop their career or study for new qualifications.</p>
<p>It does take a little digging around on the internet to get to grips with what is available, so over a steaming mug of tea I did some searching so I could give you a quick run-down of what is available.&nbsp;</p>
<h2><span style="color: #00aae3;">The Job Grant &ndash; Returning to work</span></h2>
<p>There is a tax-free grant called the Job Grant that can be awarded to people who are moving into employment, or whose employment status will change in a way that will mean they no longer receive benefits. The grant can also apply if your partner's work situation changes in a way that will affect any benefits you receive.</p>
<p>This money can be used for many things, whether it is to tide you over before your monthly income starts or to help you purchase work-appropriate clothing.</p>
<p>How much you receive as a Job Grant is dependent on your personal situation. Single people and couples without children can receive &pound;100, while lone parents and couples with children can be awarded &pound;250.</p>
<p>It is important to note that unlike benefits, this is a discretionary tax-free grant which means that you are not automatically entitled to it from the government just by meeting the criteria, it is left to the Job Centre to assess your situation and choose whether to award the grant or not.</p>
<p><strong>The Criteria:</strong>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The main purpose of this grant is to compensate for a loss in benefit as you switch to employment, so it follows that the first criteria is that you must be receiving one of these benefits:</p>
<ul>
<li>Employment and Support Allowance</li>
<li>Jobseeker's Allowance</li>
<li>Income Support</li>
<li>Incapacity Benefit</li>
<li>Severe Disablement Allowance</li>
<li>Jobcentre Plus or New Deal Allowance&nbsp;</li>
<li>Employment Zone payment based on a Jobseeker's Allowance.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p>You need to have been receiving one of these qualifying benefits for at least 26 weeks immediately prior to entering your new job and the job you are taking needs to provide a minimum of 16 hours per week. (This also applies if you are increasing your shifts at an existing job to over 16 hours).</p>
<p>Don&rsquo;t worry about this affecting your tax credits, if you do receive a Job Grant it won't have any impact on these or other specific benefits that relate to it. You probably also immediately qualify for the Extended Council Tax Benefit and the Extended Housing Benefit which would give you 4 weeks of help with paying your council tax and rent respectively, so it is definitely worth exploring all of the benefits that you could be entitled to.</p>
<p>If your new job hasn't significantly improved your financial situation then don&rsquo;t worry, keep at it, you may still qualify for continued support with these aspects in the form of an in-work Council Tax Benefit and an in-work Housing Benefit but you wouldn&rsquo;t need to file a new claim for these, your situation will automatically be assessed at the end of the 4-week period anyway.&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://www.turn2us.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Turn2us Supporting Individuals and Families</a></p>
<p>Turn2us is a national charity that helps people when times get tough by providing financial support to help people get back on track through a few different grant-giving funds&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>Turn2us Elizabeth Finn Fund - Providing direct grants for people who have a professional background and their dependants</li>
<li>Turn2us Edinburgh Trust - Help for people who have experienced a life-changing event in the past 12 months.</li>
<li>Turn2us Response Fund - Financial assistance and support for people in need in the City of Edinburgh.</li>
</ul>
<p>They have a free and easy-to-use Benefits Calculator and Grants Search tool that you can use to check what benefits you might be able to claim and what grants you might be able to apply for.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/contact-jobcentre-plus" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">JobCentre Plus</a>&nbsp;</p>
<p>There are lots ways that you can get help for returning to employment through The Jobcentre Plus, especially if you are still at the looking for work, stage.&nbsp;</p>
<p>They offer services that help with compiling a CV, looking and applying for jobs, finding out about training possibilities and introduction to work clubs and other organisations that help people find a job.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Some Jobcentres have discretionary funds to help people with travel expenses to and from interviews and they will have free telephones for you to call about job vacancies you have seen.</p>
<p>&nbsp;As well as the jobs that they advertise they will most likely have the jobs sections of both local and national newspapers and access to online job seeking services.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #00aae3;"> Adult learning to develop your skills in preparation for returning to work.</span></h2>
<p>I did a post on this in much more <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/adult-learning" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">detail</span></a> so do go check that out after you have read this post but I found another e-learning provider that I didn&rsquo;t mention before.</p>
<p><a href="https://alison.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Alison &ndash; Free online courses</span></a></p>
<p>Alison has over 750 free online courses in a huge variety of topics from financial literacy to fitness and nutrition. What I love about this is that you can either purchase a certificate at the end of your course or download a learner record for free so you can show potential employers just how much work you have put into developing your knowledge and skills, this is not always possible with free online courses so it is certainly a perk.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Similarly <a href="https://www.futurelearn.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">FutureLearn</span></a>&nbsp;(owned by The Open University) and <a href="https://www.coursera.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Coursera</span></a>&nbsp;both offer access to 100s of free online courses each taking anything from one week to 12 weeks or more to complete.&nbsp;</p>
<p>You progress through modules each week, sometimes followed by a short quiz and like with Alison, some courses provide the opportunity to purchase a completion certificate at the end.</p>
<p>What is really encouraging is just how much is available to help you on your job hunting, career revamping, course-studying journey. You just need to know where to look.</p>

Your future granted

<p>As a female worker and considering a job in a warehouse you would be forgiven for thinking that you will be one lone woman in a workforce dominated by men but the truth is, with female empowerment and gender equality in the workplace being a hot topic in recent years, many former male oriented industries are seeing a steady rise in female applicants and successful placements.</p>
<p>Attracting female workers into a role known for its male oriented workforce is no easy task but many warehouse employers have taken on the challenge and are making great strides to encourage a diverse range of applicants to consider a career in an exciting, fast paced, challenging working environment that thrives on the various skills, personalities and operational approaches of its workforce.</p>
<p>This is all very encouraging, especially for women but it is important that all of you, newly inspired applicants, have just as much confidence in your own abilities as your employers have in you.</p>
<p>You do not have to behave like a man in order to work alongside some and you certainly don&rsquo;t have to strip away everything that makes you who you are in order to succeed, instead, try out our top 4 tips for succeeding in a male oriented industry, we are confident that you will find them much more effective.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">1. Be authentic</span></h3>
<p>There is nothing that damages the perception of women working in a male industry more than women who feed the misguided perceptions. Sure, some guys may be physically stronger but that doesn&rsquo;t mean you are not strong, you know your limits so work to them not below them, push your own boundaries. How can we expect others to believe in us if we don&rsquo;t believe in ourselves?</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">2. Have courage</span></h3>
<p>Women tend to be a little more risk adverse than men; it must be some sort of genetic throwback from way back designed to keep us safe. In some situation&rsquo;s this is a real help but, in the workplace, fortune favours the brave. You have to be courageous enough to raise your hand and put yourself forward, speak up when an opinion is needed and stand your ground when you are challenged. At work you have the freedom to explore and find out what you are really capable of so roll up your sleeves, tie your hair back in a ponytail and get stuck in.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">3. Communicate</span></h3>
<p>If there is one thing women are truly great at, it is communication and at work communication is everyone&rsquo;s golden ticket to success. Cohesive team work, conflict resolution, problem solving, brainstorming and even career progression all rely on your ability to clearly express yourself while understanding, listening to and inspiring others. So, don&rsquo;t shy away from your natural ability to get an important message across to those who need to hear it.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">4. Be underestimated</span></h3>
<p>This one may sound a little strange but hear us out. If you feel like everyone is waiting for you to fail or that they are doubting your abilities, let them. It is not even worth your time trying to convince them otherwise with words, your actions will always speak louder.It is fine if people look at you a little skeptically as you saunter up to your forklift truck, because when you show them that you can handle the machinery, nimbly nipping between aisles just as well as the rest of them you will soon start to prove that you are a force to be reckoned with. Just think how satisfying it will be when you not only succeed but you succeed in such spectacular fashion that the competition pales in significance.</p>

Women in warehouse work

<p class="paragraph">Gone are the days of physical job boards with little cards on them calling for a local lollipop lady to patrol the big crossing outside the local infant school. The job centre of the nineties and noughties is a thing of the past. For those of you too young to remember the Job centre of my youth the good news is, the Job Centre of your youth is infinitely different to what I remember. Nowadays, it is a place of unfaltering support, masses of knowledge and endless encouragement. The Job Centre is unique and deeply committed to showing that a government subsidised income and being in paid work really can go hand-in-hand.&nbsp;</p>
<p>How do I know this? Ah ha, being a lucky journalistic lady, I had the opportunity to interview Matthew, a Work Coach from my local Job Centre branch. I jumped at the chance to get the inside scoop on what the Job Centre is and how it helps people to get into work. While I was there, I also slipped in a few cheeky questions about what candidates can do to get ahead in job interviews for all you job hunters out there.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="paragraph">During the interview Matthew mentions Universal Credit a couple of times so, first things first let&rsquo;s give you a couple of facts in case you are not familiar with it and are thinking to yourself, what is Universal Credit?</p>
<p>Universal Credit is a payment from the government to help with your living costs. It is paid monthly (or twice a month if you are in Scotland).&nbsp;</p>
<p>Universal Credit replaced the following benefits and rolled them all into one neat tidy payment.&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="normaltextrun1">Child Tax Credit</span></li>
<li><span class="normaltextrun1" data-contrast="auto">Housing Benefit</span></li>
<li><span class="normaltextrun1" data-contrast="auto">Income Support</span></li>
<li><span class="normaltextrun1" data-contrast="auto">Income based Job Seekers Allowance (JSA)</span></li>
<li><span class="normaltextrun1" data-contrast="auto">Working Tax Credit</span></li>
</ul>
<p class="paragraph">I may do a more detailed post about Universal Credit soon and if I do, I will update you here when it is live, but in the meantime if you want more info about Universal Credit click <a href="https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here.</a></p>
<p class="paragraph">Let&rsquo;s get back to the interview but before we start, grab a pen and some paper because there are some really fabulous job-hunting tips coming up.</p>
<h3 class="paragraph"><span style="color: #00aae3;">What would you say is the main driving purpose behind the Job Centre?</span></h3>
<p class="paragraph">The primary function of the Job Centre is to assist those in receipt of Universal Credit in their returning to work or starting to work journey, in whatever form that may take and however long it takes.&nbsp;</p>
<h3 class="paragraph"><span style="color: #00aae3;">How do you connect with the Job Centre and get help finding a job?</span>&nbsp;</h3>
<p class="paragraph">When you apply for Universal Credit online you will be tasked with going to your <a href="https://find-your-nearest-jobcentre.dwp.gov.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">local Job Centre</a>￼￼. When you arrive at the Job Centre you will be assigned a Work Coach and a dedicated central Case Manager. You and your Work Coach will have a chat about the process and the next steps.</p>
<h3 class="paragraph"><span style="color: #00aae3;">How can the Job Centre help people find a job?</span>&nbsp;</h3>
<p>It&rsquo;s not just about job boards anymore. Your Work Coach will work with you to identify what sort of work you might like to do. It&rsquo;s about finding the right work and the right frequency of work for you as an individual.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="paragraph">Together we will brainstorm ideas, identify any training you might feel you need, and if you are not quite ready to dive straight in to the world of work we can arrange work experience or voluntary placements too.</p>
<h3 class="paragraph"><span style="color: #00aae3;"> Is temporary working currently promoted and encouraged through the Job Centre? </span>&nbsp;</h3>
<p class="paragraph">Absolutely! Temporary working is actually great for people in receipt of Universal Credit. Because Universal Credit is flexible, increasing and decreasing in real-time based on your actual monthly income, it works perfectly for the nature of temporary work where you may be taking on extra shifts, less shifts or in some instances no shifts from one month to the next.&nbsp;</p>
<h3 class="paragraph"><span style="color: #00aae3;">What are the other benefits of temporary work?</span>&nbsp;</h3>
<p class="paragraph">There are many positives to temporary work, weekly pay is always a popular perk, but it&nbsp; can also fill a gap on your CV, help you to build up your skills, provide you with a recent reliable reference for your next job application and it can often lead to permanent or ongoing work.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<h3 class="paragraph"><span style="color: #00aae3;">What are the most common concerns that candidates express when they start their job-hunting journey?</span></h3>
<p class="paragraph">Everyone experiences periods of doubt. Sometimes they don&rsquo;t know what to expect or where to start, they feel they have no relevant experience or that they lack the skills required to find the job they would like. But that is why Work Coaches like me are there, we want to help people find solutions to the barriers they feel are standing in the way of their progress, whether that is through finding training courses, work experience placements or even specialist help to <a href="http://https//www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/cv-templates">create a detailed CV.</a></p>
<h3 class="paragraph"><span style="color: #00aae3;">How important would you say industry experience is compared to qualifications or education?</span>&nbsp;</h3>
<p class="paragraph">I think it is more to do with age or generation. For a more mature applicant their experiences, whether it is work or life experience becomes the focus of their application and subsequent interview because they have more to draw upon and use as an example. For younger candidates who have little or no work experience their educational history is a good way for them to show that they can learn and apply themselves.&nbsp;</p>
<h3 class="paragraph"><span style="color: #00aae3;">What would you say are the most important soft skills to highlight on your CV?</span>&nbsp;</h3>
<p>Skills that are important are, reliability, flexibility, commitment, enthusiasm, as well as the ability and desire to learn. How to actually do the job will be taught to you once you start&nbsp;but enthusiasm, reliability and other skills like that can&rsquo;t be taught you need to show that you have those qualities already.&nbsp;</p>
<h3 class="paragraph"><span style="color: #00aae3;">What 3 things can a candidate do to increase their chances of getting an interview?</span>&nbsp;</h3>
<ul>
<li>Make sure your <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/cv-templates">CV is up-to-date</a> and that any gaps in your work history are accounted for.</li>
<li>Read the specification in the job advert, find out who they are looking for and repeat it back to them in your application.&nbsp;</li>
<li><strong>Top Tip</strong>: Many applications are screened via applicant management software that searches for the right keywords in the application, these are generally the same words that were used in the job description i.e. reliable, ambitious, confident, team work, flexible, the job title etc. Therefore, making sure you have included these words in your application will mean that you are automatically shortlisted by the computer for a human to review in more detail. Leaving the keywords out will unfortunately often lead to instant rejection by the applicant management software.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="paragraph"><span style="color: #00aae3;">What 2 things should a candidate consider before applying for a job?</span>&nbsp;</h3>
<p>Work should always be sustainable and enjoyable so the two main things would be;</p>
<ul>
<li>Consider the location, can you get there reliably every day?</li>
<li>Is it something you can see yourself doing every day?</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="paragraph"><span style="color: #00aae3;">What should a candidate always try to communicate in an interview?</span>&nbsp;</h3>
<p>For all candidates we would always recommend that they stress that they are reliable (providing they are of course). In many cases an employer is primarily looking for someone they can rely on to turn up and do the job so mentioning it in your interview is really important, it can often be the deciding factor for an employer when they are selecting the right candidate.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">Where do you start when looking for a new job?</span><strong>&nbsp;</strong></h3>
<p>First of all, speak to a Work Coach at the Job Centre and then register with multiple agencies as a priority.</p>
<p class="paragraph"><span data-contrast="auto"><span class="normaltextrun1">Try to think</span><span data-contrast="auto"> out of the box a bit when it comes to applying for a job. Don&rsquo;t </span><span data-contrast="auto">just</span><span data-contrast="auto"> apply online, go into shops, speak to people and hand in your CV&rsquo;s in person. Approach businesses even if they are not advertising a position, they might </span><span data-contrast="auto">be hiring but </span><span data-contrast="auto">have </span><span data-contrast="auto">not </span><span data-contrast="auto">got around to </span><span data-contrast="auto">advertising it</span><span data-contrast="auto"> yet.</span></span></p>
<p class="paragraph">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="paragraph"><span data-contrast="auto"><span class="normaltextrun1">Be patient, you may apply for many jobs and </span><span data-contrast="auto">not get through to an interview</span><span data-contrast="auto"> so don&rsquo;t be disheartened. Getting an interview is not easy so when you do get one, make the most of the opportunity to impress.&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p class="paragraph"><span class="normaltextrun1" data-contrast="auto">Practice <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/interview-tips#Interview Preparation">interview skills</a> and&nbsp;</span><span class="normaltextrun1" data-contrast="auto">￼</span><span class="normaltextrun1" data-contrast="auto">enlist anyone who will help you to practice so you are less nervous when it comes to doing it for real.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="paragraph">Let me round up by saying, Matthew was just lovely to talk to. He is knowledgeable, positive and enthusiastic about the work he and his colleagues do. He really is a wonderful advocate for the services that are available at the Job Centre.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="paragraph">You can find information and the location of your nearest Job Centre by <a href="https://find-your-nearest-jobcentre.dwp.gov.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">clicking here</a>.</p>

What does the job centre do?

<p class="Paragraph SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">April 2020 is fast approaching and with it a few employment law changes that you need to be aware of.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The latest employment law news is dominated by the upcoming legislative changes on 6th April 2020. These changes will affect some areas of employment law including:&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>Holiday pay reference period.</li>
<li>Increased protection for agency workers.</li>
<li>Agency workers right to a statement of terms (particulars of employment).</li>
<li>Parental bereavement leave and pay.</li>
</ul>
<p>These changes are all down to a review that was conducted by the Taylor Review of Modern Working Practices in July 2017. In this report 53 recommendations were made, most of which were accepted in principle by the government and consultations into how these proposals could be put into place got underway. All of this hard work resulted in the publication of the governments&rsquo; <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/good-work-plan/good-work-plan" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Good Work Plan</a>' towards the end of 2019.&nbsp;Let&rsquo;s take a look at each of the employment law changes in a little more detail and find out how these changes might affect you.&nbsp;</p>
<h3 class="Paragraph SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span class="TextRun SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="color: #00b0f0;" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="color: #009ee3;">Holiday pay reference period.</span></span></h3>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">Under the new legislation there will be an increase in the period over which holiday pay is calculated.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Right now, holiday pay for a worker who works irregular hours, is worked out by taking an average of the number of hours worked over the previous 12 weeks.&nbsp; This 12 week period is called the &lsquo;pay reference period&rsquo;.&nbsp;As of 6th April 2020, the pay reference period will be extended to 52 weeks. So, your holiday pay will be based on the average salary you earned over the whole previous 52 weeks. If you have not been working for 52 weeks then don&rsquo;t worry, it will instead be calculated on the average salary earned over the total number of weeks you have worked.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is great news for workers who have been stung by taking holiday after a slow period for temporary working hours.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Increased protection for agency workers.</span></h3>
<p><span style="color: windowtext;">This new legislation affects what is known as the Swedish Derogation. As of now, agency workers are entitled to receive the same pay as a permanent employee after they have worked for 12 weeks unless they are working under specific contractual arrangements where a low pay is received between assignments.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p>It is this extra little bit of distinction about the specific contractual arrangements that is being removed as of 6th April 2020, thus ending the Swedish Derogation. It will become that all agency workers will be entitled to equal pay after 12 weeks of working, regardless of the contract type or arrangement.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Agency workers right to a statement of terms (particulars of employment)</span></h3>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">From 6th April 2020 all workers will have the right to receive a written document setting out their basic contractual terms within one day of their employment commencing. Previously, employees who had been working for more than a month would receive a statement of basic terms within two months of the start of their employment so, as of April, things will be a whole lot clearer from the outset.</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">The particulars of employment will need to include the following information:&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">If days or hours are variable and if so how.</li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">Any and all benefits provided by the employer</li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">Any probationary period details including any conditions for passing the probationary period.</li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">Any mandatory training requirements and the details</li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Parental bereavement leave and pay.</span></h3>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">Under this new legislation all employed parents with 26 weeks continuous service, who lose a child under the age of 18 or suffer a still birth after 24 weeks of pregnancy, will be entitled to two weeks leave from work and statutory parental bereavement pay. Workers without 26 weeks continuous service will be entitled to two weeks unpaid leave.</p>
<p>Regardless of whether you are a temporary worker or a permanent employee, there is nothing you need to do in order to prepare for these changes in legislation. The changes will take affect and it will only be at the point where one might apply to you in your unique circumstances that you might need to check to ensure your employer or agency is working in line with the new laws.&nbsp;For example, after 6th April, if you generally work irregular hours and you are claiming holiday pay you can check your payslip to ensure your holiday pay has been calculated correctly based on your average hours from the previous 52 weeks (or entire service time). If you are unsure you can ask your manager or HR department how the payment has been calculated.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">Exciting times are ahead of us and the UK work force of both temporary and permanent employees have a bright future ahead as we move on into the new industrial revolution where advances in technology and ever changing trends are changing how, when and where we work.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span class="TextRun SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="color: windowtext;" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW69115832 BCX3">The </span></span><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="color: windowtext;" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW69115832 BCX3">Good Work Plan 2020</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="color: windowtext;" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW69115832 BCX3"> was an extremely detailed plan with a host of information regarding the protection of </span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="color: windowtext;" data-contrast="auto"><span class="ContextualSpellingAndGrammarError SCXW69115832 BCX3">workers</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="color: windowtext;" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW69115832 BCX3"> rights. The opening foreword by </span></span><span class="TextRun Highlight SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #0b0c0c;" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="background-color: inherit;">Rt Hon Greg Clark MP</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="color: #0b0c0c;" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW69115832 BCX3"> - </span></span><span class="TextRun Highlight SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #0b0c0c;" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="background-color: inherit;">Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy</span></span><span class="TextRun Highlight SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #0b0c0c;" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="background-color: inherit;"> provided a clear overview of the vision behind the Good Work Plan 2020 stating;</span></span></p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span class="EOP SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="color: windowtext;" data-ccp-props="{}"><em><strong>"</strong></em></span><strong><em><span class="TextRun Highlight SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="text-align: center; background-color: #ffffff; color: #0b0c0c;" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="background-color: inherit;">In the Good Work Plan the government also commits to a wide range of policy and legislative changes to ensure that workers can access fair and decent work, that both employers and workers have the clarity they need to understand their employment relationships, and that the enforcement system is fair and fit for purpose.</span></span></em><span class="TextRun Highlight SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="text-align: center; background-color: #ffffff; color: #0b0c0c;" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="background-color: inherit;"><em>&rdquo;</em></span></span></strong></p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span class="TextRun SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="color: #0b0c0c;" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW69115832 BCX3" data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">Through the Good Work Plan, </span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="color: #0b0c0c;" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW69115832 BCX3" data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">there is little doubt that </span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="color: #0b0c0c;" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW69115832 BCX3" data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">we as a country have committed to not only maintain workers&rsquo; rights as the</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="color: #0b0c0c;" data-contrast="none"> </span><span class="TextRun SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="color: #0b0c0c;" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW69115832 BCX3" data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">UK</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="color: #0b0c0c;" data-contrast="none"> </span><span class="TextRun SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="color: #0b0c0c;" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW69115832 BCX3" data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">leaves the</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="color: #0b0c0c;" data-contrast="none"> </span><span class="TextRun SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="color: #0b0c0c;" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW69115832 BCX3" data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">EU but </span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="color: #0b0c0c;" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW69115832 BCX3" data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">to </span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="color: #0b0c0c;" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW69115832 BCX3" data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">enhance </span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="color: #0b0c0c;" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW69115832 BCX3" data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">them.</span></span></p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW69115832 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span class="TextRun SCXW69115832 BCX3" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW69115832 BCX3">If you have the opportunity, I urge you to head on over and have a read of the </span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW69115832 BCX3" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW69115832 BCX3">full </span></span><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW69115832 BCX3" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW69115832 BCX3"><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/good-work-plan/good-work-plan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Good Work Plan</a></span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW69115832 BCX3" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW69115832 BCX3"> in detail so you can see how our government is planning to ensure the protection of workers&rsquo; rights in the UK now and in the future.</span></span></p>

What you need to know about the Employment Law Changes

<p>Do you think you have what it takes to work as a Customer Service Representative? Customer service careers are a hot topic right now and it is not hard to see why, with work/life flexible shifts, clear progression tracks, excellent training and competitive pay plus the fact that Customer Service Advisor jobs are currently being offered as remote working opportunities due to the recent COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Before you decide to embark on a career as a Customer Service Representative or any career for that matter, it is always a good idea to hear from the people already in the role and get a real life, behind the scenes perspective. With this in mind we interviewed Customer Service Team Leader, Max.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Where do you currently work?&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p>I am a Team Leader working in a customer service department at Capita.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">When did you start working there?</span></h3>
<p>I started on the 18th May 2020. My team and I all started at the same time; we were all recruited together to create a new Customer Service Representative team for a specific department.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Did you come from a Customer Service working background?</span></h3>
<p>No, I was unemployed, I am a student studying Politics and I just applied for the Customer Service Representative - Team Leader position to earn some extra money while I am studying.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Tell me about a typical day at work</span></h3>
<p>I work 5 days out of 7 and I get Sundays and Tuesdays off. I am a Team Leader for 22 Customer Service Representatives.&nbsp;</p>
<p>My day usually begins with logging into the various systems such as call handling software, reporting documents and other things like that. I check to make sure all of the other representatives have logged in on time and I check to see if there are any problems or escalated calls that I need to work on. I will also be involved in a management meeting at some point in the day but in general I am on call in support of all of the other representatives, assisting, taking customer calls where needed and resolving issues as they arise.</p>
<p>When call volumes are low I also make sure we are all working on some training topics in the day too, this could be mock calls, problem-solving exercises and system or software training.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Are you based in a call centre or are you remote working?&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p>Our entire team is home based remote working right now due to lockdown.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Do you feel that remote working is a good long-term solution for call centres and Customer Service Representatives?</span></h3>
<p>If the infrastructure and management support is in place, then yes absolutely. The most problems we encounter are to do with the software and systems and not the remote team itself. This is mostly due to the fact that the system was not designed to work with numerous remote working stations, everyone has different Wi-Fi systems and set ups that the software has to contend with. If we could resolve the system problems, then there is no reason why remote working wouldn't be a viable solution.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What skills did you find you needed to draw on for this position?&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p>As we were an entirely new team starting on a new project, we had to asses everyone&rsquo;s skills pretty early on. Strong customer service and telephone skills were the first real skills we needed to have. We did lots of practice calls and mock scenarios to ensure we were all confident and able to communicate effectively. Strong IT skills were also needed straight away, everything is done through software and systems, so we needed to be able to use them quickly and effectively. Anyone who was particularly strong in this area helped out those who were pretty new to computers so as a team we made sure we built up all of the skills we needed.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What are the best bits about being a Customer Service Representative - Team Leader?</span></h3>
<p>The people I work with really make the job great. We are all Customer Service Representatives first and foremost, then I have the added responsibility of being a Team Leader but managing the team and getting the best from everyone is where I feel the most comfortable. I like that with clear open communication and friendly supportive team members we have created a great team working atmosphere.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What are the worst bits?</span></h3>
<p>The systems can be challenging at times, especially while we are remote working. Making sure that all of us can report on our performance and maintain our targets can be difficult at times, but I am struggling for an answer to be honest, there is nothing really that would be described as the worst bits about this job.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Where do you see customer service careers taking you in future?&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p>I like that I am able to contribute to something bigger, I am an important part of a bigger system with lots of future potential.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What are your immediate ambitions?</span></h3>
<p>My initial contract was for just 12 weeks, but I am confident that there is room for me to stay and build on my long-term career options within Capita, so hopefully I will have the chance to renew my contract and develop my skills further.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What has working in customer service taught you?&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p>I didn't come from a strong customer services background and so I learned everything on the job, picking things up quickly and putting skills into practice from the outset. Working in customer service has taught me to have faith in my own abilities and to relax into the role knowing that I can do my job really well.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What skills do you feel you have learned in this position that you wouldn't have done in another role?</span></h3>
<p>I wasn't very strong in IT skills before I started this job, so I know I have really developed those. I have also learned to communicate effectively with a team and with customers.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What advice would you give to a new Customer Service Representative?</span></h3>
<p>Take the opportunity to undergo as much on the job training as possible and really embrace the mock call scenarios, they are a great way to build your confidence and problem-solving skills.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Would you recommend your job to a friend?</span></h3>
<p>I really would. It depends on the person of course, they would need to be a good fit for the position but overall it has been a really positive experience and one that I would recommend to anyone who is sociable, helpful, confident and proactive.&nbsp;</p>

What working in Customer Services has taught me

<p>With the amendment of the Agency Workers Regulations (AWR) 2010 and the governments Good Work Plan 2020, the end of 2019 saw the beginnings of some landmark employment law changes, including the end of the Swedish Derogation.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Initially, the Agency Workers Regulations 2010 (AWR) were amended to revoke regulations 10 (Permanent contracts providing for pay between assignments) and 11 (Calculating the minimum amount of pay), resulting in the Agency Workers (Amendment) Regulations 2019.</p>
<p>Then, following a review conducted by the Taylor Review of Modern Working Practices in July 2017 and it&rsquo;s subsequent report, the Government&rsquo;s Good Work Plan 2020 was published at the end of December 2019 detailing plans to abolish the Swedish Derogation on 6th April 2020.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>What was the Swedish Derogation?</h2>
<p>The Swedish Derogation was the name for a type of employment contract, the official name is a &ldquo;pay between assignments&rdquo; contract. In basic terms this means that a temporary worker agency (TWA) would employ temporary staff directly and would continue to pay those staff even when they are not on a work assignment for an end client.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Why was the Swedish Derogation abolished?</h2>
<p>The Taylor Review recommended that the Swedish Derogation be repealed to encourage more employers to take on permanent employees, with the goal of providing a greater level of certainty and security to workers.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>What did the removal of the Swedish Derogation mean for temporary workers?</h2>
<p>The Good Work Plan and the abolition of the Swedish Derogation meant that all agency workers are now entitled to the same basic working and employment conditions as direct recruits of the same business (including pay) once they have worked in the same role with the same hirer for 12 continuous calendar weeks regardless of the type of contract they hold.</p>
<p>Pay parity excludes company sick pay, maternity/paternity pay, adoption pay, pension contributions and redundancy pay and it does not include bonuses that are not directly attributable to the work carried out by a worker or their own long-term service.</p>
<p>Temporary worker agencies were also required to provide workers whose existing contracts contain a Swedish Derogation provision with a written statement telling them that those provisions no longer apply, by no later than 30 April 2020.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<h2>What else changed?&nbsp;</h2>
<p style="margin-left: 40px;"><strong>Holiday pay reference period</strong></p>
<p style="margin-left: 40px;">Under the new legislation there was an increase to the period over which holiday pay is calculated.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="margin-left: 40px;">Previously, holiday pay for a worker who worked irregular hours, was calculated based on the salary earned over the previous 12 weeks (pay reference period). As of 6th April 2020, the pay reference period was extended to the whole previous 52 weeks or over the total number of weeks worked if less than 52.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="margin-left: 40px;"><strong>Agency workers right to a statement of terms (particulars of employment)</strong></p>
<p style="margin-left: 40px;">Following the employment law change on 6th April 2020, all workers should receive a written document setting out their basic contractual terms within one day of their employment commencing.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>How have the changes in employment law changed things for workers so far?&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Since the employment law changes came into effect in the middle of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, it is difficult to tell how the changes have directly affected workers. The employment market has fluctuated dramatically throughout the pandemic and is likely to continue to do so for some time. With all of this uncertainty and change, it is difficult to attribute any long-term effects to one reason or another. It will take some time for a data set that can be analysed with any certainty to be available.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Do workers understand the employment law changes?&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Despite employment law news being well documented across the media, the distinctions between legislations can be difficult to understand. Discussions across worker forums seem to show a varied understanding of the provisions.<sup>1</sup></p>
<p>How about you, have you felt the benefit of any of these changes? Do you understand the changes and how they affect you?</p>
<p><strong>References</strong></p>
<p>1 The UK Professional Drivers Forum, Trucknet UK [Internet] June 2019 | Accessed October 2020 https://www.trucknetuk.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?f=2&amp;t=161072</p>

Swedish Derogation and Agency Workers Regulations 2010

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<p>If you have great leadership skills, work well under pressure, and have a passion not just for cooking but for business, you will make an excellent Sous Chef or Head Chef.</p>
<p>Our free CV templates will help you write a tailored CV to ensure you stand out from the crowd.</p>
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<h2>A guide to writing a CV for a job as a Sous Chef or Head Chef</h2>
<p><strong>Name:</strong>&nbsp;Anna Russell&nbsp;<br><strong>Tel No:</strong>&nbsp;0000 0000 00<br><strong>Email:</strong>&nbsp;AnnaRussell@email.com<br><strong>Address:</strong>&nbsp;48 Town Lane<br>Holt<br>NR99 0FD</p>
<h2>Personal Profile</h2>
<div>In the personal profile, you should professionally introduce yourself, in three or four sentences, with relation to the job you&rsquo;re applying to.</div>
<p>A good personal profile will include: your current work situation, what type of work you are searching for (such as part-time, flexible hours, or full-time employment starting immediately) some key skills and/or traits that will show the potential employer that you are a good candidate for the advertised job.</p>
<p>For a job as a sous or head chef, this is the perfect place to communicate your passion for cooking and business, as well as your leadership skills.&nbsp;</p>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<em>I am a dedicated sous chef with four years&rsquo; experience in this position. I am looking to step up into a challenging head chef role that will enable me to shape an excellent gastro pub menu. I love using seasonal products to create delicious and beautiful dishes, and enjoy leading a team that&rsquo;s always ready to deliver a smooth service.</em>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<h2>Work History</h2>
<p>The work history section is the your chance to highlight the skills and experience your current and previous jobs have given you. Ideally use this section to show potential employers why you are a good fit for the job you&rsquo;re applying for by including skills and experience relevant to the job you're applying for. You don&rsquo;t need to include every last detail, just pick the best parts. You can always write down and save your examples and other skills for the interview.</p>
<p>Try to include your work history for the last five years. Past the five year mark, you can be more brief with the details you give for each role. For example, if you&rsquo;re applying for a head chef role, and you&rsquo;re including your first ever commis chef role, it&rsquo;s okay to just list the basic details, as your most recent experience is the most interesting. There is more advice on work and education history in our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/cv-templates/cv-writing-tips">top tips online article</a>.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Job title, name of employer, location, month and year started &ndash; present (or month and year that you left)</strong>
<ul>
<li>Briefly list the duties you had, and skills you learned while working here. Choose skills or qualities that the employer has listed in their job description</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<ul>
<li><em><strong>Sous chef, Morston Hall, North Norfolk, June 2016 &ndash; present</strong></em>
<ul>
<li><em>Responsible for assisting the head chef in all areas of running this Michelin Star fine dining restaurant</em></li>
<li><em>&nbsp;Duties include running the pass during service, stock orders, food storage and preparation, training chefs on sections, supporting apprentices, and helping to create specials and new menu items</em></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>What jobs should you include?</h3>
<ul>
<li>You should include all of your previous roles in kitchens, which are relevant to this job application, and briefly outline your responsibilities in each one. You will likely put the most detail in your most recent jobs as these are the most relevant.</li>
<li>Most potential employers will know what it means to be a chef de partie in a restaurant, so use the job description to guide you on which parts to include. This is your chance to highlight the skills that they&rsquo;re looking for, using your previous jobs to provide examples. Try not to be too repetitive, for example you don&rsquo;t need to say that you&rsquo;ve improved your knife skills in each chef role you&rsquo;ve ever done. Try to be concise, giving only the best examples for each skill and role.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h2>Education History</h2>
<p>In education history, this is a chance to show any relevant training you have done, what skills you&rsquo;ve learned, as well as general education subjects you&rsquo;ve done at school or college. Naturally, as your work history becomes more relevant and more recent, this section becomes shorter. But it&rsquo;s still important not to leave things out, you never know you might have gone to the same college as the chef reading it, giving you something in common to talk about at an interview.</p>
<p>It's possible to progress to Sous Chef from on the job training but generally Sous Chefs would have acquired an NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent) in Food Production and a Level 2 Food Safety Certificate.&nbsp;<br><br>Again, it's possible to progress to Head Chef through on the job training but generally Head Chefs are expected to have an NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in Professional Cookery. They are also expected to have a Level 3 Food Safety Certificate.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Courses or certificates in things like food safety, COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) and first aid should also be included here.&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Name of course or qualification, name of training centre or education centre, dates you were in attendance or you completed the course</strong>
<ul>
<li>Explain briefly the training certificate relevant to the job you are applying to. What did you learn that is relevant to the job?</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<ul>
<li><strong><em>Professional Cookery Level 3 NVQ Diploma, Havering College, September 2006 &ndash; May 2008</em></strong>
<ul>
<li><em>Learned the basics of cooking theory, knife skills, presentation, pastry and baking, sauces, making terrines, advanced butchery techniques and fine-dining desserts</em></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2>Skills</h2>
<p>Here is your chance to highlight the best skills you have in relation to the job you&rsquo;re applying for. Hint: these will be the skills listed in the job advert, but only highlight the skills you have and examples from your own experience. Misleading information on your CV is likely to trip you up in an interview and is unprofessional; you don&rsquo;t have to show you have every last skill listed in the job advert to be successful.</p>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<ul>
<li><em><strong>Leadership and problem solving skills</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; &lsquo;Through running the pass and managing the kitchen when the head chef was off or unavailable, I have improved my ability to lead the kitchen team. By learning how to delegate tasks, assess where my help was needed the most and deal with problems that arose during the day I enabled good services. I found leading by example and encouraging questions is a good way to get the most out of junior chefs.&rsquo;</em></li>
<li><em><strong>Communication &ndash;&nbsp;</strong>&lsquo;I have learned how to communicate effectively with the front of house manager and team. This is especially important when it came to explaining new menu items, and understanding the dietary and allergy needs of customers. Being able to do this in the heat of the moment during service is important to not disrupt the rest of the orders.&rsquo;</em></li>
<li><em><strong>Organisation &ndash;</strong>&nbsp;&lsquo;Being responsible for stock takes and health and safety paperwork has helped me to improve my organisation. I realised that these tasks are just as important as good cooking, and essential to running a successful kitchen.&rsquo;&nbsp;</em></li>
</ul>
<h2>References</h2>
<strong>First and last name</strong><em><br></em>Job title and relation to you in the work place (if it isn&rsquo;t obvious from the job title), name of work place, work contact number (or main company phone number which they can be reached through) and work email address.&nbsp;
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<p>Faith Butler<br>Head chef, Morston Hall<br>0000 0000 00<br>FaithButler@email.com</p>
<h3>Who should you include as a reference?</h3>
<ul>
<li>The first reference should ideally be from your most recent head chef or executive chef. The second reference can be from a manager or chef from a previous job.</li>
<li>It&rsquo;s best practice to ask someone if they will be a reference for you before they are contacted. Be aware that not all employers actually contact references, particularly at this level in hospitality, but it&rsquo;s important to have them available if needed.&nbsp;</li>
<li>It&rsquo;s important to remember that while you are in your current job, consider that you may not want your reference (eg. your current head chef/boss) to be contacted until you have had an interview for a new possible job, or are actually offered it. This is because, for instance, if you weren&rsquo;t offered the new job, and end up staying in your current job then you might not want your manager having been contacted as a reference. It can cause tension or awkward conversations about why you were trying to leave. A good way to get around this is to simply write &lsquo;References available on request&rsquo;. This shows the new employer that they can ask you for them as needed, but also means you can ask them to only contact them if you are offered the job, and then have time to ask the reference if it&rsquo;s okay for them to be contacted. Most potential employers will be happy to wait to do this after offering you the job, and understand the reasons why.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
</article>

Sous Chef/Head Chef CV Template

<p>Following the UK governments initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent actions to slow the spread of the virus, save lives, protect the NHS and support people and families, the second phase of its response is now underway as the Plan for Jobs scheme is launched.</p>
<h2>What is the Plan for Jobs scheme?&nbsp;</h2>
<p>The wider scope of the Plan for Jobs scheme is to support the UK&rsquo;s economic recovery while continuing to prioritise people&rsquo;s health, but through providing support directly to people in England, Scotland and Wales the government is working to help families and businesses through the pandemic, protecting jobs and livelihoods.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Plan for Jobs scheme covers three main actions:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Supporting jobs</strong> - with direct help for individuals to find work and gain the skills needed.</li>
<li><strong>Protecting jobs</strong> - in the hospitality and accommodation sectors and at attractions by supporting demand for these businesses.</li>
<li><strong>Creating jobs</strong> - with action to get the property market moving, to increase and bring forward infrastructure investment, and to make homes greener, warmer and cheaper to heat.</li>
</ul>
<p style="margin-left: 40px;"><em>&ldquo;The Plan for Jobs is the next step towards economic recovery and securing the UK&rsquo;s long-term prosperity.&rdquo;<sup>1</sup></em></p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What has already been done?</span></h3>
<p>The governments initial response to the pandemic saw businesses supported by tax cuts and deferrals, as well as cash grants and over a million loans through four government-backed schemes. Public services have been strengthened, with an extra &pound;49 billion allocated to funding for the NHS, schools, public transport, local authorities, and tackling rough sleeping.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) </strong>- The government has paid the wages for over 9.4 million jobs, enabling 1.1 million employers to keep employees on a period of temporary leave.</li>
<li><strong>Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS)</strong> -The government has supported 2.7 million self-employed individuals, including members of partnerships, whose businesses have been adversely affected by COVID-19.</li>
<li><strong>Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)</strong> - COVID-19 related SSP has been made payable from the first day of sickness absence, rather than the fourth, and extended to people self-isolating and shielding.&nbsp;</li>
<li><strong>Mortgage and credit payment holidays</strong> - As of 19 June, 1.9 million mortgage holidays and over 1.8 million payment holidays on consumer credit products have been granted.&nbsp;</li>
<li><strong>Support for housing and renters</strong> - The government introduced emergency measures in the Coronavirus Act 2020, which are in place until 30 September, to require landlords to give tenants at least three months&rsquo; notice before seeking repossession.&nbsp;</li>
<li><strong>Income Tax Self-Assessment</strong> - Deferring Income Tax Self-Assessment payments due in July 2020 to January 2021, helping up to 2.7 million taxpayers across the UK with their finances and cashflow.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What will the Plan for Jobs scheme begin to tackle?</span></h3>
<p>The unprecedented events surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and the subsequent effects it has had on all elements of our society may have been a surprise to many, but the concept of mass unemployment has never been far from our minds.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Back in 2017 Public Health Wales published a report<sup>2</sup> detailing how they were working with experts across the world on approaches to prevent and prepare for potential mass unemployment events. The report provided an eight step framework to support public, voluntary and private sectors with prevention, planning and reaction strategies. The steps included:</p>
<ul>
<li>Identifying communities at risk and assessing the potential impact.</li>
<li>Developing an early warning system.</li>
<li>Early multi-sector responses for health and community perspectives.</li>
<li>Addressing the needs of older and unskilled groups.</li>
<li>Early implementation of re-employment and financial support for redundant workers.</li>
</ul>
<p>The Plan for Jobs scheme follows a similar framework with a strong focus on strengthening existing employment and skills helping those who have lost their jobs back into the job market quickly:</p>
<ul>
<li>Support people in finding jobs.</li>
<li>Enable them to gain the skills they need to get jobs.</li>
<li>Provide targeted help for young people to get into work.</li>
</ul>
<p>To address these challenges the government has set out this large-scale, ambitious plan supported with new funding to ensure more people will get tailored support to help them to find work.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;"><strong>The Plan for Jobs</strong></span></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Supporting Jobs:</p>
<ul>
<li>Job Retention Bonus</li>
<li>Kickstart Scheme</li>
<li>Boosting work search, skills and apprenticeships</li>
</ul>
<p>Protecting jobs:</p>
<ul>
<li>Reduced rate of VAT for hospitality, accommodation and attractions</li>
<li>Eat Out to Help Out</li>
</ul>
<p>Creating jobs:</p>
<ul>
<li>Infrastructure package</li>
<li>Public sector and social housing decarbonisation</li>
<li>Green Homes Grant</li>
<li>Stamp Duty Land Tax temporary cut</li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Supporting Jobs</span></h3>
<p>To assist those both in and out of work in retaining their jobs, finding jobs and gaining the skills needed for accessing new types of work the Plan for Jobs scheme looks to provide four key provisions, mainly with a view to assist those in the 18 to 24 year age bracket:</p>
<p><strong>Job Retention Bonus</strong></p>
<p>The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) has so far supported over one million employers to protect over 9 million jobs<sup>3</sup>. The scheme has been open since March, and will wind down flexibly and gradually, supporting businesses until October.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Kickstart Scheme</strong></p>
<p>Kickstart Scheme &ndash; A &pound;2 billion fund has been earmarked to create hundreds of thousands 6-month work placements for those aged 16-24 who are claiming Universal Credit and are deemed to be at risk of long-term unemployment.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Boosting work search, skills and apprenticeships</strong></p>
<p>New funding for National Careers Service &ndash; The government will provide an additional &pound;32 million funding over the next 2 years for the National Careers Service so that 269,000 more people in England can receive personalised advice on training and work.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>High quality traineeships for young people</strong></p>
<p>An additional &pound;111 million this year for traineeships in England, to fund high quality work placements and training for 16-24 year olds.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;"><strong>Supporting Individuals</strong></span></h3>
<p>In addition to supporting jobs, the Plan for Jobs scheme also contains provisions to assist individuals both in relation to their work and their personal finances:</p>
<p>Universal Credit and legacy benefits</p>
<p>To support families on low incomes changes to the UK&rsquo;s welfare system increased the financial support for those in need.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The full scope of what changes have been made to the Universal Credit system and how you can access additional grants and discounts is discussed in <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=BDD30805649D450E9013D93BA60A4B68&amp;_z=z">our recent article</a>.</p>
<ul>
<li>Access to Universal Credit &ndash; Claim Universal Credit and access advance payments upfront without the requirement to attend a jobcentre.</li>
<li>Universal Credit Standard Allowance and Working Tax Credit Basic Element &ndash; Increases to both the Universal Credit Standard Allowance and the Working Tax Credit Basic Element.</li>
<li>Housing support &ndash; Increased housing support for private renters through Local Housing Allowance rates.</li>
<li>Minimum Income Floor &ndash; The requirements of the Universal Credit Minimum Income Floor have been temporarily relaxed.</li>
<li>Contributory Employment and Support Allowance &ndash; Employment and Support Allowance available from day 1 of sickness rather than day 8.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Hardship Fund</strong></p>
<p>A new &pound;500 million Hardship Fund is in place to help vulnerable people in England to meet their council tax payments over the coming year.</p>
<p><strong>Food support</strong></p>
<p>&pound;63 million in funding has been allocated for local authorities in England to assist people struggling to afford food and other essentials.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Protecting and creating jobs</span></h3>
<p>Key actions targeted to create jobs in some of the UK&rsquo;s biggest sectors including housing, construction and hospitality:&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Housing</strong> - Plans to support the housing market including cutting Stamp Duty Land Tax and improving energy efficiency of homes will increase job security and new job opportunities for the estimated 240,000 people directly employed by housebuilders and their contractors, and between 500,000 and 700,000 employees indirectly supported in the supply chain.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Construction</strong> - Through accelerating capital spending and public investment into new programmes of activity, the 2.3 million workers and over 900,000 self-employed workers within the construction industry will begin to see the benefits throughout the sector within the next year.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Hospitality</strong> - One of the highest employing sectors across the UK, with over 2.4 million workers in hospitality, accommodation and attractions, equivalent to 8% of the entire UK workforce. Supporting these sectors is crucial to the government&rsquo;s objective of preventing labour market scarring and ensuring opportunities for all.The Eat Out to Help Out scheme and temporary Value Added Tax (VAT) cuts for food and non-alcoholic drinks, accommodation and attractions have all been implemented in order to support businesses and protect jobs.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What happens next?</span></h3>
<p>The third phase of the government&rsquo;s plan is set to be announced in autumn. Expectations are that it will set out measures to support a longer-term recovery through a Budget and a Spending Review including plans to invest in public services, support innovation and growth-enhancing infrastructure with a National Infrastructure Strategy.</p>
<p>Here we have the latest jobs available across various sectors, <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=02B19F65EBFA43D3999381F4BEB2275E&amp;_z=z">browse and apply for opportunities here</a>.</p>
<p><strong>References</strong>:</p>
<p>1 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-plan-for-jobs-documents/a-plan-for-jobs-2020</p>
<p>2 National Mental Health Development Unit (NMHDU) Fact file 1 Mental Health &amp;amp;Employment 2010 [Internet]http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/documents/888/Watermarked%20PHW%20Mass%</p>
<p>20Unemployment%20Report%20E(15).pdf</p>
<p>3 HM Revenue &amp; Customs [Internet] 15 July 2020&nbsp; https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-job-retention-scheme-statistics-july-2020/coronavirus-job-retention-scheme-statistics-july-2020</p>

What does the new Plan for Jobs scheme mean for you?

<p>The Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Act 2023 recently received Royal Assent, which will give workers whose working patterns lack predictability the right to request a predictable working pattern, thereby changing their working terms and conditions. When such a request is received, businesses would need to follow a new statutory process to decide whether or not to grant the request.<br><br>Whilst all businesses would need to understand this new statutory process, the impact is likely to be felt more by organisations that provide temporary, fixed-term contract, or zero-hours work.</p>
<h2 class="component-header"><strong>How Will This New Law Benefit Employees?</strong></h2>
<p>All workers will be entitled to apply for a change in terms and conditions of employment if there is a lack of predictability in their work pattern &ndash; this includes temporary agency workers.</p>
<p>A lack of predictability will apply for workers where there is a lack of certainty relating to the number of hours they work, the times they work, the days of the week worked or the period for which they&rsquo;re contracted.&nbsp;</p>
<p>An application for a more predictable working pattern will need to contain certain information that sets out what sort of predictability they are seeking and a proposed start date.</p>
<section class="collapsible-section tertiary-bg">
<div class="l-container">
<div id="cl1_content" class="collapsible is-active" aria-expanded="true"><a class="collapsible-header" href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/workers-bill#cl1_content" aria-controls="cl1_content">
<h6 class="collapsible-header-child">What Are the Requirements to Request a Predictable Working Pattern?</h6>
</a>
<div class="collapsible-content">
<p>If a worker is on a fixed-term contract (FTC) for 12 months or less, they are presumed to lack flexibility. These workers can therefore request to either extend their FTC or convert it to a permanent contract under the new legislation.</p>
<p>However, workers must have worked for their employer for a set period (expected to be 26 weeks) before making an application. Given that the new law aims to support those with unpredictable contracts, workers will not have had to have worked continuously during that period.</p>
<p>The new law also states that workers can make up to two predictable working requests within a 12-month period. This right functions in a similar way to the new right to request flexible working which received Royal Assent in July this year.</p>
<p>Agency workers will be able to apply directly to their agency to request predictable working. Alternatively, agency workers will also have the right to apply to the end user business for a more predictable contract if they have worked for the employer in the same role for 12 continuous weeks, and they are in the relevant role when the application is made. If an agency worker is provided a more predictable contract by the end user business, they are to be given new terms and conditions within two weeks which are no less favourable than other employees carrying out broadly comparable work.</p>
<h2 class="component-header"><strong>How Would Employers Need to Respond to Requests?</strong></h2>
<article class="rich-text-article">
<p>Employers would need to follow a formal process (to be confirmed in a new Code of Practice) to decide whether or not to grant an employee a predictable working pattern and would need to notify a worker within one month of receiving a request of their decision. If an employer would like to refuse a request, it must be for one or more of the following reasons:</p>
<ul>
<li>a burden of additional costs;</li>
<li>a detrimental effect on the ability to meet customer demand;</li>
<li>a damaging impact on the recruitment of staff;</li>
<li>a detrimental impact on other aspects of the employer&rsquo;s business;</li>
<li>insufficient work during the periods the worker proposes to work;</li>
<li>planned structural changes.</li>
</ul>
<p>If employers fail to follow a formal process, workers may be able to bring claims to the Employment Tribunal. Claims could result in employers being required to reconsider their decisions or compensate the employee (this is likely to be a number of weeks&rsquo; pay defined in further regulations).&nbsp;</p>
<div>
<h2><strong>Preparing for the new legislation</strong></h2>
<p>This new Bill passed through the House of Lords on 18th September and should come into effect in 2024. The UK government is currently working in partnership with Acas to produce a new Code of Practice that will provide employees and employers with clear guidance on making and handling requests.</p>
<p>It&rsquo;s important that employers understand the new right and put policies in place to deal with such requests within relatively short timescales. In light of the changes to agency worker entitlements, recruitment agencies and businesses would need to work together to update their terms on how such requests are dealt with.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Overall, it&rsquo;s believed that this new legislation will bring happiness and security to workers on unpredictable work contracts, securing them employment that suits their individual circumstances. A happier workforce also tends to increase productivity in the workplace.</p>
</div>
</article>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</section>

Workers Bill

<p>Have you ever said the words, &ldquo;I would love to be a&hellip;[insert career choice here]&rdquo; but always thought that it is something other people do, not you? Perhaps you don&rsquo;t have the skills, are not &lsquo;clever&rsquo; enough, didn&rsquo;t get the grade at school or just don&rsquo;t fit the usual stereotype for a job like that.</p>
<p>You are certainly not alone in this feeling. Did you know that Albert Einstein faced the very same barriers in his early career?</p>
<p>Despite what we all think we know about Einstein, &ldquo;he was a genius&rdquo;, &ldquo;he was just born awesome&rdquo;, &ldquo;he was destined to succeed&rdquo;, believe it or not this could not be further from the truth.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The young, school-aged Einstein was not a very good student at all. He hated mathematics, despised learning facts and openly rebelled against authority and conventional teaching. The one thing he was good at was puzzles. He could figure out puzzles and riddles by picturing them and breaking them down, then building them back up in his mind&rsquo;s eye</p>
<p>To his peers, Einstein was an unremarkable student his grades were nothing to write home about and he didn&rsquo;t show any real flair for academics and even when he reached college and university age nothing had changed, he still didn&rsquo;t fit the usual criteria for a scientific genius.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Einstein while he may have been a little different to the other students, was no fool. He knew that he didn&rsquo;t fit the usual bill and that he would no doubt struggle to compete with the others more academically suited to this field, but that did not deter him. He knew his weaknesses just as well as he knew his skills and with that knowledge, he could turn the tables in his favour.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Einstein accepted that academia would never going to be his strong suit and decided that he would stop trying to be something he was not. He knew he would never be the best at everything and that he didn&rsquo;t need to be. He could be a mediocre scientist and still follow the path he chose by using his innate problem-solving skills to challenge the perspectives of his peers and solve complicated theories in his own way.</p>
<p>By accepting his natural inclinations and limitations he was free to operate outside of the academic constrictions placed upon others. He was not bogged down by one approach, he was free to blaze his own path, unburdened by the rigidity of the status quo.&nbsp;</p>
<p>There is no doubt that this approach works, Einstein reached unfathomable heights in his career so why can&rsquo;t we take a leaf from his book. Stop trying to be someone we are not and most definitely stop letting other people tell us what we can and cannot achieve.</p>
<p>If we can stop trying to overcome our weaknesses and instead find ways to work with what we have, we can utilise our strengths and find new innovative ways to fulfil our dreams.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Why can&rsquo;t you do the job you always wanted to do? Why do grades have to matter? You can always go back to education if results are a real barrier to success. Why does your past have to inform your future?&nbsp;</p>
<p>So what if you are not the same as everyone else. Great things are usually born from an alternative approach and a different perspective, you are in a strong, unique position because no other human thinks the way that you do. Don&rsquo;t underestimate your ability to bring your own strengths to the table.&nbsp;</p>
<p>More than anything it&rsquo;s having the guts to try something anyway. Refuse to be kept out, propel yourself in your chosen direction and do whatever it takes to make it work.&nbsp;</p>

Being mediocre doesnt have to lead to failure

<p>This week I got the chance to be a journalist, I know exciting right! I was invited to a local Blue Arrow branch to discuss how you go about landing a job through Blue Arrow and the registration process. I went prepared with a series of questions in my little flip up reporter&rsquo;s notebook, after all a girl has got to have the right kit for every occasion and in my case that means the perfect pad and pencil.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I drove in to the town centre and just my luck found a parking space right outside the branch. After a cursory glance in the mirror I grabbed my notebook, took a deep breath and practiced my very best &ldquo;Hi it&rsquo;s, Caree R, Writer&rdquo; in what I hoped was a confident and self-assured tone. Fast forward 30 seconds and I am falling up the steps tripping over my own foot and bursting awkwardly through the door forgetting my practiced greeting and just shouting &ldquo;hey&rdquo; in an overly upbeat voice as if they have known me for years. Great first impression!&nbsp;</p>
<p>To his credit the man whose office I had fallen into (who turned out to be the Branch Manager) didn&rsquo;t miss a beat and acted as if I had walked in like a person who had full control over their own limbs. He smoothly offered me a seat and said, you must be Caree.</p>
<p>In a bid to regain some self-respect and a little control over the interview I slid in to my seat, took out my notebook, flipped it open with a flourish and tried to look like an important writerly type by launching into my series of questions.</p>
<p><span style="color: #00aae3;">So, I had a look at some of the well populated Blue Arrow job boards&nbsp;and I was wondering, what happens when I hit 'apply now' and fill out the online form?</span></p>
<p>We receive the online form which lets us know you are interested in a particular job we have advertised. We will then look through the form and call you to arrange a time to have a chat in more detail before starting the registration process. It&rsquo;s a very personal service.</p>
<p><span style="color: #00aae3;">What does the registration process entail?</span></p>
<p>One of our branch team members will have a chat with you about what you have been doing and what type of work you would like to do or the particular role you are interested in plus your availability and access to transport etc. After that we will set up an appointment where we can gather some further information about you including proof of right to work, identification, references and employment history. You will also complete some forms which will help us to get you set up and ready to proceed through the application process and on to work.</p>
<p><span style="color: #00aae3;">What is 'proof of right to work&rsquo;?</span></p>
<p>This is something that shows us that you do have the legal right to work in the UK. This can either be a passport showing you are a British citizen, your National Insurance card and original birth or adoption certificate, or an ID card showing you are a national of the European Economic Area or Switzerland.</p>
<p><span style="color: #00aae3;">Once I have registered, how long is it before I can actually work?</span></p>
<p>As soon as we have reached out to your references and heard back then you are good to go. This can be really quick and be done in days, sometimes if can take a little longer but we will try to get through it as quickly as possible.&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="color: #00aae3;">I have no idea what I want to do, I just need a job, any job, can you help?</span></p>
<p>Yes, we can help. If you take a look at our website which is also a job board [<a href="http://www.bluearrow.co.uk/find-a-job">www.bluearrow.co.uk</a>] they are a good place to start. They will give you an idea of the work that is currently available and you may find one that suits you. If not don't worry, the branch staff will let you know what is available and together you can look at all of the options. Perhaps have a think about what skills and experience you have before you call us or come in with it in mind so together we can look to see what jobs might be right for you.&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="color: #00aae3;">What if I have a job already but just want some extra work, can I still register?</span><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>Yes, this is no problem, but do be clear about your availability and let us know if anything changes with the days and times you can work.</p>
<p><span style="color: #00aae3;">What references do I need?</span><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>They will depend on the type of work you are hoping for but generally it would be good for you to have 2 work references that cover the last 3 years of working.</p>
<p><span style="color: #00aae3;">I have not been at work in some time, so I don&rsquo;t have work references, what do I do?</span></p>
<p>Don&rsquo;t panic, if you have not been working you can also use personal, educational or community standing references for some positions.</p>
<p><span style="color: #00aae3;">I just left school and don&rsquo;t have any experience do you have any jobs I can do? </span><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>Yes, how else are you supposed to get experience if you don&rsquo;t start somewhere. You can really help yourself out here by getting together some information about who you are, your achievements at school, attendance history, grades, and details of any extracurricular activities you took part in. If you can get a school reference or two that would really boost your profile as well.</p>
<p><span style="color: #00aae3;">Do I need a DBS?</span></p>
<p>Not all jobs ask for a DBS but if you have one or you can get one done then it goes a long way to opening up the possible work placements that are right for you.</p>
<p><span style="color: #00aae3;">I have a criminal record; can I still get a job?</span></p>
<p>If your conviction is spent then, with the exception of some employers, yes is the short answer. If your conviction is not yet spent, then we will need to have a chat to get some details but do not fear, we are here to help and will do everything we can. The best thing is to speak with us and be honest. If we have the info we are much more able to help.&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="color: #00aae3;">Do I need a CV?</span></p>
<p>If you have a CV already that&rsquo;s great, it can speed things up but if you don&rsquo;t then we can either put you in touch with places who can help you to make one or if you would prefer you can fill out one of our forms that ask the same questions that a CV would provide anyway.&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="color: #00aae3;">I have kids, do you have jobs that are flexible to work around the school day and term times?</span></p>
<p>Yes, we do, we have many different jobs and sometimes we can also look at job shares so it is best to call us or pop in so we can talk about your availability and look at the work we have available to suit.</p>
<p><span style="color: #00aae3;">Can I work in more than one place?</span></p>
<p>Yes absolutely!</p>
<p><span style="color: #00aae3;">Is this process the same for all employers?</span></p>
<p>The registration with Blue Arrow is the same but some employers do have different requirements. The branch staff will be able to advise you on a case by case basis if the job you are applying for has anything specific that you need to know or consider prior to making an application so do take the time to speak with our team.&nbsp;</p>

How to get a job through Blue Arrow?

<p>Do you think you have what it takes to work as a HGV Class 2 Driver? Getting your Class 2 driving licence and hitting the road in a rigid large goods vehicle with a trailer weighing up to 750kg opens up an exciting career path that can see you travelling home and abroad, long distances and short.</p>
<p>Before you decide on a career as a HGV Class 2 Driver, or any career for that matter, it is always a good idea to hear from the people already in the role and get a behind the scenes perspective. With this in mind we interviewed Class 2 Driver, David.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">How long have you been a Class 2 Driver?</span></h3>
<p>I have been a Class 2 Driver for almost 8 years now.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Who are you currently driving for?</span></h3>
<p>I drive for a local company who specialise in transporting irregular freight items like big and heavy parcels and packages.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Are you driving locally or long distances?&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p>I usually drive within the UK, I suppose you would say they are shorter distances as I don't tend to go abroad but when you travel from the south of England to the north of Scotland and back again it doesn't feel very short.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What made you decide to become a HGV Class 2 Driver?</span></h3>
<p>I was looking for a job for ages and bounced around a few different ones for a while. I signed up to an agency and was working as a Delivery Driver for a bit and saw that there were lots of long term HGV Class 2 driving jobs available if you had a Class 2 licence and some good driving experience.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I saved up for a few months and invested my wages in to getting my Class 2 licence and have not looked back since.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Do you want to get any other licences?&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p>I definitely want to get my Class 1 licence soon; I have been working towards it for a while now. Even as a Class 2 Driver there are plenty of Class 2 driving jobs and career options available but if I have a Class 1 licence it adds on even more jobs I can do. Having good job options is one of the main reasons I wanted to be a Class 2 Driver so it makes sense to get as many qualifications as I can. I would love to do some long distance driving abroad in an articulated truck.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Do you see yourself driving trucks for the rest of your career?&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p>At the moment I do, I can't imagine a time when I don't want to drive for a living but even if I do want to step back from the long driving hours I could get a job in the transport office so I am still working around trucks and using everything I have learned to help some of the newer drivers coming in.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">How do you cope with other drivers being careless or dangerous around you?&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p>That's not so bad, in the cab you are sitting up so much higher than the other road users you get a good view of what is going on around you. You just have to relax and concentrate on your own driving, that way you don't let other drivers stress you out.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Driving a big truck around a town or a city is a bit more stressful than when you are driving the motorways but even then, you just have to be aware of everyone around you and not try to rush.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Is spending so much time alone in a cab difficult or lonely?</span></h3>
<p>Driving all day every day is not for everyone and some people could struggle with being alone in a cab for long periods but you find that professional drivers are all one big family, you make so many friends and meet tons of new people all of the time when you are out on the road. It is best if you take the time to get out of the cab when you are on a break and talk to other drivers, I probably speak to more people now than I did in some of my old jobs.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">How do you keep your mind occupied?</span></h3>
<p>I love audiobooks, I listen to different ones all of the time and find that they help to pass the time and keep my brain busy.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">How do you keep a healthy diet when you drive all day?</span></h3>
<p>I am not great at this bit to be honest; I always try to prepare healthy food and snacks but when I have stopped for my rest break and I go out to stretch my legs there is always something much more appealing on offer that I can&rsquo;t resist.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What are the best bits about being a Class 2 Driver?</span></h3>
<p>I really like that it is always different. Sometimes I am away for a few days and other times I am home every night, sometimes I am driving close to home and other times I am seeing some of the most beautiful places that the UK has to offer.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What are the worst bits about being a HGV Class 2 Driver?</span></h3>
<p>Traffic! It comes with the job, but no one likes to be stuck in traffic for ages not going anywhere.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">When you moved from delivery driving to be a Class 2 Driver did you need to learn any unexpected new skills?&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p>Driving a bigger vehicle was obviously the main new skill I had to learn but I think it I also had to adjust to thinking about it all a bit differently. As a delivery driver you need to get as much delivered as you can, you are up against some pretty tough time limits regardless of the traffic. There is still an element of that as a Class 2 Driver but you can only do so much and a long journey up the motorway can&rsquo;t be rushed and you are restricted to legal driver hours&nbsp; - it takes as long as it takes, you just have to learn to relax.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">How has your job been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?</span></h3>
<p>I am still driving just like before really, parcels and packages still need to be moved and delivered, but the roads are much quieter now. At the beginning of the lockdown restrictions it was quite a challenge to find somewhere to stop and have a break that had facilities I could use but there are petrol stations that are open and you can get most things you need in them.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What advice would you give someone who is considering becoming a Class 2 Driver?</span></h3>
<p>Before you jump in and get in your Class 2 licence get some delivery driving experience. You can find delivery driving work that is longer distance so you can get used to driving up and down the country and see if you like it even when it is busy or when you have been sat in traffic for hours on end. Once you have your licence and you start taking on Class 2 driving jobs, concentrate on building up your experience, take on the routes that will challenge you and push you to be a better driver so you are confident in most situations and locations.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Taking care of your mental health will get you through some of the toughest times on the road. Long hours out on the road alone, working around other road users and trying to remain calm when you are under pressure to deliver on time, can have an impact. Take a look at our recent mental health awareness blog post for HGV Drivers for practical advice and <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/mental-health-awareness/">top tips for maintaining good mental health</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Staying up to date with industry news and information and reading real life interviews like this is a great way to take control of your career.</p>

What I have learnt being a Class 2 Truck Driver

<p>Do you think you have what it takes to work in a Class 1 driving job? Driving jobs and driving careers are always sought after amongst qualified drivers but with a shortage of drivers and an abundance of driving work available, Class 1 driving job prospects are good.</p>
<p>Before you decide on a driving career, or any career for that matter, it is always a good idea to hear from the people already in the role and get a behind the scenes perspective. With this in mind we interviewed Class 1 Driver, Simon.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">How long have you been a Class 1 Driver?</span></h3>
<p>I have been driving on and off for around thirty years. It is not like I have been driving the whole time, sometimes I went back to work in construction, and I did a stint working on the vineyards and olive fields too, but I keep coming back to driving.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Who are you currently driving for?&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p>I am driving for IKEA, and the type of driving is known as shunting. My role is to move trailers between the warehouse and main store.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">In your thirty years experience was the majority of your driving local or long distance?&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p>It was mainly long distance. I have driven cross continental, UK based, short haul, long haul, weeks out, nights out, pretty much everything, you name it and I have most likely done it.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Why did you decide to become a driver?&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p>I sort of fell into it after leaving the military. When I came out of the forces, I started commercial driving using just my driving licence, back then it was OK to drive 7.5 tonne vehicles with just a standard licence. I then set out to get my bigger licences when I started to look to the future and a long-term career in driving.</p>
<p>Being a professional driver means you always have a fall back plan, you can always come back to driving even if you try something different for a while.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">How do you cope with other drivers being careless or dangerous around you?</span></h3>
<p>You have to just breathe and draw on all of your patience. Let them just go on past. If they are in front of you, they are not a problem for you so just be calm, how they choose to drive is none of your business. Your main concern is staying safe and protecting your licence.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What do you feel you have learned by being a Class 1 Driver?</span></h3>
<p>Apart from the usual professional driving skills and some specialist driving skills from driving unusual loads in the past, I have learned to manage my own time effectively.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Over many years of driving I have developed my patience levels and acceptance for other drivers on the road.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Spending so much time alone in a cab must be hard, how do you keep your mind occupied?&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p>I like to spend a lot of time thinking and daydreaming, watching the world go by. I listen to the radio quite a bit and audiobooks are great for when I get bored of music. I eat healthy food and I make sure I work out and swim after work.</p>
<p>This really helps with concentration while driving. It is important to stay mobile, it&rsquo;s crucial to stretch and wind down, not thinking about work.</p>
<p>I make sure that I maximise the time when I am not driving, getting exercise, staying mobile and enjoying doing something different to driving.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">How do you keep a healthy diet when you drive all day?&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p>If I am away, I will take more food with me as there are some great facilities in the cab. I try to meal prep and take healthy food that is easy to cook or warm up so I can avoid the service stations and eat properly.</p>
<p>My go to foods would be potatoes, rice, pasta, vegetables and protein but if I am working locally like right now, I will only take a little bit of healthy food and snacks with me, there is always something local that provides a healthy option.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">How do you combat tiredness?&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p>You have to sleep well and maximise your rest periods, a lot of people do not eat well, and they don't rest properly so that has a big effect on how they feel after driving for long periods.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What are the best bits about being a Class 1 Driver?</span></h3>
<p>When you drive for the bigger companies who allow you to take your time, driving is a great and enjoyable job. The industry is changing away from what it was in the 1970's and 1980's, now it&rsquo;s more about working safe hours, not just pushing through as quickly and as far as possible.</p>
<p>Now there is a real shortage of drivers so if you have the licences and some good experience, you can pick and choose your work, there is lots available.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What is your favourite type of driving?</span></h3>
<p>The best and most enjoyable for me is the awkward load. When you are carrying wide, convoy type loads, and interesting or unusual deliveries keep it interesting.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What are the worst bits about being a driver?</span></h3>
<p>It can be stressful at times but that is mostly down to bad management, the best managers are ex-drivers, they are more accepting of traffic and weather conditions affecting your run times. Small companies have smaller budgets, so their delivery times are more crucial, in this case it is important that companies adopt good management systems, that way it is much more enjoyable for everyone.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Who would you most like to drive for?&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p>I would love to drive for King Cranes or someone like that. Anyone with whom I can work the usual and interesting loads.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What would be your favourite truck to drive?&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p>Probably a Mercedes, they are not all that on the inside, but they are reliable, safe and comfortable to drive.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What are your thoughts about driverless trucks?&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p>I think they will be here eventually, but they are a long way off in the future.</p>
<p>I can see that there is still a lot of doubt over the insurance side of things, where the ultimate liability lies in the case of an accident. We will have to watch and see what happens, but I can't see that it will be anytime soon.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Interested in applying for a Class 1 driving job? Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/jobs?keywords=class+1">here</a> to browse our latest vacancies.</p>

Driving Careers Class 1 Truck Driver

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black;">Looking for work can be a daunting prospect, and for some, the very process of finding and starting a new job can be what holds them back.&nbsp;</span><span style="color: black;">Everyone has a story to tell, our backgrounds, abilities and experiences are what make each of us different. In the world of recruitment, this is something we appreciate every day, not only providing each of our candidates with suitable job opportunities, but also with the right support to set them up for success.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black;">Steve, a Principal Managing Consultant who's been with Blue Arrow since 2004, has experienced just how important it is to form a trusting relationship with each of his candidates, to support and give them the confidence they need to succeed.</span></p>
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<h3>Steve&rsquo;s Story</h3>
<p>Recently Steve had a neurodivergent candidate who was particularly nervous about entering the world of work, finding new and unfamiliar situations difficult to cope with. As the candidate was uncomfortable with speaking on the phone, Steve began the process by first talking to his family and gradually gaining the trust of the candidate. Through the initial conversations he learnt that the candidate was very good at working independently on repetitive tasks in a structured environment. This helped Steve determine the type of job role that might be suitable. He found a cleaning position at a local university that Blue Arrow supports which seemed perfect, but when it came to offering it to the candidate, his anxiety again became apparent.</p>
<p>By this time, Steve had formed a good relationship with the candidate and was able to talk to him directly about his concerns. As a result, with the cooperation of the employer, the candidate and a supportive family member, Steve, now a familiar face, accompanied them on a tour of the workplace. During the tour the manager was able to talk through exactly what the work involved which made the candidate feel much more comfortable with the new situation and ready to start the job.</p>
<p>Fast forward five weeks and the candidate is very happy in his work and continuing to do well. The extra step Steve took to introduce him to the workplace and his employer was all that was needed to give him the reassurance that he could succeed. Not only is he content and doing well in his job, but the employer also gained an excellent, attentive and conscientious member of staff.</p>
</div>
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<h3>Setting all candidates up for success</h3>
<p>A bit of extra support can make the world of difference to all jobseekers. Having previously visited Ukraine, Steve is also committed to providing support by engaging with groups of Ukrainian refugees, forming positive relationships and becoming a friendly face to assist them in their UK job search, helping them overcome perceived obstacles such as language and cultural differences.</p>
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<h3>Get in touch</h3>
<p>If you&rsquo;re a candidate looking for work,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/contact-us">contact us</a>&nbsp;to get the support you need to help find an exciting job opportunity that matches your skills and experience. Or if you see helping people find their purpose and place in the world of work as your superpower, why not join Steve and the rest of our team by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/enhancing-your-everyday/recruiter-jobs">browsing our internal Blue Arrow vacancies.</a></p>
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Diversity and inclusion every day Steve Story

<p>Securon Interview - John Williams</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">Could you give a brief run-down of what Securon do?</span></h3>
<p>We are a safety harness manufacturer, so we make seatbelts and other safety restraints. We have a warehouse and a production factory.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">How many temp workers do you have on at any one time? </span></h3>
<p>It can vary depending on our workload but generally we have around 20 temporary workers split across two sites in addition to our permanent staff.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">What would you say are the most important soft/transferrable skills for warehouse employees?&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p>The most important thing that we look for is a willingness to work hard and their general attitude towards the work they do. They do also have to be relatively physically fit to do this type of work because some of the work is handling heavy goods, it can be pretty strenuous.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">How important is industry/work experience compared to qualifications/education? </span></h3>
<p>In warehousing, vocational qualifications and higher education is not really needed to get started. We do have a few workers coming from oversees that happen to have degrees in one thing or another but that is not a requirement for the job at all.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">Do you consider candidates who do not have any specific warehouse experience? </span>&nbsp;</h3>
<p>Our workforce is probably a 50/50 split between those who do have warehouse experience and those who don&rsquo;t.&nbsp;</p>
<p>We like to give people a chance so if they don&rsquo;t have any experience, but they are willing to learn, we are happy to give it a shot for a few weeks and see how they get on.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">What skills do you lookout for in potential employees? </span>&nbsp;</h3>
<p>A driving license is a big one, we do have vehicles and employees use them to carry out certain tasks so that is always helpful.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The one thing that will make my eyes light up is a counterbalance forklift license because while we will train staff to get them a license it is always great if they already have it and some on-the-job experience of driving them.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">What would you say are the hardest parts of warehouse work? </span></h3>
<p>Everything is needed on a really quick turnaround. From booking in stock to putting it away, then pulling it for the production teams we do have to work at a fast pace. It is all go, go, go and it can be both physically and mentally demanding at times, especially when you think you have to make sure you are following the correct procedures at all times, you can&rsquo;t switch off. Mistakes do happen of course, but mistakes can be expensive in this line of work.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">How often do you move temp staff to permanent positions? </span>&nbsp;</h3>
<p>We have a high number of permanent staff who started off as agency workers. We invest our time into training our agency workers and developing their knowledge so we like to move as many as possible into permanent positions.&nbsp;</p>
<p>My own right-hand man (actually a girl, Isabella) started working for us on the shop floor as an agency worker. She also did some time in the warehouse and has worked her way up to be my second-in-command, covering for me when I am away and running things on her own.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If an employee is willing to put in the effort, we are willing to train them and keep them on and provide a good career if they want one.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">What can a temporary member of staff do to give them the best chance of securing a permanent position? </span></h3>
<p>&nbsp;A keen willingness to learn is a must, they do need to be a good team player as this industry is all about working together to reach the end goal. The most significant thing you could show your boss is that you can turn up for work regularly and on time!</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">Is a temporary role a good stepping stone to a long-term career in a warehouse? </span>&nbsp;</h3>
<p>Yes, it really can be, for some industries it is seasonal and so you have less chance to get a permanent position, you really do have to shine to get offered a job but in a business like ours there are so many opportunities to turn a temporary position into a career just like Isabella did.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">Are your staff measured through attainable targets? </span>&nbsp;</h3>
<p>Individual staff are not given personal daily targets. As a team, we have a target in that we know what we have to fulfil each day, but this is always a team effort, it doesn&rsquo;t rest on any one person to achieve.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">What 2 things should a candidate consider before applying for a job in a warehouse? </span>&nbsp;</h3>
<p>Candidates should be aware of the physical aspects of the job, I think people under- estimate that side of things.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The other thing to know is that with an agency the pay is pretty good but for permanent roles, warehousing doesn&rsquo;t always pay huge amounts of money, however you can always build your earnings up because there are many opportunities for overtime if you want them.</p>

INTERVIEW An employers view on warehouse work

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<p>If you&rsquo;re self-motivated, organised and need flexible hours, then a job as a cleaner could be perfect for you.</p>
<p>To land a job as a cleaner, your CV will need to show that you can work independently and methodically and have a keen eye for detail. Any cleaning experience or qualifications, such as COSSH, will also look great on your CV.</p>
<p>Whether you're looking to start your cleaner career&nbsp;or looking for a new challenge, our free CV template is&nbsp;tailored to ensure your CV stands out from the crowd.</p>
</article>
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<h2>A guide to writing a CV for a job as a Cleaner</h2>
<p>Millie Lee<br>0000 0000 00<br>MillieLee@email.com<br>Home Street<br>Home Town<br>Postcode</p>
<h2>Personal Profile</h2>
<p>In the personal profile, you should professionally introduce yourself, in three or four sentences, with relation to the job you&rsquo;re applying to.<br><br>Try to include: your current work situation, what type of work you are searching for (such as part-time, flexible hours, or full-time employment starting immediately) some key skills, traits or experience that will show the potential employer that you are a good candidate for the advertised job. So if you have cleaning experience, a driving licence or are DBS cleared, mention this here.&nbsp;</p>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<p><em>I am a hard-working and reliable individual with excellent attention to detail. I have three years of experience working as a cleaner, and I&rsquo;m looking for a full-time role. I have a full, clean UK driving licence and DBS check.</em></p>
<h2>Work History</h2>
<p>The work history section shows the potential employer what jobs or work experience you&rsquo;ve done. It is the first chance for you to highlight the skills and experience each job&nbsp; has given you, and this is turn should show why you are a good fit for the job you&rsquo;re applying for. You don&rsquo;t need to include every last detail, just pick the best parts. You can always write down and save your examples or other relevant skills for the interview.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Job title, name of employer, location, month and year started &ndash; present (or month and year that you left)</strong>
<ul>
<li>Briefly list the duties you had, and skills you learned while working here. Choose skills or qualities that the employer has listed in their job description</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<ul>
<li><strong><em>Cleaner, Nottingham High School, Nottingham, February 2017 &ndash; present&nbsp;</em></strong>
<ul>
<li><em>Duties include vacuuming the floors, cleaning walls and windowsills, cleaning and restocking the bathrooms, weekly classroom cleans, stock takes and ordering products</em></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>What jobs should you include?</h3>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Try to include your work history for the last five years. If you have limited work experience, don't worry, it will be explained by the education history. If you have recently moved to the country, it&rsquo;s okay to include employment in other countries. There is more advice on work and education history in our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/cv-templates/cv-writing-tips">top tips online article</a>.</p>
</li>
<li>Any previous jobs you&rsquo;ve has as a cleaner or other roles within the facilities management sector, will be useful to include here, as a lot of the skills will be relevant.&nbsp;</li>
<li>If you have recently left education, or are new to this type of work, try to include any jobs you&rsquo;ve had that will highlight the skills the employer is looking for. For example, if you have worked in hospitality, your job may have involved cleaning tables, bathrooms and customer areas, and ordering cleaning products, which are skills the employer will be looking for.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h2>Education History&nbsp;</h2>
<p>In education history, this is a chance to show any relevant training you have completed, what skills you have learned from your courses, as well as general education subjects you&rsquo;ve passed. As you get more work experience, this section will become shorter, as your work history becomes more relevant and more recent</p>
<p>There are no set qualifications or education subjects needed for this type of work as you will receive training on the job. However any qualifications such as Health and Safety or COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) would help your application.&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Name of course or qualification, name of training centre or education centre, dates you were in attendance or you complete the course</strong>
<ul>
<li>Explain briefly the training certificate relevant to the job you are applying to. What did you learn that is relevant to the job?</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<ul>
<li><strong><em>First aid at work, British Red Cross Centre, Nottingham, August 2018</em></strong>
<ul>
<li><em>Learned how and when to deal with specific illnesses in the workplace, and what do to if someone in injured while at work</em></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2>Skills</h2>
<p>Here is your chance to highlight the best skills you have in relation to the job you&rsquo;re applying for. Hint: these will be the skills listed in the job advert, but only highlight the skills you have. Misleading information on your CV is likely to trip you up in an interview and is unprofessional; you don&rsquo;t have to show you have every last skill listed in the job advert to be successful.</p>
<p><em>EXAMPLE:</em></p>
<ul>
<li>Knowledge of products and COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) &ndash; &lsquo;From my years of working as a cleaner I have a good understanding of correct uses for chemicals and products. I also have training in how to use them safely and what to do in a first aid situations.&rsquo;</li>
<li>Working in a team &ndash; &lsquo;My job at Nottingham High School has improved my ability to collaborate with colleagues in my cleaning team, so we can work together and ensure all tasks are completed. I make sure we are communicating about tasks and any difficulties, and help each other out when needed.&rsquo;</li>
</ul>
<h2>References&nbsp;</h2>
<p><strong>First and last name</strong><br>Job title and relation to you in the work place (if it isn&rsquo;t obvious from the job title), name of work place, work contact number (or main company phone number which they can be reached through) and work email address</p>
<h4><em>EXAMPLE:</em></h4>
<p><strong>Kayleigh Shaw</strong><br>Manager at Nottingham High School<br>0000 0000 00<br>janesmith@email.com</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Who should you include as a reference?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Your first reference should ideally be from your supervisor who you&rsquo;ve been working closely with in your most recent role. The second reference can be from a current colleague, or line manager or supervisor from a previous job. It&rsquo;s best practice to ask someone if they will be a reference for you before they are contacted. Be aware that not all employers actually contact references, but it&rsquo;s important to have them available if needed</li>
<li>It&rsquo;s important to remember that while you are in your current job, consider that you may not want your reference (eg. your current boss) to be contacted until you have had an interview for a new possible job, or are actually offered it. This is because, for instance, if you weren&rsquo;t offered the new job, and end up staying in your current job then you might not want your manager having been contacted as a reference. It can cause tension or awkward conversations about why you were trying to leave. A good way to get around this is to simply write &lsquo;References available on request&rsquo;. This shows the new employer that they can ask you for them as needed, but also means you can ask them to only contact them if you are offered the job, and then have time to ask the reference if it&rsquo;s okay for them to be contacted. Most potential employers will be happy to wait to do this after offering you the job</li>
<li>If you have only had one previous job, or have been studying, it is okay to include a tutor as a reference, or someone else as a character reference (who is not related to you)</li>
</ul>
</article>

Cleaner CV Template

<p class="Default">Being a Chef is difficult no matter what restaurant you work in but what is it like to cook and serve meals in their thousands when your kitchen is behind high walls, secure doors and more barbed wire then you can shake your spatula at?</p>
<p class="Default">We spoke to Chef Trainer, Kim Chapman to get the inside scoop on what it is like to be a Chef in the challenging prison environment of HMP The Mount.</p>
<p class="Default">Kim is a Blue Arrow Chef on the front line not only cooking for over a thousand prisoners during every shift, but also training prisoners to be Chef&rsquo;s so they have access to work upon release.</p>
<p class="Default">Kim&rsquo;s long standing experience, his unfaltering commitment to his trade and his desire to get the very best out of everyone in the kitchen is what makes him a truly remarkable Blue Arrow Chef, we really could have spoken with Kim all day.</p>
<h3 class="Default"><span style="color: #009ee3;">Where do you work?</span></h3>
<p class="Default">I currently work at HMP The Mount, a prison in Bovingdon, Hertfordshire.</p>
<h3 class="Default"><span style="color: #009ee3;">What is your current job title?</span></h3>
<p class="Default">I am a Chef trainer which means I cook and help to train the prisoners to be Chefs taking them through NVQ qualifications.</p>
<h3 class="Default"><span style="color: #009ee3;"> How long have you been a Chef?</span></h3>
<p class="Default">Well, I am 63 now and I went into the kitchen straight from school so I have been a Chef for some time now. I started in the kitchen really young and worked my way up over the years doing the qualifications needed. I focused on getting as much experience as possible by working in various kitchens, travelling, working on cruise ships and in event catering.</p>
<h3 class="Default"><span style="color: #009ee3;"> Is a prison a challenging environment to work in?</span></h3>
<p class="Default">I thought I knew what to expect but when I got here, I realised that I knew absolutely nothing about the reality inside the walls. As a Chef Trainer I come into contact with prisoners every day, they are in the kitchen with me learning to cook. The security requirements and rules make it a little challenging especially when it comes to using equipment, but we have to find ways to work around it, security and safety comes first.</p>
<h3 class="Default"><span style="color: #009ee3;"> Did you receive any special training to work in the Prison? </span></h3>
<p class="Default">You do the usual induction training for prison safety and rules of course and you have a radio, so you are trained on that but as a civilian you are not put through any of the defensive training that the officers do. While the Officers are not in the Kitchen with us, they are close by.</p>
<h3 class="Default"><span style="color: #009ee3;">Did you need any specific experience other than cooking to be a Chef trainer? </span></h3>
<p class="Default">I have an &lsquo;on job&rsquo; training certificate, I got it 30 years ago from a previous work placement, but you can go online and get one now.</p>
<h3 class="Default"><span style="color: #009ee3;">What does your daily work routine entail?</span></h3>
<p class="Default">First off, I go in and drink a coffee. Then we have a daily briefing where I am told about any problems there have been or any security issues that I need to be aware of. Then I finalise the board that shows all of the job allocations then off we go, cooking lunch and dinner for the prisoners and learning skills along the way.</p>
<h3 class="Default"><span style="color: #009ee3;"> How many people do you have working and training in the kitchen on an average day? </span></h3>
<p class="Default">Normally up to 30 prisoners are in the kitchen with me but some go off sick and some go on alternative courses. Less is better because I can spend more time with each of them teaching them specific skills.</p>
<h3 class="Default"><span style="color: #009ee3;"> How can you teach when you also have meals to prepare? </span></h3>
<p class="Default">Some of them don&rsquo;t want to learn to be a Chef so they can have a career, they want to be in the kitchen because it is a good job while they are doing time. For the ones who really do want to learn, teaching can be difficult due to the type of cooking we have to do, they are not really going to get the full training they need but it is a good start. Generally, they learn the basics but it is really more about learning how to be at work and the discipline that goes with it.</p>
<h3 class="Default"><span style="color: #009ee3;"> How receptive are the prisoners to learning the trade? </span></h3>
<p class="Default">Some of the trainees are really passionate; it&rsquo;s not just cooking you know it&rsquo;s talking to them. One lad called Jamie was a real star, when he was released, I hope he went on to have a great career, it gives me a great sense of job satisfaction to know that it has provided him with a bright future.</p>
<h3 class="Default"><span style="color: #009ee3;">How do you cater for so many people in an environment like a prison?</span></h3>
<p class="Default">It&rsquo;s the facilities that help us to cook in such large qualities. I am used to catering for big events, I did Vinny Jones wedding once and that was pretty big. Most events I worked on in my previous work were big outdoor events so if you can cook up a storm in a field with no power or running water you can do anything.</p>
<h3 class="Default"><span style="color: #009ee3;">Would you say working in a prison is a good choice for building experience?</span></h3>
<p class="Default">For me being at the end of my career it has been an amazing experience, one that I would encourage anyone who has done their days in a busy commercial kitchen environment. For a young lad who is after a career as a Chef shouldn&rsquo;t look to start here, they should look to be here much later once they have learned the trade.</p>
<h3 class="Default"><span style="color: #009ee3;">What skills or knowledge do you feel you have gained from working in a prison?</span></h3>
<p class="Default">The things I have gained actually have nothing to do with cooking, they would be empathy, understanding, the importance of authority and above all else, patience. I was never one to give someone a second chance before but being in the prison has really changed my outlook.</p>
<h3 class="Default"><span style="color: #009ee3;">Has working in a prison changed your perspectives at all? </span></h3>
<p class="Default">It has honestly turned me around; I had no idea what went on behind the prison walls before, I was completely wrong in all of my assumptions so yes, it really has changed my perspective of life on the inside and on the outside.</p>
<h3 class="Default"><span style="color: #009ee3;">What advice would you give to new Chef just starting out in the trade?</span></h3>
<p class="Default">If you answer the question &ldquo;Why do you want to be a chef?&rdquo; with &ldquo;because it&rsquo;s easy&rdquo; then you are going to be in with a shock. Nothing is easy in this trade but if you work hard and really give it everything you have got you can have a truly great career.</p>

What is it like to work as a Chef in a prison

<p>Preparing for an interview, not just an office interview but any office jobs interview can be a stressful process and no doubt you are seeking out as many interview tips as you can possibly get your hands on.</p>
<p>You have certainly come to the right place; we have a stack of blogs dedicated to interview techniques for you to work through:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="~/link.aspx?_id=D346D55BD91046A396367415FFD75F5E&amp;_z=z">How to succeed in an interview</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="~/link.aspx?_id=6FC9708D9352485A88EE3DBCCDD67EED&amp;_z=z">The key to being confident in an interview</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="~/link.aspx?_id=E3DDE2AA7D1246D98222C56DA3B7CC32&amp;_z=z">Nailing a telephone interview</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="~/link.aspx?_id=72B9F8CA8ADD49FE9F07B8D4D93AABED&amp;_z=z">What not to say in an interview</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p>But don&rsquo;t disappear just yet, this blog contains lots of valuable interview tips too so we will put this list at the end of this article too.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The competition amongst candidates looking for new office jobs has always been fierce but with fewer vacancies and more people seeking employment things are starting to change. The number of UK job vacancies across all industries (excluding agriculture, forestry and fishing) currently stands at approximately 370,000<sup>1</sup>. This is less than half of the UK job vacancies available this time last year, largely due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Standing out from the crowd and showing a potential employer that you are not only a good fit for the role but also the best choice for the position is more important than ever. Working through our 5 preparatory interview tips and our 12 tips for a successful video interview, you will be in with the best possible chance of success.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The fact that you have secured a job interview is in itself a cause for celebration, your CV and application have successfully portrayed your skills and suitability for the position so take a moment to pat yourself on the back, this is not as easy as it sounds.</p>
<p>The interview is now an opportunity to expand on your suitability by broadcasting those extra qualities (professional appearance, business-like manner, warmth of personality, approachability and conversational skills) that can&rsquo;t be assessed from your CV.&nbsp; This is your opportunity to truly sell yourself to your potential employer and find out more about the job.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>5 preparatory interview tips&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Making a good impression in your office interview starts with the preparation that you do. Work through the following 5 preparatory interview tips to ensure you are 100% prepared to impress your prospective employer:</p>
<p><strong>1. Research the industry and company</strong></p>
<p>Thorough research about the organisation will give you plenty to talk about during the interview process and it will provide you with some ideas for questions to ask. Being unfamiliar with the organisation will hinder your chances of success, so take this chance to show you have done your preparation and know the company inside and out.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>2. Create a list of why points &ndash; why you want it and why you are good for it.</strong>&nbsp;</p>
<p>You will now have the chance to demonstrate you&rsquo;ve done your research creating a list of good things you have found out about the organisation, its sector etc. For example, enjoyable work environment, stability of employment, career development opportunities. Think of the office work skills you have so you can slip them in when you speak. For example, &ldquo;I am proficient in most office software packages so I am confident that I can settle into my role quickly, but I am excited about the opportunity to learn new skills and techniques as my career with [insert company name] progresses.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>3. Anticipate concerns and think of some solutions</strong></p>
<p>The interviewer may ask you how the shifts will fit around your home commitments, how you plan to travel to work each day, or if working overtime is going to be a problem. You can anticipate these questions and prepare reassuring answers showing that you have envisioned yourself working in the position and that you have made suitable preparations to ensure success in the role.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>4. Common interview questions</strong></p>
<p>It is natural to worry about being unnerved by tricky questions. Fortunately, since many interviewers use the same basic questioning techniques, you can plan impressive replies ahead of time, therefore increasing your confidence. The key to anticipating questions is to treat the interview as an opportunity to exchange information, the interviewer is looking for someone who can slot neatly into the organisation's culture and you are looking for somewhere you will fit in and be an asset to the team. The interview is a conversation, not an interrogation so just relax and answer the questions honestly and professionally.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>5. Create a list of questions for the interviewer</strong></p>
<p>In the current difficult job market, it might seem odd that you should interview the employer too, but this is a conversation, remember! By asking questions, you not only satisfy yourself that you want the job in that organisation but you also show that you are interested and have made an effort to discover what the role and the employer is all about.&nbsp;</p>
<p>While there has been a rise in video and online interviews, some organisations are still conducting in person interviews. These in-person interviews will be tailored to account for COVID-19 regulations so be prepared for a socially distant interview.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Top 3 interview tips for socially distanced in-person interviews</h2>
<ol>
<li>The interviewer is unlikely to offer or want to shake your hand. Instead, go for a respectful head nod and a warm greeting.</li>
<li>Make sure you are aware of what social distancing and COVID-19 regulations are in place throughout the building so you can comply.</li>
<li>Take a suitable face mask. You may be required to wear a mask on entry to the building and potentially throughout your interview.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
<h2>12 tips for succeeding in a video interview</h2>
<p><strong>1. What to wear?</strong></p>
<p>Any interview, whether it is a video interview, or an in-person interview should warrant the same consideration for your appearance. Go for one step above the usual attire. In an office the dress code will usually be smart casual so go for this and add a jacket or a tie to the outfit. Dark colours work best on camera.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>2. Prepare your space</strong></p>
<p>Make sure you have the following items set up and ready:</p>
<ul>
<li>Computer or phone</li>
<li>Stable internet connection</li>
<li>Water</li>
<li>Notepad</li>
<li>Two pens (in case one runs out)</li>
<li>A printed copy of your CV</li>
<li>A printed copy of your application form</li>
<li>Research notes</li>
<li>Question &amp; answer prompts</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>3. Eliminate distractions</strong></p>
<p>Let those around you know that you will be in an interview. Close the door, turn of the TV and radio. Put a note on your front door requesting that visitors do not knock and for parcels to be left on the doorstep.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>4. Be on time&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>There maybe a few interviews happening on one day so be considerate to the interviewer and log in to the call at the designated call time.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>5. Slowly and clearly</strong></p>
<p>It is natural to speak quickly when you are nervous, but you need to allow for a slight delay and for ambient noise over the microphone so make a concerted effort to speak slowly and clearly.</p>
<p><strong>6. What is in the background?</strong></p>
<p>It is important that you are the main focus of attention throughout the video call so remove distracting backgrounds and clutter from the area.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>7. Lighting&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>Natural lighting would be ideal so try to position yourself near a window. If this is not possible avoid having lights positioned behind you.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>8. Prioritize the camera not the screen</strong></p>
<p>Try to look into the camera and not at the image on the screen. It feels strange but it is important so that you are making eye contact with the interviewer just like you would be in person.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>9. Testing</strong></p>
<p>Well ahead of your interview time, run a pre-interview test call with a friend to test the internet connection, lighting and microphone.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>10. Double check the arrangements</strong></p>
<p>Double check you have noted the correct interview time and that you have signed up for and downloaded the right app for the call (some allow you to access via a Browser with no app download required, testing this first is recommended). There are many different types of video call software so ensure you have checked which one you will be using.</p>
<p><strong>11. Be an active listener</strong></p>
<p>Utilise effective listening techniques to make a connection with the interviewer.&nbsp;o Use nonverbal cues like nodding, eye contact, and leaning forward to encourage and show understanding.o Brief verbal affirmations such as &ldquo;I see,&rdquo; &ldquo;I know,&rdquo; &ldquo;Sure,&rdquo; &ldquo;Thank you,&rdquo; or &ldquo;I understand&rdquo; all let the interviewer know that you are engaged in what they are saying.o Paraphrase and repeat back to show your understanding. Find out <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=288478978DA84EBBAA44C10901B3FAF2&amp;_z=z">more about using active listening techniques here</a>.</p>
<p><strong>12. Body language</strong></p>
<p>Sit facing the camera, use open arm and hand gestures. Avoid crossing your arms, leaning back and slouching.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>What to do at the end of a job interview</h2>
<p>All interviews, whether it is an in-person interview, a telephone interview or a video interview, should end the same way:</p>
<ol>
<li>Summarise the key points.</li>
<li>Confirm what the next steps will be.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Double check that they have all of your contact information.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Thank the interviewer for their time and the opportunity.</li>
<li>(If in person) on your way out, be sure to thank anyone else who assisted you such as the reception staff.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>References</strong></p>
<p>1 Office for National Statistics [Internet] 11 August 2020 | Laura Caldwell https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peoplenotinwork/unemployment/datasets/vacanciesbyindustryvacs02</p>

Office jobs interview tips

<p>Who would have thought that Christmas would be a great time to work in hospitality and catering? Most would opt to steer well clear but despite every shift consisting of never ending food orders, a rowdy Christmas party and a boisterous table of 20 dysfunctional family members, hospitality is for many the best industry to work in during the holiday season.</p>
<p>While workers in most other industries are winding down for a break over Christmas, hospitality and catering staff are cranking up their energy in preparation for an intense couple of months filled with Christmas crackers, bad jokes, miles of tinsel, Bubl&eacute;&rsquo;s Christmas album on repeat and more pigs in blankets then you can shake a sticky candy cane at.</p>
<p>We could come up with a million and one awkward Christmas puns that Yule be laughing at all year in an effort to encourage you to hold on for deer life and sleigh at your job this Christmas but we know that you already believe in your elf and hospitality and catering is snow laughing matter.</p>
<p>Instead here are 5 great pun free reasons to shed the dodgy Christmas jumper, don your Chef whites or server&rsquo;s uniform and get stuck into Christmas like never before.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">1. Money, money, money</span></h3>
<p>In the UK alone we spend around &pound;4.9 million on festive nights out and it is all hands on deck to help feed and water the masses who are set to descend on pubs, hotels and restaurants. No matter what your job is, Chefs, Kitchen Porters, Servers and bar staff are always in high demand and shifts are plentiful.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">2. Tip top tips</span></h3>
<p>Collecting tips throughout a shift can really add a boost to your income, Festive cheer, flowing wine and great food seems to bring out the generosity in customers with the hospitality industry set to take an extra 20 million in tips over the holiday period.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">3. In at the deep end</span></h3>
<p>Starting work in the hospitality and catering industry at Christmas is a little bit like jumping into a pool of brandy cream and Babysham without a life vest. This is the perfect opportunity for a crash course in your chosen profession, you will learn more over the Christmas period than at any other time in the year.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">4. Be merry</span></h3>
<p>The majority of people you work with and serve at Christmas are going to be festive, happy, bubbly and above all, sympathetic. Not many customers complain about long wait times and slightly overdone Brussel sprouts when there is so much festive cheer and they feel bad for those working around them. Make the most of it, come the new year you can bet your bauble that people will be back to resting Grinch face in no time.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">5. Use stress to impress</span></h3>
<p>Christmas shifts are by far the best opportunity to impress your boss. While those higher up are stressing about customers, budgets, orders and staff levels you can take every chance to be the most helpful Christmas Elf like staff member you can possibly be. When the last cracker has been pulled and the decorations come down your boss will remember who went over and above to help out and give the customers the best possible festive experience.</p>
<p>If we have convinced you that there is <em>snow</em> better place to be then you can browse and apply for Christmas catering jobs <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/hospitality-and-catering" target="_self">here.</a>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Already have a job? Share this article with your friends and have your <em>elf</em> a Merry Christmas!</p>
<p>References</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: blue;"><a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/christmas/christmas-by-numbers-total-presents-turkey-crackers-travel-statistics-a8119771.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Independent. Gemma Francis December 2017 [Internet]</a></span></p>
<p><a href="https://blog.caterer.com/hospitality-industry-can-expect-to-take-an-extra-20-million-in-tips-over-the-festive-period/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Caterer.com. Lorna Sylvestre. November 2019 [Internet]</a></p>

5 reasons to work in hospitality and catering at Christmas

<p>Finding out how to answer the 10 most common warehouse interview questions is a bit like getting a sneak peek at the hard questions before exam day and having the chance to revise exactly what you need to know. By the end of this post you will know just what to say during your warehouse interview to make the very best impression and stand a great chance of landing the job.</p>
<p>Interviews often follow a similar agenda and some of the questions don&rsquo;t really change too much from one industry to another so it is worth noting that while you may be asked one or two extra questions that don&rsquo;t seem warehouse specific, the job and the industry should always be in your mind when you answer.</p>
<p>It is important that you don&rsquo;t memorise your answers, we don&rsquo;t want you to sound forced or like you are delivering lines to a camera, we want you to deliver your answers naturally so just write down and learn the main points that you want to communicate in answer to each question.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #00b0f0;">How to answer the 10 most common warehouse interview questions</span></h2>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">1.&nbsp;</span><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Tell me about yourself.</span></h3>
<p>When asked about yourself, you do want to be open and personable but try to avoid oversharing. The interviewer is likely busy and so could do without listening to your life story or a rendition of your latest family drama. Stick to the outlines and include things like, relevant work experience, hobbies and interests, and family circumstances (married, single, kids) perhaps with one or two aspirations thrown in for good measure.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">2.&nbsp;</span><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Why do you want to work in a warehouse?</span></h3>
<p>While it may be true that you needed a job and this is what came up first, try to see it from the interviewer&rsquo;s point of view and think about what you could say that is a little more inspiring. Stay away from answers like, &ldquo;it&rsquo;s good money&rdquo; or &ldquo;there are lots of shifts&rdquo; and talk about it being a good start to a new career in warehousing and logistics, or about how you want to develop your existing warehouse career.</p>
<p>For bonus points talk about why you want to work in THIS warehouse specifically; you could talk about the Company values, the brand, the systems, the facilities or the opportunities they can provide.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">3.&nbsp;</span><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Do you have any experience with heavy machinery?</span></h3>
<p>The interviewer is probably referring to forklifts, pallet trucks and other similar equipment. You can talk about any licenses and experience you already have with pride, licenses and experience are highly prized in warehouse candidates. If you don&rsquo;t have any machinery experience then it&rsquo;s important to be honest but you could emphasise that you are open to training and gaining the experience if it is something you are interested in.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">4.&nbsp;</span><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Describe a time you have made a mistake at work; how did you handle it?</span></h3>
<p>Everyone makes mistakes and making out that you have never made one is not going to sound realistic. Even if you have not made any really big mistakes you could probably think of something relevant if you put your mind to it.</p>
<p>The interviewer is hoping to hear you talk about reporting the mistake, asking for help then taking action to find a solution and rectify the mistake at the first opportunity.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">5.&nbsp;</span><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Can you perform to a high level of accuracy?</span></h3>
<p>Ideally you will talk about some experience in a role that required a bit of thought and precision but if you really don&rsquo;t have any then you could talk about how accuracy and precision are important no matter what the task is and that you take pride in working to high standards.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">6.&nbsp;</span><span style="color: #00b0f0;">What do you think warehouse work entails?</span></h3>
<p>The job description will provide you with all the information you need to answer this question. The interviewer is not looking for you to recite the list of duties back to them, just for you to demonstrate that you have read the job description and that you understand the work you are potentially going to be doing every day.</p>
<p>If you really want to know your stuff, you can find a heap of extra information on working in a warehouse <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/warehouse-jobs/being-a-warehouse-operative" target="_self"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">here</span></a>.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">7.&nbsp;</span><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Safety is important in a warehouse, what safety considerations do you think there are?</span></h3>
<p>You will have full safety training once you start in the role, so this question is really intended to see if you have a bit of common sense and a healthy respect for safety and hazards in the workplace. You can demonstrate that you know the basics of safety by talking about safe lifting, looking out for hazardous machinery such as forklifts and pallet trucks, looking out for and minimising trip hazards plus speaking up if something doesn&rsquo;t look safe.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">8.&nbsp;</span><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Have you worked as part of a team before?</span></h3>
<p>When an interviewer is asking about team experience, they are hoping that you will confirm that you can work well with others, being considerate and conscientious, listening to ideas and taking advice. For extra points let them know that you also understand the need to take control of your own workload and step up to lead or motivate the team if needed.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">9.&nbsp;</span><span style="color: #00b0f0;">Where do you see yourself in a year?</span></h3>
<p>This is one of those catch 22 questions, by saying that you don&rsquo;t know you could appear to be an indecisive leaf blowing in the wind but by being truthful you could find yourself describing a beach in Bali which doesn&rsquo;t sound like you are here to stay.</p>
<p>Regardless of your future plans, we advise playing this one a little safe and saying that you see yourself as more experienced, more knowledgeable, perhaps with a forklift operator&rsquo;s license (if applicable) and as a key member of the team. You could also indicate that you hope to have a permanent contract if you are starting out as a temp.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00b0f0;">10.&nbsp;</span><span style="color: #00b0f0;">How do you handle working under pressure?</span></h3>
<p>Working under pressure is common in a warehouse, you have targets to meet and orders to fulfil so this question has more to do with managing expectations and checking your understanding of the working environment.</p>
<p>You can talk about how pressure can help to keep people productive and motivated. To show maturity and understanding you could also talk about the importance of not taking work pressure home with you and that stress relief and downtime outside of work is essential to help you recharge.</p>
<p>Now that you know what you are going to say in your interview, you can get started on the 5 most important things to think about ahead of your <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=3189778DED684E279EFC59D9D451A552&amp;_z=z"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">interview</span></a>.&nbsp;</p>

How to answer the 10 most common warehouse interview questions?

<p>Being a shift worker does have its advantages; convenience, overtime, flexibility to name but a few, but during the Christmas holiday period when there is so much personal stuff to do and so many places to be, there are bound to be times when you can&rsquo;t help but question your career decisions.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Current stats show that over 4 million people are employed as shift workers in the UK right now. Once upon a time, it was only those working within the essential services who would be expected to work over the Christmas holidays, but now with our ever increasing expectations of 24/7 access to services both necessary and frivolous, many of the 4 million people employed as shift workers in the UK will find themselves working this Christmas.</p>
<p>You may be the type of person who volunteers to work Christmas day to escape the prospect of spending time with your belligerent great Aunt Mildred but for many, the Christmas rota release feels like a cruel shift roulette, you just know that while everyone else is eating mince pies and candy canes, you will be working what feels like the longest shift ever on at least one of the important days.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Whether you have volunteered or drawn the short straw, the struggle is real, trying to have a festive Christmas of your own while you are working shifts is no easy task, but there are ways to make it not only a little easier but downright spectacular.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Top tips for pulling off a 2019 Christmas cracker when you work shifts.&nbsp;</h2>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Christmas Negotiations</span></h3>
<p>Before you resign yourself to your shift working fate you have nothing else to lose, you may as well do what you can to get out of it first.&nbsp;<br><br>Can you swap shifts? I know that pretty much every shift working parent will be trying to implore those who don&rsquo;t have children to swap shifts with them but that doesn&rsquo;t mean you stand no chance. For the best chances of shift swapping success, you need to offer something highly prized in return, perhaps offering to take the New Year&rsquo;s Eve and New Years&rsquo; Day shifts are the key to success. If you are going to be home with the children anyway then saving someone from the hangover shift could be your best bet.&nbsp;<br><br>If you are struggling to find someone to cover your whole shift it may be possible to split the shifts up so you both get some time at home instead. Ask a co-worker to cover the early part of your shift on Christmas morning and offer to cover New Year&rsquo;s morning or Boxing morning in exchange.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Christmas Kids</span></h3>
<p>Being at work sucks more when you know that your children want nothing more than for you to be home with them. Those little munchkins really know which heartstrings to tug but with a little foresight and planning you may just be able to distract them long enough, so the time speeds on by and you are home before they know it.&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>Harness the power of technology and arrange to video call home when you are on your break so you can still watch the kids open their gifts.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Hunt the Fallen Bells &ndash; Hide little jingle bells around the house and garden. Kids will spend a fair amount of time hunting for the bells that fell off Santa&rsquo;s sleigh.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Pre-record a short video message for your little ones to watch, reassure them that you will be home soon and give them some exciting tasks to do to pass the time such as;&nbsp;</li>
<li>Take Christmas breakfast bread to the ducks at the park.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Find real holly sprigs to decorate the Christmas table.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Make space for your new gifts in your bedroom.</li>
<li>Call or visit family members.</li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Christmas Gifts</span></h3>
<p>Be the bearer of a fab gift even when you&rsquo;re not there to see them open it. <a href="https://www.virginiahayward.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Virginia Hayward</a> supply and deliver beautifully perfect hampers to suit pretty much every budget.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you are struggling to find time for Christmas shopping around your shifts, try <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/browse.html/?tag=georiot-trd-21&amp;node=14351804031&amp;ascsubtag=t3-1202451749376477163-21" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Amazon&rsquo;s last minute Christmas deals event that runs between 9th and 22nd December.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br></a></p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Christmas Dinner</span></h3>
<p>A slow cooker is a shift worker&rsquo;s dream at any time of the year but at Christmas it really is a lifesaver. Whatever your Christmas dinner will be, there is a way to cook it in a slow cooker that will ensure you can walk in after a long shift to find the lion&rsquo;s share of your Christmas dinner ready to serve and eat. Here are a couple of must try Christmas slow cooker recipes to get you started</p>
<p>&bull; <a href="https://bakingqueen74.co.uk/slow-cooker-turkey-crown/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Slow cooker turkey</a><br>&bull; <a href="https://www.myfussyeater.com/the-easiest-slow-cooker-christmas-ham-gammon-red-cabbage-salad/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Slow Cooker ham</a>.<br>&bull; <a href="http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/22570/holidays-occasions/christmas/slow-cooker/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Christmas recipes</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<br><br>If you don&rsquo;t yet have a slow cooker, HotUKDeals will help you to find the best priced slow cooker available right now. <a href="https://www.hotukdeals.com/tag/slow-cooker" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">As of today, there is one at the bargain price of just &pound;12.74 from Robert Dyas</a>. A slow cooker is for life, not just for Christmas so this is an investment worth making.<br><br></p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Christmas Cheer</span></h3>
<p>Try to avoid social media, the last thing you need is to see your friends open gifts and munch on mince pies, it will only serve to make you wish you were anywhere but at work, so a social amnesty for the duration of your shift is highly advised.&nbsp;<br><br>Be the happiest most social Christmas Elf possible. How you feel works in direct correlation to how you act so if you make the extra effort to be festive and cheerful you can&rsquo;t help but feel happy.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Christmas Travel</span></h3>
<p>Take extra consideration for travelling to and from work. Public transport is likely to be disrupted so have a solid plan in mind well ahead of time as well as a plan B, C, D&hellip; you get the idea.</p>
<p>Consider a carpool with your fellow Christmas workers. You are all in the same boat so if you can do a round robin pick-up you can Christmas carpool karaoke your way in to work and collectively get in the Christmas spirit.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Christmas On-hold</span></h3>
<p>If all else fails consider delaying Christmas entirely until after Boxing Day, not so easy if you have kids I know, but if you are child-free then this is a fab option.</p>
<p>This does of course come with the added bonus of buying your Christmas gifts in the Boxing Day or January sales so if you do go for this option then these links will come in handy.&nbsp;<br><br>Be ready to grab a bargain in the January sales with this <a href="https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/boxing-day-and-january-sales/article/what-to-buy-and-how-to-shop-smart-in-the-sales/tech-products-to-look-out-for-in-the-boxing-day-and-january-sale" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">handy guide to checking if you are getting a good deal from Which.&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;<br><br>Take the guess work out of sales shopping and let <a href="https://pricespy.co.uk/theme/january-sale" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">PriceSpy</a> do the hard work for you by comparing prices and notifying you when items on your wish list hit a price worth paying.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Christmas Future</span></h3>
<p>If you are struggling to balance your work and your home commitments, you may need to consider flexible working solutions to enable you to have the best of both worlds. With Christmas now only a short time away, it may be too late to swap your shift, book time off or request a flexible working pattern for this year but you can get ahead and start making changes to your working pattern now in time for next year.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you have 26 weeks consecutive service with an employer, you have the right to request a change to your working pattern and for that request to be seriously considered by your employer.&nbsp;<br><br>To request a flexible working solution, you will need to submit a request and this request needs to</p>
<ul>
<li>Be in writing.</li>
<li>Be dated.</li>
<li>Explain the change you would like to make to your working pattern. See suggestions below.</li>
<li>Explain when you would like the change to start.</li>
<li>Explain what effect the change might have on the business, if any.</li>
<li>Explain how such effects could be dealt with</li>
<li>State that it is a statutory request.</li>
<li>State if you have made a request previously and if so when.</li>
</ul>
<p>The flexible solutions that will work in your favour at Christmas are;<br><br></p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Term-time working</span></h3>
<p>Term-time working allows employees to work their agreed contractual hours over term times only. Term-time working could be applicable to full or part-time staff. Holidays are usually taken in school holiday periods only.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">V time</span>&nbsp;</h3>
<p>V time is voluntary reduced working time. It is where a voluntary and temporary dip in hours is requested &ndash; usually to accommodate a particular period of time where more time will be required for non-work-related activities.&nbsp;<br><br>Other types of flexible working solutions that seem to work well for many people are;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Part-time working</span></h3>
<p>Part-time work is the most common type of flexible working. The government&rsquo;s definition of a part-time worker is someone who works fewer than 30 hours per week.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Flexitime</span></h3>
<p>After part-time working, flexitime is a very common form of flexible working. It allows employees to vary their start and finish times.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Job sharing&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p>Job sharing is much more common now. Two people share responsibilities, pay and all the other benefits of a full-time job.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Compressed hours</span></h3>
<p>Compressed hours are when the week&rsquo;s work is compressed into a shorter time span. So, for example, you may currently work 40 hours over five days. This could be compressed into four days of 10 hours or three and a half days of 11 or 12 hours per day.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Annual hours</span>&nbsp;</h3>
<p>In some roles annualised hours are a possibility. In quiet times the employee works less time and then makes up the time when it is very busy. As some jobs have busy periods (at the end of the financial year, pre-Christmas, etc), it can help with the peaks and troughs of the workload.&nbsp;<br><br>It is important to know that while you have the right to ask and that your request has to be seriously considered, your employer does not necessarily have to agree, still, it&rsquo;s worth a shot!&nbsp;&nbsp;<br><br>If you have any shift working top tips for Christmas and beyond, I would love to hear them and add them to this list for all to see. You can email me your tips and suggestions at <a href="mailto:Working shifts over Christmas? Check out our top tips for pulling off a 2019 Christmas cracker when you work shifts.">Caree.R@bluearrow.co.uk</a>.&nbsp;</p>

Shift workers guide to pulling off a cracking Christmas

<p class="Paragraph SCXW45590961 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">Hands up if you know your Regular 4 from your Continental. No, they are not both a type of breakfast, they are in fact types of shift pattern.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW45590961 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">As you find yourself launched into shift working you will become fluent in this bizarre new shift language but if you are just starting out, here is a quick run-down of what some of the shift patterns are and what they mean.</p>
<h2 class="Paragraph SCXW170455329 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW170455329 BCX3" style="color: #00aae3;"><span class="TextRun SCXW170455329 BCX3" data-contrast="none">Rotational Shift Patterns</span></span></h2>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW90709279 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">The most common shift pattern in the world of warehouse is the Rotational pattern which will comprise of days, afternoons and nights, usually on a weekly rotation. Sometimes you might find it is a fortnightly rotation, but this is less common.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW90709279 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">The start and finish times for a Rotational shift pattern could be something like this:&nbsp;</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW263780526 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; background-color: #ffffff; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">Days 06:00am &ndash; 14:00pm or 07.30am &ndash; 15.30pm</p>
<p>Afternoons 14:00pm &ndash; 22:00pm&nbsp;</p>
<p>Nights 22:00pm &ndash; 06:00am or 23.30pm - -3.30am</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW263780526 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">If you&rsquo;re on a Rotational shift pattern you will be paid the same rate for days and afternoons as you will for evenings but there is usually a &lsquo;shift allowance&rsquo; rolled into the pay rate as a benefit of working a shift pattern.&nbsp;</p>
<h2 style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span style="color: #00aae3;">Fixed Shifts</span></h2>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW39947867 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">Another common shift type for warehouse workers is a fixed shift. On a fixed shift you could work days, afternoons or nights.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW39947867 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">Day and afternoon fixed shifts will have a fixed pay rate, but night fixed shifts will usually be paid at a higher rate.&nbsp;</p>
<h2 class="Paragraph SCXW149562541 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span class="TextRun SCXW149562541 BCX3" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149562541 BCX3" style="color: #00aae3;">2 Shift</span></span></h2>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW152123604 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">This is a type of rotational shift where you switch on a weekly rotation between working Monday to Friday, 0600-1400 in the first week and Monday to Friday 1400-2200 in the second week.&nbsp;</p>
<h2 class="Paragraph SCXW123944139 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW123944139 BCX3" style="color: #00aae3;"><span class="TextRun SCXW123944139 BCX3" data-contrast="none">Continental&nbsp;</span></span></h2>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW189754177 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">This is a continuous shift pattern that comprises of short blocks of shift types followed by a block of rest days. On a continental pattern you could find that you work a string of&nbsp;<span style="color: #131313;">8 hour shifts for 7 days. You might start with mornings for two shifts, then afternoons for three shifts and end with nights for 2 shifts over the 7 day period followed by a few days off before starting back with mornings again.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h2><span style="color: #00aae3;">Regular 4 on 4 off</span></h2>
<p><span style="color: windowtext;">This is a type of continuous working pattern similar to a Continental, a regular 4 on 4 off is based on 12 hour shifts. You would work for four consecutive 12 hour days, then you would have 4 consecutive days off, followed by 4 consecutive 12 hour night shifts followed by four consecutive days off. Your shift pattern would continue in this manner.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p>There are many variations of shift pattern out there, these are just a few of the ones you will come across in warehouse working. The job description should always display the shift pattern that is available but if you are unsure or, if you are restricted in the hours you can work don&rsquo;t be afraid to ask if there is any other pattern available.</p>
<p class="Paragraph SCXW119142353 BCX3" style="color: windowtext; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">To take a look at all of the warehouse jobs we have with many types of shift pattern available <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/warehousejobs/">click here.&nbsp;</a></p>

Shift Patterns Explained

<p>In an ever-changing world, it seems that everyone is heading somewhere, everyone has somewhere they want to be, or somewhere better to be and in many cases someone they wish they could be.</p>
<p>This striving for greatness, to be better than we perceive we are is what makes us human, it is how we have evolved to dominate our planet, seeking to build and yearning to discover in everything we do.</p>
<p>While everyone around us seems to be heading on a journey of self-growth and personal development, for some of us this can feel a little intimidating. Not all of us have it all worked out, not all of us have a plan.</p>
<p>Sometimes I have to travel for work, this is not as fun as it sounds, believe me. It mainly consists of sitting on the train people watching. I see the guys in their polished shoes, impeccable suits and gleaming cuff links, I see the women in their pretty shoes and perfectly matching handbags and I wonder, how are they so put together. Why am I the only one frantically trying to air out the sweat patches, self-consciously tugging on my clothes in the hope that simply pulling on the creases will make my shirt suddenly appear ironed. How is it that other people can casually open their bag to take something out without having gravity suck out all of the contents on to the floor every single time. What do they have that I just don&rsquo;t?&nbsp;</p>
<p>I spent ages trying to figure this out, trying to find the secret to their success. Wondering how some people seem to have it sussed while others are just grateful to make it through the day in one piece.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Did they just go all out, balls to the wall hyper motivated and overachieving in everything they do? Is that their secret? Or are they laser focused on one part of their lives, while behind the scenes everything else is in chaos. Is hitting something hard, throwing your all into it and making it work, out of sheer determination, the key? I wasn't convinced.</p>
<p>So, one day instead of staring at other people on the train I did some research and stumbled across an article about Sir David Brailsford, the former Performance Director of British Cycling and now the head man at the ultra-successful Team Sky professional cycling team. Hear me out, I am heading somewhere with this.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Now, Dave Brailsford had been widely credited for single-handedly transforming the success of the teams and the article was outlining how he did it. What did he do to change a mediocre performance into one that put them at the top of the Olympic table three consecutive times?&nbsp; How did he then create a team that won the Tour De France six years out of seven and with three different British riders (until then no Brit had won it, not even once!)</p>
<p>Sir David puts the success down to marginal gains. No it is not a type of super juice or protein powder it is quite simply, an approach. An approach that meant looking at the small things that could make a difference instead of trying to change everything in one drastic unsustainable movement.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The small things he looked at were the elements that were often overlooked as they were perceived to be too small to be relevant. He knew that small things when combined, become the building blocks of a great performance. For example, knowing that the athletes needed to be fresh and ready on race day he didn't do a complete diet and self-care overhaul, he simply made small adjustments to the athletes sleeping arrangements and frequency, even to the extent of taking their own bedding to each hotel.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Additionally, he knew that ensuring the bikes were in the very best condition possible provides a competitive advantage but there are only so many upgrades that can be made to a bike. So instead, he focused on the small changes that he could make, from perfecting the wheel alignment to the complete elimination of dust and debris.</p>
<p>These small changes or 'marginal gains' when combined became so powerful they created momentum and set a course for slow consistent change and with it ultimate lasting performance.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Reading this article had me inspired, I dug in my bag for a pen and notepad, I obviously had to stop at this stage and gather the bag contents from the floor again, but once that was done I started reading up on marginal change and how it can be implemented in our own lives. Can it be woven into the fabric of our playtime and our work time? How we can apply marginal change to solidify a habit, to create a course of action and gain momentum? I was scribbling notes frantically sure I was on to something.</p>
<p>All of the information I found seemed to lean towards committing to achieving a 1% margin of improvement in everything we do. Sounds a little intense I know but stop and think for a moment. Consider the perspective that every habit you have built over the years, good or bad, is the result of many small decisions. Decisions so tiny they are imperceptible, so seemingly irrelevant that we do them without thought.&nbsp;</p>
<p>What if we made sure that our decisions were instead, mindful. We could ensure that many of the habits we are forming are good habits over unwanted ones. Jim Rohn (American entrepreneur, author and motivational speaker) once said &ldquo;<strong>Success is a few simple decisions, practiced every day while failure is simply a few errors in judgement repeated every day. There is power in small wins and slow gains."&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>With this fresh perspective I had a think about what areas of my life I could be more mindful in my decision-making process and where I can implement micro changes to re-calibrate my focus, realign what is important and really focus on what I want to achieve.</p>
<p>Obviously being a little bit more put together was one of them. I wanted to be a little more polished like those on the train, but I know myself well enough. A makeover and a new wardrobe were not going to fix it, I could make a ball gown look untidy, so the change had to be small, it had to be a minor routine change to make it last. By the time I had successfully chewed the end of my pen off I had it!</p>
<p>I decided that if I set my alarm 20 minutes earlier each morning then I would have time to 'adult' effectively before I woke the rest of the household even if it was just to run an iron over my shirt or tame my hair into something other than a bird&rsquo;s nest. Yes, that seemed like a change that I could probably stick to.</p>
<p>Another area of my life that I wanted to develop was still sort of along the self-care lines, but more development based. I wanted to make time for progressive reading. Reading to gain insight, advice, or knowledge. Reading that would benefit not only my own peace of mind but also my career. I was not prepared to give up my hour of reading fiction at bedtime and dedicate it to learning. Nope that was not going to be sustainable, I love story time too much for that. Instead, I compromised.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Stories are way more important to me than music is, so I resolved to switch my Spotify membership for an Audible membership. Then every time that I would usually listen to music whether it is in the car, on a train, cooking the dinner or walking the dog I would be listening to a narrator read a book to me from my &lsquo;progressive&rsquo; reading list instead. Perfect, this was small, manageable and achievable.&nbsp;</p>
<p>A year later I can proudly and honestly hold my hands up and say this one works people! If you try any new-fangled self-help fashionable fad this Autumn, please make it this one.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I still do both of these things, I actually changed my morning routine from getting up 20 minutes earlier to 30 and then to 45 minutes so I have time for a cup of tea in peace while the house is silent and the opportunity to pack my bag properly, so I can finally avoid the dreaded bag spill.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I am always working on finding other areas where I can make micro changes, especially when it comes to blending my work with my home life. Some of them are small and focus more on doing something thoroughly, others are about taking time out and some are career oriented.</p>
<p>What about you, what micro changes could you implement in your life? What do you do on your lunch break or on your commute to work? Could you be spending 20 minutes of this time learning something new, sketching, writing or researching? Just 20 minutes, 5 times a week would result in 100 minutes a week of time you have spent progressing something. Over the course of a month you will have bagged over 7 hours of development time and in a year, nearly 90 hours. Could you learn a language? Or perhaps work your way through the top 100 must read books of all time? Could you develop a skill that could help you in your job?&nbsp;</p>

Achieving greatness one micro change at a time

<p><span style="font-size: 18px;">The Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill is a hot topic in the UK, with many wondering what it means for employees and employers. Essentially, the bill aims to revoke the application of EU law in the UK, while also ensuring that existing EU-derived laws are retained. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 18px;">This could have a significant impact on the workplace, as many employment laws in the UK derive from the EU. This Bill was passed on the 29 June 2023 opening up the opportunity for the Government to make changes to the interpretation and application of Retained EU Law in the UK.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p>For employees, the bill could mean a loss of certain rights and protections that were previously guaranteed by EU law. For example, the Working Time Regulations, which limit the number of hours an employee can work per week, come from the EU.</p>
<p>If the bill is passed, it's unclear whether these regulations will be retained or not.</p>
<p>On the other hand, employers may see the bill as an opportunity to cut red tape and reduce the burden of complying with EU regulations.</p>
<p>However, there is also the risk that a lack of clear guidance on how existing EU-derived laws will be retained could lead to confusion and uncertainty in the workplace.</p>
<p>Overall, the impact of the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill on employees and employers remains to be seen.</p>
<p>It's important for both parties to stay informed and keep an eye on developments to understand how the bill will affect them.</p>

Retained EU Law bill

<p>Did you know that with an office career you are in one of the best industries for future career potential? No really, you are! Just because you may see your role as an Administrator or a Receptionist as a small time job that doesn&rsquo;t mean it has to be true. You are in fact a very important part of a much bigger system, one that without you would cease to function effectively.</p>
<p>In your admin role you are responsible for keeping on top of no end of tasks. Without you, scores of emails and phone calls would go unanswered, letters and documents would be left unsent or processed not to mention all of the compliance failings that could occur without you keeping on top of important policies, files and dates.</p>
<p>When you start out in your temporary office job you may not have thought about where it could lead in much detail, it&rsquo;s quite likely that you have simply looked at the opportunities for promotion within that company alone but the world of office work is so much bigger.</p>
<p>Temporary office jobs could help you to find out what parts of office work you really like, what you are good at and what you are not all that keen on, so when it comes to selecting a more permanent position you can quickly work out what permanent position you want to be settling into and where you would like it to take you in your office career.</p>
<p>Where can a temporary office job take you? That is the question right! Whatever office role you start out in you have plenty of options for progression. Let&rsquo;s look at the Personal or Executive Assistant role as an example. To be a good Personal Assistant you need to be pretty tech savvy, extremely organised, proactive and an effective problem solver. The very best Personal Assistants can effortlessly multitask, retain a heap of information and important dates all while having a knack for anticipating the needs of whomever they are working for and getting things done, ideally before their boss even thinks to ask for something.</p>
<p>In most administrative roles you will learn the IT and office based skills you need to be a Personal or Executive Assistant, from data entry through to scheduling, word processing to perfecting your telephone manner. What&rsquo;s more, being in the office environment in any position will also help you to check out what is going on around you, what people do and importantly what they need. So, when it comes to progressing into a more &lsquo;one on one&rsquo; role, you have all of the basics nailed down and you can start to anticipate what may be required.</p>
<p>When you are looking to move on from working as a Personal Assistant in an office setting, you could progress into a position as a Personal Assistant in a slightly more glamourous setting. You could find yourself working in the movie and film industry as a PA to the stars, or perhaps as a Personal Aide to a politician or even as the right hand guy or gal to a high flying CEO earning anywhere up to a six figure salary with all of the perks of travel, exotic destinations, private parties and closed door events.</p>
<p>If becoming a Personal Assistant isn&rsquo;t your thing then have you considered one of the many other office based careers you could set your sights on if you have a bit of office experience?</p>
<p><span style="color: #009ee3;">Customer Service</span></p>
<p>If you have a passion for helping people, a way with words and a good ear for listening then perhaps Customer Service is where your future lies. Customer Service Advisor positions are plentiful, and the career path can lead you through to Customer Relations, Consumer Analyst or Consultation positions and beyond.</p>
<p><span style="color: #009ee3;">Data Entry</span></p>
<p>Is typing and processing information with precision and speed what you are good at? If so then data entry might be a great way to put your unique and highly sought after skills to work in a role that could see you entering anything from personal information through to share prices into software.</p>
<p><span style="color: #009ee3;">Accounts &amp; Finance</span></p>
<p>Can you see the patterns in the numbers, analyse the reports, set budgets and predict financial trends? If so then taking your office career into the world of finance could be a great choice for you. A strong head for numbers, great data entry skills and good analysis abilities are the skills to build on if you decide that a career in accounts and finance is for you.</p>
<p><span style="color: #009ee3;">Recruitment</span></p>
<p>Can you see the potential in someone, draw out their confidence and inspire them to strive for more? If so then the recruitment industry needs you. A personable nature, administrative skills, confidence and a positive outlook are what you will need to thrive in recruitment.</p>
<p><span style="color: #009ee3;">Sales &amp; Outreach</span></p>
<p>If you have the gift of the gab and the ability to sell, sales and outreach could be your dream position. Spend your days working with structure, shooting for your targets and accomplishing a sense of achievement as you land that next big contract.</p>
<p><span style="color: #009ee3;">Marketing</span></p>
<p>If you have a knack for coming up with good strategies, seeing trends and anticipating people&rsquo;s needs then marketing could be a great choice for you. From social media to print advertising, writing to websites, in this industry your role would be extremely collaborative, varied and fun.&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="color: #009ee3;">Researching</span></p>
<p>Tracking down information, connecting the dots and knowing your way around both print and digital archives could mean that you are destined for a researching career. Whether you are finding answers to questions, searching for secrets or truths or following the digital breadcrumbs spread through the world wide web to find your goal; researching can be an extremely interesting and rewarding career choice.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="color: #009ee3;">Emergency Services Call Handling</span></p>
<p>Can you cope under pressure, keep your composure in check and strategise an action plan when everyone else is in a state of chaos? This sounds just like office working right! Put everything you have learned from previous office jobs into a high pressure environment as an Emergency Services Call Handler and start yourself on an enjoyable and rewarding career path.</p>
<p><span style="color: #009ee3;">PR &amp; Fundraising</span></p>
<p>Getting the message out, drumming up support and rallying for a cause all starts with good office skills. If you have built up a good cross section of administrative skills and you have an outgoing nature, then fundraising and public relations could be a great fit for you.</p>
<p><span style="color: #009ee3;">Software &amp; Coding</span></p>
<p>If you prefer to be behind the scenes, figuring out how software works, what the building blocks are and how they fit together then stepping into a career in software or coding is a great choice for anyone with office experience. From your office positions you will already have learned how to use multiple types of software, what their short comings are and what could be done to make them more effective so who is better to take on the challenge than you?&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="color: #009ee3;">Writing &amp; Media</span></p>
<p>You will be amazed at how much you write when you are in an office job. From notes to emails, reports to letters, memos to sticky notes. Writing is a big part of any administrative role and so why not put your wordsmith skills to good use and pursue a career in writing and media. Blogs, tag lines, adverts or slogans, if you have a way with words then this is the job for you.&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="color: #009ee3;">Legal &amp; Medical</span></p>
<p>Processing and understanding technical and complex information is a sought after skill that can be gained from some of the most unlikely temporary office jobs. Admin assistant, Research Assistant, Data Entry Clerk and even Customer Relations could all see you sifting through and processing complex information. Couple that experience with discretion, a keen eye for detail and a proactive outlook and you could find that taking your office career into the legal or medical industry could be a lucrative choice.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">5 ways to turn your temporary office job into a great permanent office job</span></h3>
<p>By now you have most likely worked out which of the above sounds like something you really want to do as a career so all that is left to do is give you 5 ways that you can get started, turning your temporary office job into one of these great permanent office jobs.</p>
<p><span style="color: #009ee3;">1. Do your research</span></p>
<p>Don&rsquo;t just take our word for it, if one of these industries sounds perfect for you then it is important that you spend some time looking into it in more detail. This is after all, your career, so dedicating a bit of time to research is a wise first step.</p>
<p><span style="color: #009ee3;">2. Make a list</span></p>
<p>What skills do you need for the position you have set your sights on? Do you have them all or do you have a few gaps or areas that could do with a bit more experience? Make a list of skills you might need, the skills you have and the skills you still need to get.</p>
<p><span style="color: #009ee3;">3. Set a plan</span></p>
<p>Map out a rough idea of what you career path is going to look like, set your goals and key achievement dates to keep you on track. Motivation needs to be routinely re-energised and an action plan is a real asset when you feel like you are lacking a bit of motivation.</p>
<p><span style="color: #009ee3;">4. Get cracking</span></p>
<p>Hunt for positions that give you the best opportunities to build on your skills, our office job board is a great place to find out what temporary office jobs or permanent office jobs are <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/officejobs/">available right now</a>. If you already have a permanent job then you can look for a new job that propels you onto your path</p>
<p><span style="color: #009ee3;">5. Go over and above</span></p>
<p>Build on your skills in your own time using platforms such as <a href="https://www.udemy.com/">Udemy</a> or <a href="https://www.skillshare.com/">Skillshare</a>. Adult learning grants could be a great way to get the skills you need, <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/adult-learning/">check out this post</a>&nbsp;for more information.</p>
<p>If there is a gap in your knowledge or experience, then consider voluntary roles. Many charities would welcome the extra help, lots of people volunteer to help fundraise and organise events but offering to lend a hand and put your office skills to work is a great opportunity to build on your experience that many people don&rsquo;t think about.</p>
<p>So, do you still think an office job is simply a job to get you by before you make your real career decisions? You can get started turning your office job into an office career by clicking over to our job pages and seeing what <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/officejobs/">jobs we have available</a>.</p>

How to turn your office job into an office career?

<p>When it comes to knowing the best HGV driver employers to work for, you have your work cut out for you. The question in itself is a little ambiguous, what makes an employer the best for you doesn&rsquo;t always make it the best for someone else.</p>
<p>It comes down to knowing what you are looking for and which HGV driver employers can offer you what you need.&nbsp; With this in mind we have complied as much information into this article as possible to help you find and decide who you think are the best HGV companies to work for.</p>
<h2>Who are the best HGV employers to work for?</h2>
<p>General consensus across the internet, in forums, peer review sites and in statistical surveys all agree that the current top 5 best HGV driver employers are:&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="~/link.aspx?_id=F1C7DC89C0E14F0FB83E60A2B0189258&amp;_z=z">Royal Mail&nbsp;</a></li>
<li>XPO Logistics</li>
<li>DHL</li>
<li>Veolia</li>
<li>Co-op</li>
</ul>
<p>This is made up of a combination of fleet size, turnover and employee review scores. While we agree that these are all excellent companies, but what makes them the best HGV driver employers for you?&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">What makes a good company, good?</span></h3>
<p>When job hunting, most people have similar things on their wish list, the main thing that tends to change is the priority and importance placed on each. An excellent company will provide all of the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>Competitive pay</li>
<li>Various job opportunities</li>
<li>Job security</li>
<li>Flexibility and shift availability</li>
<li>Technological investment</li>
<li>Employee welfare programme</li>
<li>Career development opportunities</li>
<li>Positive and inspiring culture</li>
<li>Strong vision and values</li>
<li>Effective and consistent leadership</li>
<li>Employee perks and benefits</li>
<li>Incentive and bonus schemes</li>
<li>Pension scheme</li>
<li>Established systems and procedures</li>
<li>Multiple departments, branches and/or office locations</li>
<li>Long-standing employees</li>
<li>Excellent public standing (well-known respected brand)</li>
<li>Community and environmental awareness and policies</li>
</ul>
<p>Finding many companies who successfully deliver all of the above every time is not going to be easy, most employers are working towards this exceptionally high standard so be prepared to be flexible.</p>
<p><strong>Action 1</strong></p>
<p>Using the list above, re-write the list in the order of priority for you. This will help you to narrow down your search a little and focus your job hunting efforts.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">HGV Driver specific things to look out for</span></h3>
<p>As a HGV driver there are other aspects of your job that you will need to consider when choosing who the best HGV driver employers for you are:</p>
<ul>
<li>Working hours</li>
<li>Working conditions</li>
<li>Distance &ndash; long haul / short haul</li>
<li>Training opportunities</li>
<li>Temporary or Permanent positions</li>
<li>Type of vehicle (Tipper, Curtainsider, Mixer, Flatbed)</li>
<li>Daily duties (multidrop, shunting, customer facing)</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Action 2</strong></p>
<p>Using the list above write down what your preferences or requirements are.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">The balance of reviews</span></h3>
<p>Finding out what past and current employees have to say about the employer is important but do proceed with caution. No one is more vocal than a disgruntled employee, you will need to remember that there are a number of sides to every story.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Online peer review sites are a good place to gain insights into a company. Look for peer review sites that collect genuine anonymous reviews and encourage honest balanced accounts containing both positives and negatives. <a href="https://workadvisor.co.uk/company-reviews/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">We recommend WorkAdvisor</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/index.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Glassdoor</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Action 3</strong></p>
<p>The best reviews and testimonials will be those that come unscripted from a current employee. HGV drivers tend to spend long periods of time in and around service stations so where possible, and without causing inconvenience, take the time to approach drivers and ask what it is like to work for their employer.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Top 3 locations to be a HGV Driver</span></h3>
<p>Where you live or are willing to relocate to is an important consideration when you are looking for the best HGV companies to work for. Not all places are equal, one location that may provide excellent pay rates such as central London will often have a downside such as cost of living and quality of life.&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>North East&nbsp;</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>With an extremely affordable cost of living, good job prospects and a reasonable median wage,<sup>3</sup> the North East is an enticing region for HGV drivers.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>East Midlands&nbsp;</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Drivers in the East Midlands can earn almost as much as they would in London with an average wage of &pound;30,496 per year but the cost of living is substantially lower (click <a href="https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/derby-hgv-driver-salary-SRCH_IL.0,5_IM1029_KO6,16.htm?clickSource=searchBtn" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">here</span></a> to check the most up-to-date salary estimates on Glassdoor). It&rsquo;s estimated that 9% of all East Midlands jobs are related to logistics and 140,000 HGV journeys are completed each day in this area alone.<sup>2</sup></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Yorkshire&nbsp;</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Yorkshire and the Humber has more Heavy Goods Vehicle job prospects per 1,000 of the working population than any other region of the UK<sup>4</sup> due to the growing economic reliance in the Yorkshire and Humber region on industries that requires road transport. Commuting to work is not uncommon but you will need to find a good balance that works for you. Most people find a 45-minute commute tolerable, more than that may be too much. 55 miles in heavy traffic every day will get old pretty quickly, especially if you have been driving all day already.</p>
<p><strong>Action 4</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://www.mapdevelopers.com/draw-circle-tool.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Using this map tool</a>&nbsp;work out how many miles you are willing to commute each day to pick up your truck. This will give you an ideal area that your employer needs to be located within. If you find the perfect employer outside of this area you may need to consider relocating.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">Top 3 biggest HGV companies</span></h3>
<p>It could be argued that in order to ensure job security, career development opportunities, established systems and procedures and technological investments, you need to be looking at large, established companies with a high turnover. In 2017<sup>1</sup> the top 3 biggest HGV companies by turnover in the UK were:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/featured-employers/royal-mail#RMG">Royal Mail</a></li>
<li>DHL</li>
<li>XPO Logistics</li>
</ul>
<p>It is no coincidence that these three companies also appear in the list of top 5 HGV companies to work for, their sheer size alone means they dominate most lists. It is important to understand that high turnover doesn&rsquo;t always equal high profits or employee satisfaction so while it is good to consider turnover, basing your judgement on turnover alone could see you overlook some other smaller but excellent employers who can offer a great range of employee benefits.</p>
<p><strong>Action 5</strong></p>
<p>Using your list of priorities from action 1, combined with your requirements from action 2 ideal location from action 4, start to do your own research using a range of resources including:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/index.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Glassdoor</a></li>
<li><a href="https://workadvisor.co.uk/company-reviews/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">WorkAdvisor</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">LinkedIn</a></li>
<li>Company website</li>
<li><a href="http://www.trucknetuk.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=158858&amp;p=2555049" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Truck Net UK</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p>Now you have selected the best HGV companies to work for all that is left to do is start applying for job opportunities.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Action 6</strong></p>
<p>Make sure your CV and personal statement are complete and up to date:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="~/link.aspx?_id=B38074B662EE4092909B3B8CCAE9A5EF&amp;_z=z"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span></a> for some great advice on creating the best CV</li>
<li><a href="~/link.aspx?_id=DF9D22468C01444D974394D985A30DB0&amp;_z=z"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span></a> for advice on using our CV templates&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="~/link.aspx?_id=3576F20EDFA544648993C80C59D24575&amp;_z=z"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span></a> for top tips on creating a unique personal statement here</li>
<li><a href="~/link.aspx?_id=BC46214225A04E64B24239740FC0CEFC&amp;_z=z"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span></a> for advice on how to perfect your online application technique&nbsp;</li>
<li>Ensure you have all of your licences and qualifications to hand. <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=6FE86845597E4B3CBA33C2B3B67A7ED3&amp;_z=z"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span> </a>for more information on commercial licences and qualifications&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p>If your ideal employers are not yet recruiting, don&rsquo;t panic you have a shortlist and you have done your research, so the next step is to start reaching out to them in preparation for an opportunity to come up.</p>
<p><strong>Action 7</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Email your CV and a covering letter requesting to be kept on file for future opportunities</li>
<li>Post your CV and a covering letter requesting to be kept on file for future opportunities</li>
<li>Telephone and ask if they are recruiting, you might just get lucky!</li>
<li>Go into the branch and ask to speak to whomever would be in charge of hiring, make a great impression and leave your contact details</li>
<li>See if the employer offers an apprenticeship</li>
<li>Find out if there is another vacancy that you can transfer from when your ideal role becomes available?</li>
<li><a href="~/link.aspx?_id=F2EAEF2C54944067BBB0D4A07DABF6AE&amp;_z=z">Search and apply for Driving jobs here</a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>References</strong></p>
<p>1 Motor Transport [Internet] 2018 https://motortransport.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/MotorTransportTop1002018.pdf</p>
<p>2 MDS Transmodal Ltd, Roger Tym &amp; Parners and Savills East Midlands Strategic Distribution Study [LINK https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/30624542.pdf]</p>
<p>3 RHA [Internet] 2019&nbsp; https://www.rha.uk.net/getmedia/ca07562d-0a0c-49f9-859b-d822a1b1f15b/RHA-Pay-Report-2019.pdf.aspx</p>
<p>4 NimbleFins [Internet] 18 December 2019 https://www.nimblefins.co.uk/best-places-hgv-drivers</p>

Best HGV driver employers to work for

<p>Being in an office job, even if it is a temporary office job, you are in the unique position of having access to what is in effect, your very own concentrated transferrable skills workshop.</p>
<p>An office job is the place where you can really set your sights on learning and applying new transferrable skills, working out how to do something, when to do something, how thoroughly you need to do it, and what task or process can be streamlined.</p>
<p>It was once written<sup>1</sup> that <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Outliers-Story-Success-Malcolm-Gladwell/dp/0316017930" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">it takes 10,000 hours to really master something</a>, it doesn&rsquo;t mean something like, how to send an email or use Microsoft word but something bigger and more in depth, think of your professional transferrable skill set as a whole not as individual units, and you are thinking along the right lines.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Your professional transferrable skill set is a wide collection of smaller applied transferrable skills that when grouped together and deployed as a 'superset' become the basis for a long rewarding career and a well-deserved reputation for being exceptional at what you do. Check out this post for some excellent <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/officejobs/">office career</a>&nbsp;ideas.</p>
<p>10,000 hours may sound like an extremely long time but in reality, it roughly translates to anywhere between 7-10 years of your working life, the approximate development time of any robust career. A career is built over a span of time, you don&rsquo;t get an office job and instantly call it a career, instead you have a selection of office jobs as you move around the job market trying out different work places, roles and industries building your transferrable skills and knowledge as you go. It is further down the line that you begin to call the time gone by, a career.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009ee3;">How to make the most of your temporary office job</span></h3>
<p><strong>Step 1 - Setting your sights high</strong></p>
<p>The key to transferrable skillset success is to think of your early working life as a paid opportunity to access 10,000 hours of learning. You can then set your sights on the end result such as, the level of expertise you want to come away with, what you hope your ideal overall professional reputation will be and ultimately how desirable you want to be to future employers.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Step 2 - Selecting your skills and actions</strong></p>
<p>Once you have decided where you are headed, you can now work out how to get there and begin to break down the elements you need to focus on. Ask yourself, what are the transferrable skills you want to develop and to what level of expertise do you need to learn them?&nbsp;</p>
<p>When it comes to building up your transferable skill superset, it doesn&rsquo;t really matter what industry or role you want to build a career in, it doesn't have to be an office job. Transferable skills are just that, transferable to any job, any workplace and any career.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Top 20 transferable skills you can gain from <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/officejobs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">temporary</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/officejobs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">permanent</a>&nbsp;office jobs:</p>
<ul>
<li>Listening</li>
<li>Reading</li>
<li>Learning</li>
<li>Writing</li>
<li>Researching</li>
<li>Team working</li>
<li>Brainstorming and creativity</li>
<li>Time management</li>
<li>Switching between tasks quickly</li>
<li>Multi-tasking</li>
<li>Problem-solving</li>
<li>Typing</li>
<li>Communication</li>
<li>Telephone manner</li>
<li>Delegation</li>
<li>Reporting</li>
<li>Disseminating information</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Step 3 - Seeking out opportunities for transferrable skill development</strong></p>
<p>Once you have selected the skills you want to develop you can now start seeking out opportunities both at work and at home to learn everything you can and practice the skills as often as possible.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If, for example you have chosen 'writing' as one of the transferrable skills that you really want to develop and be great at then there is plenty you can do to make this happen. The key to being good at writing is in fact, reading. Read everything, all of the time, notice how the use of language is important in the context of what you are reading, expand your vocabulary by looking up words you don't know and making a note of new words you like.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Wider research techniques like this coupled with seeking out as many opportunities to write when you are at work will help you to build and refine the writing transferrable skill.</p>
<p>Another excellent way to build on your skills would be to try out different temporary jobs that lend themselves to specific skills. Take for example the listening and communication skills mentioned above; by spending some time working in a temporary role as a <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/officejobs/call-centre-and-customer-service-jobs/">Customer Service Advisor</a>&nbsp;you will have the opportunity to develop these two skills in a highly concentrated and applied manner, much more so than in any other position. To be an effective <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/officejobs/call-centre-and-customer-service-jobs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Customer Service Advisor</a> you need to draw upon all of your people skills and apply active listening and empathetic but clear and concise communication skills to help your customers.</p>
<p>You can apply these home/work learning and application approach to any of the skills listed above.</p>
<p>If you come across a skill that needs that little bit of extra work you could always take the opportunity to participate in online courses, or if you find that there is an even bigger gap in your knowledge than you anticipated you could seek out an <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/adult-learning/">adult learning grant</a>&nbsp;to enable you to return to higher education.</p>
<p><strong>Step 4 - Refining your skills</strong></p>
<p>Once you have started an office job you will find that you are using most of these transferrable skills from day one and in no time at all there will be elements of your work that will quickly become automatic.&nbsp;</p>
<p>No matter how daunting a task my look on your first day, give yourself a few weeks or months and you will doing it without thinking; answering the telephone, writing an email, compiling a report, and even problem solving will all become second nature.&nbsp;</p>
<p>For many people working in a temporary office job, being able to do their job without thinking means that they have reached their potential, they can move between work placements with enough working knowledge to get by in most office environments. But why settle for just enough when you could be maximising the time you have, applying it effectively with purpose, decisiveness and action.&nbsp;</p>
<p>When your actions become automatic and you are no longer putting all of your mental efforts into learning a transferrable skill, you will find that you have the clear head space to reflect and observe yourself practicing the skill.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It is in this time that you can analyse and perfect how you are doing it, you can really see the finer details in the task, your speed, your accuracy, the application of this transferrable skill to other areas of your life or work, how it can be refined, built, developed and in turn make it more interesting and useful to you.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This process of learning, observing and developing a skill will provide you with yet another a powerful new transferrable skill at your disposal that wasn't even on the list above, critical thinking.&nbsp;</p>
<p>With the ability to observe yourself with a critical eye you become aware of your short comings so they can be tweaked, bad habits can be broken and any gaps in your knowledge can be filled.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Taking on this continued critical thinking, self-analysis and refining process will enable you to enjoy a deeper perspective into what you do and how you do it building a new found excitement for all of the amazing things you can achieve with effort, observation, refinement and practice.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This is your competitive advantage, your development mindset and decisive action to maximise what you draw from each and every task you do to make each day worthy, worthwhile and purposeful is quickly communicated to new or existing employers through your CV, your communications, your actions and your overall attitude to work.&nbsp;</p>
<p>To find out more about how to take control of your own development and learning check out our post '<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/life-lessons----becoming-your-own-mentor/">Life Lessons - Becoming your own Mentor</a>'.</p>
<p><em>References1 Outliers &ndash; The Story of Success. Literature. Author: Malcom Gladwell. June 2011 https://www.amazon.com/Outliers-Story-Success-Malcolm-Gladwell/dp/0316017930</em></p>

Making the most your office job

<p>Seasonal and temporary work can seem like the ideal solution to a job hunter but with so much negativity in the press how do you know what to believe?</p>
<p>To make an informed decision you need to know what the pro&rsquo;s and the con&rsquo;s are of temporary seasonal warehouse work.</p>
<p>In any job there are good bits and bad bits, advantages and disadvantages, pro&rsquo;s and con&rsquo;s and temporary warehouse work is no different. No matter where you work the chances are you will love some parts, hate other parts and be indifferent to the parts in between.</p>
<p>The good news is that with warehouse work, the best bits far outweigh the not so great bits.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #00aae3;">Temporary warehouse work &ndash; the best bits</span></h2>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">Weekly pay</span></h3>
<p>The most popular perk of temping has to be getting paid weekly, no long waits for the first pay check and weekend cashflow can really help.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">Sociable</span></h3>
<p>You will work with many different people from many walks of life and you will most certainly have fun doing it.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">Productive</span></h3>
<p>Working to targets can bring a great sense of achievement and productivity. You feel like you are always making progress towards the ultimate goal of getting goods to where they need to be, fast.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">Fast paced</span></h3>
<p>There is never a dull moment when you are zipping around fetching, carrying, packing, loading there is so much to do, you shift is over before you have had chance to get bored.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">Fitness</span></h3>
<p>Being on your feet all day and walking around a warehouse can really clock up the miles so one thing is for sure, it will keep you fit.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">Varied</span></h3>
<p>There is so much to do in a warehouse role that if you put yourself forward for opportunities, you will find not only your environment changes but also the tasks you are carrying out.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">Flexible</span></h3>
<p>Shift work can easily fit around a family or other commitments, it is possible to have a great work/life balance &ndash; much more so than when you are stuck behind a desk 9-5 every day.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">Convenient</span></h3>
<p>There is never a shortage of temporary warehouse work so with some experience your chances of staying in work when times are tough are high.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">Overtime </span></h3>
<p>Extra shifts, especially during busy seasons are plentiful so if you are saving for a holiday, buying gifts for Christmas or just need to pay some bills, you can always pick up extra shifts and boost your bank balance.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">Skills &amp; CV Boosting</span></h3>
<p>Temping is a great way to boost your skills and fill up the <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/career-advice/cv-templates/cv-writing-tips/">experience section of your CV</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<h2><span style="color: #00aae3;">The not so great bits about warehouse work</span></h2>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">Insecurity</span></h3>
<p>Short term placements can be unpredictable, you can never guarantee your temporary position but if you work hard and are enthusiastic the chances of staying on permanently<span style="color: red;"> </span>are high but if not, don&rsquo;t worry, now you have some experience you will easily walk into another warehouse job.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">Repetitive</span></h3>
<p>Doing the same thing every day can get a little boring, it doesn&rsquo;t matter if you are a Picker Packer or an Astronaut, repetition can be dull.</p>
<p>It is up to you to add some variation into your day so that you don&rsquo;t get frustrated. You could try to beat your targets, find more efficient ways to work, network and speak to people, help others, organise social events, and upskill to keep the variation in your day.</p>
<p>So how do you know if you should take on a temporary position or not? All you can do is be informed, know the facts and know what to expect so you can decide what to do using all of the information to hand.</p>
<p>Do you want <span style="background: white;">to get ahead of the peak season recruitment frenzy and be one of the first to secure a seasonal warehouse job? <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/warehousejobs/">Click here&nbsp;</a></span></p>

Should you get a temporary seasonal job?

<p>Truck driver rest stops and HGV parking are once again a hot topic amongst HGV Drivers. We believe that healthy food options shouldn't come at a premium and that access to clean, hygienic facilities is a basic human right, so how does the UK perform when faced with the question, what are the best truck driver rest stops?&nbsp;</p>
<h2>UK Service Station availability</h2>
<p>There are many service stations in the UK and four major motorway service operators: Moto, Roadchef, Welcome Break and Extra, plus the smaller operators, Westmorland, Stop24 and Euro Garages. The website&nbsp;<a href="https://motorwayservicesonline.co.uk/Motorway_Services" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Motorway Services Online</a>&nbsp;provides a handy list of motorway service areas along with their operators and their average satisfaction ratings.</p>
<p>When you're piloting a moving vehicle down a busy motorway at high speeds, needing a comfort break is a distraction that is highly likely to impair your driving skill, but if you add driving hour restrictions and delivery deadlines to that you soon realise how stressful being a HGV Driver can be.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Knowing where the best truck driver rest stops are and familiarising yourself with the distances between them, is a great idea so you can plan your route effectively based on your driving times and avoid having to pull over in a lay-by without access to any facilities.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Longest distances between service stations on single stretches of UK motorway</h3>
<ul>
<li>M25, Cobham to South Mimms - 43 miles</li>
<li>M4, Reading to Membury - 39 miles</li>
<li>M4, Membury to Chippenham - 36 miles</li>
<li>M1, Oval to Leicester Forest East - 35 miles</li>
<li>M11, Birchanger to Cambridge - 33 miles</li>
<li>M1, Woodall to Woolley Edge - 32 miles</li>
<li>M8, Paisley to Harthill - 31.5 miles</li>
<li>M40, Beaconsfield to Wheatley - 29 miles</li>
<li>M3, Winchester to Fleet - 29 miles</li>
<li>M5, Sedgemoor to Gordano - 29 miles</li>
<li>M6, Corley to Hilton Park - 29 miles</li>
<li>M62, Birch to Hartshead Moor - 28 miles</li>
<li>M6, Tebay to Southwaite - 27 miles</li>
<li>M6, Lymm to Charnock Richard - 24 miles</li>
<li>M20, Maidstone to Hythe - 23 miles</li>
</ul>
<p>While it doesn't constitute a single stretch of motorway, driving the M40 at Warwick to the M54 on the way to Telford would see you racking up a total of 63 service station free miles, so this is one particularly bladder busting route we thought worth mentioning.</p>
<h2>Which UK service stations rank as the best truck driver rest stops?&nbsp;</h2>
<p>In a survey, we asked the Blue Arrow driving community to vote for their favourite rest stops and every year&nbsp;<a href="https://www.transportfocus.org.uk/research-publications/publications/motorway-services-user-survey-2019/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Transport Focus conduct a survey</a>&nbsp;asking customers about their experience at the motorway services in England.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In the 2019 survey, 11,600 customers had their say on facilities such as toilets, staffing, food and drink.&nbsp;Of all the service stations:</p>
<ul>
<li>33 received a satisfaction score of 95% or above</li>
<li>97% of visitors rated the friendliness and helpfulness of staff in service stations as good</li>
<li>89% of visitors were satisfied with the cleanliness of the toilets in service stations</li>
<li>59% of visitors rated the food and drink in service stations as good value for money</li>
</ul>
<h3>Best service stations&nbsp;</h3>
<ul>
<li>Norton Canes, M6</li>
<li>Heston Westbound, M4</li>
<li>Gloucester Southbound, M5</li>
<li>Stafford Northbound, M6</li>
<li>South Mimms, M25</li>
</ul>
<p>Overall, motorway service operators across the country performed well with 90% of visitors satisfied (nationally) with the experience offered to them however, with just 59% of visitors rating the food or drink they bought to eat in the services as value for money, this is no doubt a key area for improvement if satisfaction rates are to rise any further.</p>
<h3>Worst service stations</h3>
<ul>
<li>Severn View, M48</li>
<li>Burtonwood, M62</li>
<li>Cullompton, M5</li>
<li>Frankly Southbound, M5</li>
<li>Charnock Richard Southbound, M6</li>
</ul>
<p>The biggest drop in overall satisfaction ratings was amongst HGV Drivers. As the lowest satisfaction rate across all driver groups there was clearly more that needed to be done to provide good facilities for HGV Drivers.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>UK Service Stations - Access to facilities during lockdown and beyond</h2>
<p>If our service stations still continue to fall short of expectations it is more important than ever that distribution centres and delivery points are accommodating of HGV Drivers upon arrival.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rha.uk.net/policy-campaigning/the-road-haulage-industry/truckers-toilets" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Truckers Toilets UK</a>&nbsp;(TTUK) agree and have campaigned for many years to improve toilet facilities for lorry drivers on the road network and at distribution centres.&nbsp;</p>
<p>After a long-running campaign, HSE guidance for access to facilities was finally amended in 2017 making it a legal requirement for employers in control of non-domestic premises to allow people who are not their employees to use their premises to access toilets and washing facilities.&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1992/3004/contents/made">Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992</a>&nbsp;paragraph 127 states &ldquo;When deliveries and collections are made, loading and unloading areas should have a safe area for drivers to wait that allows them to rest between driving shifts, especially if they may be waiting for several hours, with easy and safe access to toilet, washing and refreshment facilities and shelter in case of bad weather&rdquo;.</p>
<p>After such a long and hard won fight for HGV Driver rights it was a real shame to hear&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rha.uk.net/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the Road Haulage Association</a>, an industry body supporting those in the sector, were inundated with calls from HGV Drivers stating that once again they were being denied their fundamental rights during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) enforced lockdown.&nbsp;</p>
<p>On 23 March, when lockdown was announced, Supermac's, KFC, Wild Bean Cafe and Burger King all announced the closure of their stores and service station operators confirmed that their shops were instead going to be their main food offering.&nbsp;</p>
<p>HGV Drivers began to make their concerns known, reporting that they had already experienced being denied access to toilet and washing facilities at service stations and when making deliveries.&nbsp;<a href="https://unitetheunion.org/">Unite the Union&nbsp;</a>acted in support of HGV Drivers by demanding that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-transport" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the Department for Transport</a>&nbsp;ensure that lorry drivers are not denied access to commercial toilets and washing facilities.</p>
<p>It is understandable that companies would seek to protect their own employees by limiting their exposure to anyone visiting the site, especially at the beginning on the lockdown period when very little was known about the virus. However, if drivers are unable to access facilities and wash their hands on route and then are being forced to wait in crammed, crowded designated waiting areas at distribution centres it is not only the drivers and the staff who are at risk but also everyone they come into proximity with along the way.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In the last week of April, Moto began a new campaign aimed towards HGV drivers offering free hot meals (from their WHSmith stores) to those who had paid for HGV parking, under the slogan 'Hot Meals Matter'. The free HGV parking allowance was increased, and drivers were offered free coffee from Costa Express. RoadChef soon followed suit with similar offers including a free coffee voucher for HGV Drivers.&nbsp;</p>
<p>By the end of May, most service areas in England had some-sort of food brand open and as throughout July 2020 it is understood that more food and shopping outlets, along with hotels will be re-opening to the public.&nbsp;</p>
<p>With the relaxation of lockdown and clearer government guidance being provided, it is expected that HGV Drivers will find that they are once again being provided open access to facilities but just in case there are remaining issues, Public Health England (PHE) issued a letter that can be carried by HGV Drivers and shown to those who refuse. The letter makes it clear that access to toilets should not be stopped as a result of COVID-19;</p>
<p><em>"This letter is to confirm that there is no public health reason to deny access to toilet facilities to freight drivers (or others) who do not have symptoms of cough or high temperature. At this time, it is particularly important that everyone increases the frequency of hand washing, so access to toilet facilities is particularly important.</em></p>
<p><em>Please facilitate freight drivers and others to continue to access toilet facilities and handwashing facilities.&rdquo;</em></p>
<p>If you find that you are still refused access to amenities, your employer must contact the company concerned and remind them of their responsibility. If the conversation does not resolve the issue, you are advised to report the matter to the Health &amp; Safety Executive.&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/newslettersignup">Sign up to our driving community newsletter</a>&nbsp;to receive up-to-date, informative and helpful information just like this, straight to your mailbox.</p>
<section class="l-section promo-section">
<div class="l-container">&nbsp;</div>
</section>

The best truck driver rest stops as chosen by drivers

<p>As always, money is a little tight, you are working as many hours as you possibly can and then a chunk of your salary gets taken off you every payday under the dubious title of &lsquo;workplace pension scheme&rsquo;.</p>
<p>Putting money away for later when you can barely get by now can be frustrating and it can seem counterproductive but there is some method to what appears to be madness.</p>
<p>The day to day pressures of life can often mean that when the decision is left to us, we avoid putting money away for our future in favour of affording to live now, this is understandable but the workplace pension scheme was put in place to help and encourage workers to start considering their retirement and how they will afford to live.</p>
<p>You have no doubt found that you have been automatically enrolled for a workplace pension or that you will be automatically enrolled, but do you understand what it means? Do you know what is being deducted from your wages and why?</p>
<p>Keep reading to find out everything you need know about the workplace pension and how it affects you</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009fe3;">What is a workplace pension? </span></h3>
<p>A workplace pension is a retirement fund that your employer arranges for you. They can be called different things such as workplace pensions, occupational pensions, works pensions, company pensions or work-based pensions.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009fe3;">Who is eligible for a workplace pension?</span></h3>
<p>You will receive an automatic workplace pension if you are;</p>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: black;">Classed as a worker. (i.e. if you have a contract of employment or if you receive money or a benefit in exchange for services but not as a sole trader or Director).</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span>Aged between 22 and <a href="https://www.gov.uk/state-pension-age" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">State Pension age</a>.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Earning at least &pound;10,000 per year. Calculate your annual salary <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/salary-calculator" target="_self">here</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li>Working within the UK.</li>
</ul>
<p>All of the above must apply to you for you to be eligible for workplace pension automatic enrolment.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009fe3;">Do I have to have a workplace pension?</span></h3>
<p>All employers must provide a workplace pension, it is known as automatic enrolment. Your employer can delay your enrolment but only by up to 3 months.</p>
<p>You can opt-out of your workplace pension scheme after you have been enrolled. If you opt-out after the first month then any payments that were made remain in your pension pot until you retire, they will not be refunded.</p>
<p>You can opt out by contacting your pension provider. Your employer must tell you how to do this.</p>
<p><strong>Tip:</strong> Do carefully consider your retirement arrangements before choosing to opt-out of your workplace pension scheme. Do you have an alternative plan in place to ensure you can afford to live when you stop work?</p>
<p>Because your employer contributes to your pension, you will have more in your retirement fund at the end then you personally contributed so it is worth thinking twice before you opt-out.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009fe3;">How does the workplace pension work?</span></h3>
<p>A percentage of your pay is put into the pension scheme automatically each pay day, this is your contribution and your employer will also contribute to your pension pot for you.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009fe3;">How much is paid into my workplace pension?</span></h3>
<p>The amount you and your employer pay towards the pension depends on the type of pension scheme you have.</p>
<p>The minimum total contribution into a workplace pension is 8%. This is made up of amounts from both yourself and your employer.</p>
<ul>
<li>5% is paid in by you from your wages.</li>
<li>&nbsp;3% is paid in from your employer.</li>
</ul>
<p>You can work out how much you and your employer will pay into your pension using the free <a href="https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/tools/workplace-pension-contribution-calculator" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Pension Calculator tool</a> from the Money Advice Service.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009fe3;">How do I know which pension scheme I have?</span></h3>
<p>Your employer should have provided you with all of the information when they enrolled you on the scheme. They are required to write to you when you are enrolled and whenever there is a change. You can ask your employer for this information at any time so contact your HR department or ask your manager if you are unsure of who to speak to.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009fe3;">Can my employer choose not to contribute to my workplace pension?</span></h3>
<p>If you meet all of the criteria above, your employer has to contribute to your pension unless you choose to opt out of the scheme after your automatic enrolment.</p>
<p>Your employer does not have to contribute to your pension if you earn these amounts or less;</p>
<ul>
<li>&pound;512 per month</li>
<li>&nbsp;&pound;118 per week</li>
<li>&pound;472 every 4 weeks</li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #009fe3;">Does having a workplace pension mean I will take home less money?</span></h3>
<p>Yes, your pension contribution is deducted straight from your pay (usually before tax is deducted) and so you will take home less overall.</p>
<p>This does however mean that depending on your circumstances you may be entitled to;</p>
<ul>
<li>Tax Credits, or an increase in the Tax Credits you already receive.</li>
<li>&nbsp;Income-related benefit or an increase in a benefit you already receive.</li>
<li>Reduced student loan repayments.</li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #009fe3;">Is the money in my workplace pension safe? </span></h3>
<p>Workplace pensions are usually run by pension providers not employers, so you will not lose your pension if your employer goes bust.</p>
<p>Your pension provider should be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority, this means that if the pension provider goes bust you can claim compensation from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme <a href="https://www.fscs.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">(FSCS).</a>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009fe3;">How do I know how much is in my pension?</span></h3>
<p>Your pension provider will send you a statement every year letting you know how much is in your pension pot. You can also ask them for an estimate of how much you&rsquo;ll get when you start taking your pension pot.</p>
<p><span style="color: black;">Do bear taxation in mind when you are calculating the value of your pension pot. The subject of tax is a complex topic and so it is worth doing your research so you know what to expect when the time comes. You can find out more about taxation on pensions <a href="https://www.pensionwise.gov.uk/en/tax" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><span style="color: #009fe3;">Won&rsquo;t the State Pension be enough?</span></h3>
<p>The State Pension is intended as a foundation to build on, not as an entire pension pot. If you rely on the State Pension alone, you are very likely to see a fall in your income upon retirement.</p>
<p>You can check to see how much you might receive as a State Pension <a href="https://www.gov.uk/check-state-pension?step-by-step-nav=c0ff9296-e91e-40d1-97bd-008026e90426" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here.</a></p>
<h3><span style="color: #009fe3;">When can I start taking my pension?</span></h3>
<p>It may be different depending on your pension scheme so do check, but generally most schemes set the age as 55 and over.</p>
<p>The State Pension age maybe different from your workplace pension. Given that the State Pension age continues to rise each year and is set to be as high as 67 by 2028 it is important to check the age that you will be eligible to receive a State Pension and stay informed about the changes. You can find out what your estimated State Pension age will be <a href="https://www.gov.uk/state-pension-age?step-by-step-nav=c0ff9296-e91e-40d1-97bd-008026e90426" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here.</a>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009fe3;">What happens to my workplace pension if I leave my job?</span></h3>
<p>Your workplace pension belongs to you. If you change jobs or stop working all together, it still belongs to you. The money that you and your employer have contributed so far will remain invested and you will get your pension when you reach the pension age specified by your scheme.</p>
<p>If you get a new job you may be able to keep making contributions to the same scheme or join the old and new pension scheme together, but you will need to check with your pension provider to see which option is available.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009fe3;">Do I still pay into my pension when I am on annual leave?</span></h3>
<p>Yes, if you are on paid leave you will contribute to your pension based on the amount you actually earned, but your employer will contribute to your pension based on the earnings you would have received if you were not on leave.</p>
<p>If you are on unpaid leave, you can choose to contribute to your scheme, but it is not required. You employer is not required to pay into your scheme while you are on unpaid leave either.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009fe3;">What happens to my pension if I am on maternity leave?</span></h3>
<p>Both you and your employer will continue to make contributions if you are getting paid during your maternity leave. If you are not getting paid, you employer still has to make their contributions for the first 26 weeks of your leave. They only have to continue after this if it is in your contract.</p>
<h3><span style="color: #009fe3;">What can I do if I want to pay into a pension scheme but cannot afford to?</span></h3>
<p>You may be able to reduce the amount you contribute to your pension for a short time. You will need to check with both your employer and your pension provider to see if you can do this and how long for.</p>
<p>While I have tried to cover everything, you may need to know about your workplace pension, you might find that you still have questions. In this instance you can find out more information using the following information;</p>
<ol>
<li><span style="color: black;">For specific questions about your pension scheme, talk to your pension provider or your employer. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: black;">General questions about workplace pensions can be answered by the DWP Workplace Pension Information Line. </span><span style="color: #0b0c0c;"><br><span style="background: white;">Telephone: 0800 731 0372</span> | <span style="background: white;">Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: black;">You can get free impartial advice about your workplace pension options from;</span>
<ol style="list-style-type: lower-alpha;">
<li><span style="color: black;">The <a href="https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/categories/pensions-and-retirement" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Money Advice Service</a>.&nbsp;</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black;">The <a href="https://www.pensionsadvisoryservice.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Pensions Advisory Service</a>.&nbsp;</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.pensionwise.gov.uk/en" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Pension Wise</a>&nbsp;</span></li>
</ol>
</li>
<li><span style="color: black;">You can get impartial advice from an independent financial advisor, but you will probably have to pay for the <a href="https://www.unbiased.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">advice</a>.&nbsp;</span></li>
</ol>

Career workplace pension

<p>Getting a job and getting the right job are not always the same thing. Sometimes you can find yourself in a role that once looked and sounded right for you, but turns out to be less than perfect after a few weeks of actually doing the work.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It is important to be self-aware enough to recognise that there is a problem early on so you can take steps to fix the situation first. If all else fails, sometimes career progression is about having the good sense to call it a day and move on to greener pastures.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<h2>How do you know that your picker/packer job is not right for you?&nbsp;</h2>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">Expectations</span></h3>
<p>If you have recently started a new job it can take a little while to settle in and find your feet, so it is always best to give it a chance and see how you feel a few weeks down the line.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If weeks or months into the job the role is still not quite what you expected and it is leaving you feeling out of your depth, challenged beyond your capabilities and/or unable to fulfil the role requirements, then starting the process of finding a more suitable position is probably the best decision for both yourself and the employer.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">Emotions</span></h3>
<p>The way you feel is often an early indicator that the job is not quite fulfilling what you need or living up to what you expected. Once in a while all of us feel reluctant to go to work, but if you are feeling anxious, worried, and reluctant all of the time, even long before your shift begins, you should certainly be asking yourself why. Irritability is another good indicator that something is not quite right. When we enjoy our work we are much more amiable and forgiving of those around us. If you find that your co-workers, Team Leaders and Managers are starting to irritate you or if you are over reacting to situations that you might usually breeze on by, then you will probably find that the role is not quite ticking all of your boxes and you are taking your emotions out on those around you.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #00aae3;">Satisfaction</span></h3>
<p>There has to be more to work than simply earning enough money to put food on the table. We choose to work hard, develop our skills and progress in a career because our work can also bring a sense of achievement, belonging, value, reward and self esteem.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If our job is unable to provide these things then no matter how easy you find the work to do, you could quickly find yourself looking for a new job that can provide you with that little bit more.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<h2>What can you do if you realise that your picker/packer job is not right for you?</h2>
<p>Jumping ship and immediately looking for a new job may be a little premature, there could be another solution so investigate the opportunities to make a change within your current employment first:&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Move departments</strong> &ndash; is there something else you can do?</li>
<li><strong>Switching your shift</strong> - perhaps try night work, it is usually a very different atmosphere to day shifts.&nbsp;</li>
<li><strong>Speak to someone</strong> - Try talking to your line manager, personnel department or your agency about your concerns.&nbsp;</li>
<li><strong>Put yourself forward</strong> &ndash; if job satisfaction is the issue, try moving up, not out. Go for that promotion instead.</li>
</ul>
<p>If the issues run a little deeper and leaving really is the best option for you then there are a number of things you can do to prepare:</p>
<ul>
<li>Work on <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=B38074B662EE4092909B3B8CCAE9A5EF&amp;_z=z">your CV</a>&nbsp;and <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=3576F20EDFA544648993C80C59D24575&amp;_z=z">personal statement&nbsp;</a></li>
<li>Consider returning to education to <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=526EC5A152C34BA1B46EA7C0FC802E5D&amp;_z=z">gain new skills or licenses</a>.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Always find another <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=6C44D7C002EA4F6A8F7144918D0E6ACF&amp;_z=z">job</a>&nbsp;to go to before you leave.</li>
<li>Take on a<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/jobs?job-type=Temporary" target="_self"> temporary position</a> to give you somewhere to move to fast.</li>
</ul>
<p>With warehouse experience on your CV you have a proven record of the ability to work fast, work hard, walk long distances, carry heavy loads and work well in a team so there are many other jobs that could be a great fit for you:&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/jobs?keywords=Production" target="_self">Factory &ndash; Production line</a></li>
<li>Supermarket checkout</li>
<li><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/jobs?keywords=replenishment" target="_self">Supermarket replenishment (shelf stacking)</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/jobs?keywords=replenishment">Retail &ndash; Stock room</a></li>
<li>Garden Centre&nbsp;</li>
<li>Building Merchants</li>
<li>Farm/Agriculture</li>
<li><a href="~/link.aspx?_id=F1C7DC89C0E14F0FB83E60A2B0189258&amp;_z=z">Postman/woman</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/jobs?keywords=delivery+driver" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Delivery driving</a></li>
<li>Chambermaid</li>
<li><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/jobs?keywords=cleaning" target="_self">Cleaning</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/jobs?keywords=porter" target="_self">Hospital Porter</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/jobs?keywords=caretaker" target="_self">Grounds Keeping</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/jobs?keywords=maintainance" target="_self">Maintenance / Handyman</a></li>
<li>Labouring</li>
<li>Dog walking</li>
</ul>

Doubts about warehouse job

<p>12th to 16th October 2020 is National Work-life Week and up and down the country both employers and employees will be reflecting on the importance of well-being at work and work-life balance.&nbsp;</p>
<p>There is a growing demand across the work industry in general for a better work-life balance for employees but, one of the hardest industries to achieve this in has to be the driving and logistics industry. It is especially difficult in the long haul sector when drivers can sometimes be out on the road for days and weeks on end.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Even as far back as 2014 we were seeing work-life balance becoming more and more important to younger generations emerging into the workplace. A 2014 survey<sup>1</sup> conducted by Eagle Hill Consulting into 389 professional workers found that work-life balance was ranked as the most important factor for over 64% of the workers polled. Additionally, the survey revealed that most employees indicated that they would stay or leave their jobs to achieve better work-life balance. While this survey may have been conducted in the USA the results are a reflection of people in general, regardless of the geographical location as supported by a study conducted by Automatic Data Processing (ADP) that surveyed 2,000 workers across France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands and the UK<sup>2</sup>.</p>
<p>Life as a truck driver out on the road can be tough, time away from family and the creature comforts of home can take its toll on a driver&rsquo;s mental health and well-being.&nbsp;With growing demands for faster delivery times and the restrictions on driver hours, staying out on the road in order to fulfil deliveries is becoming more common. With this in mind we must ask the question, is work-life balance for truck drivers really possible?&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Achieving work-life balance as a truck driver</h2>
<p>Achieving work-life balance as a truck driver is absolutely possible, you just have to be intentional when you are choosing your employer, choosing your role and most importantly when you are working away from home. We have discussed truck driver well-being a number of times in our driving blog, such as <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/truck-driver-fatigue/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">here</span></a>&nbsp;in our tips for dealing with driver fatigue post, and <a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/mental-health-awareness/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">here</span></a>&nbsp;in our Mental Health Awareness blog, as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/blog/wellness/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">here</span></a>&nbsp;in our Wellness blog.</p>
<h2>Top 10 tips for work-life balance</h2>
<p>The advice for achieving work-life balance is very similar to that for ensuring mental well-being:</p>
<ol>
<li>Be active in the online driving community and connect with others in a similar situation to you. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BlueArrowJobs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Our Facebook community</a> is a great place to start.</li>
<li>Distract your mind and fill your down time with interesting things to do or learn.</li>
<li>Expand your online social circle with forums and round table discussions.</li>
<li>Stay connected and utilise video calling software to set up regular calls with family and friends at home.</li>
<li>Feel close to home with some of your creature comforts, favourite jumpers, cosy blankets, drawings from the kids and family photographs can all adorn the inside of your cab.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Set physical and mental goals so you are always working towards something positive whether you are out on the road or at home.</li>
<li>Eat good food. Staying away doesn&rsquo;t mean you have to just eat fast food, make sure you have access to your favourite foods and snacks wherever you are by preparing home cooked meals to take with you.</li>
<li>Switch up the entertainment and read a good book, listen to an audiobook, get hooked on a podcast or binge watch Netflix. The things you like to do at home can often be taken out on the road with you and continued when you get back.</li>
<li>Maximise your time off. You will find that you are often home for days at a time, sometimes entire weeks, so be sure to do something fun and adventurous in your downtime and when you are back at work you will feel like you really made the most of it.</li>
<li>Build a bucket list of all of the things you want to do when you have time off and use your rest periods to do research, book tickets or make plans.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
<h2>Best driving jobs for work-life balance</h2>
<p>The best jobs for work-life balance are those that provide ample time at home, whether that is home every evening, every weekend or for longer periods of time. What is best for your own personal work-life balance might be different to that of someone else.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Those with young children may feel that being home every evening to eat a family meal and put the kids to bed is important, in which case a multi-drop delivery driver role could be the best option.&nbsp;</p>
<p>For those with weekend hobbies, a driving job that is made up of mainly Monday to Friday shifts; such as parcel delivery, shunting and short haul LGV driving, would provide the most time off at weekends.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you like to travel and see new places, long haul driving could be a great choice. You will find that you have a few weeks on shift, followed by a week or so off that you can utilise to great effect if you are savvy with using last minute booking websites.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If your availability is variable and you need to be quite flexible, being an agency driver could provide the most work-life balance for you. You can choose temporary roles that to some degree work around your choice of availability and you can switch it up easily by moving between roles as your needs change.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Choose an employer who puts employee happiness first</h2>
<p>Not all truck driving companies are created equally, some insist on long hours, stressful deadlines, long driving routes and inconsistent shifts while others insist on shorter hours, driver teams and week on week off rota&rsquo;s, so it is important to find an employer who values the same things you do while promoting and ensuring the well-being of their drivers.&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://www.bluearrow.co.uk/drivingjobs/hgv-driving-jobs/">This page</a>discusses the best HGV driver employers to work for and goes into detail about who the best employers are and how to know if they are a good fit for you.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Researching a potential employer before you apply is the best way to work out if they are a good fit for you. Visit their website and take a look at their values and policies. Also, utilise review sites such as Glassdoor.com to find out what opinions&rsquo; other employees (both past and present) have. It is not always easy to know which employers encourage a healthy work-life balance for their employees. A companies value statements and policies will give you an idea but, if you really want to know what it is like to drive for a particular company, ask for advice on driver forums such as <a href="https://www.trucknetuk.com/phpBB/viewforum.php?f=2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">the UK Professional Drivers Forum on TruckNetUK</span></a> you will find many participants are vocal about their experiences and will be more than happy to give you a first-hand insight.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://www.trucknetuk.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?f=2&amp;t=148587" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">A really interesting thread</span></a> featured on this same forum discusses the subject of work-life balance. This thread provides plenty of insight into why some drivers choose to work long haul and why some have chosen to stay closer to home. It also features some personal experiences and reflection stories that really reinforce that work-life balance and what it means is unique to each person - what works for you is what matters most.</p>
<p><strong>References&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>1 Eagle Hill Consulting [Internet] May 2014 https://www.eaglehillconsulting.com/opinion/importance-work-life-balance/</p>
<p>2 Automatic Data Processing (ADP) [Internet] November 2018 https://uk.adp.com/about-adp/press-centre/2018-11-06-uk-workers-struggling-to-maintain-work-life-balance.aspx</p>

Achieving a work-life balance

<p>If you were told there was an opportunity for new UK jobs which involved getting retrained and learning new skills in a sector that would ensure a new future of work for you, would you want to know more? If so, then read on&hellip;</p>
<p>The last few months have been full of uncertainty for everyone in many ways and the outlook in employment news has been somewhat bleak in many sectors. With lockdown easing we are seeing businesses reopening, but at the same time many will never open up again. This brings a whole new concern when it comes to the future of work for a large proportion of our population from all kinds of skills backgrounds. So whether you have previously been in Warehouse Operative jobs, catering jobs or driving jobs, this new career opportunity is one to get excited about.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>The new future of work</h2>
<p>It is fair to say that throughout lockdown every individual, every business, every organisation has relied on one thing to stay connected &ndash; the internet. Imagine what the weeks of lockdown would have been like without video calls to friends and family, music from Alexa, online games, lessons for the kids; and how would we manage without Netflix?</p>
<p>Now, think about the number of devices you have in your house; multiply this by the number of houses in your road, your town. Add in all the businesses, schools and healthcare facilities and we start to see exactly how the internet is a central part of everyone&rsquo;s lives. Smart technology needs better networks and to keep up with the myriad of ways in which the internet is used, for it to be fast, reliable and consistent, a new infrastructure is needed. Enter <a href="https://buildthenetwork.cityfibre.com/?utm_source=Caree%20Blogs&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Caree%20Blog%202020&amp;utm_content=Link%20to%20CityFibre%20Build%20the%20network%20page">CityFibre</a>.</p>
<p>CityFibre has a goal to bring full fibre internet to 8 million premises in over 60 cities across the UK. Currently, for most of us, our internet comes into our home on part fibre cabling &ndash; meaning fibre cables to the local cabinet, then copper cables to our homes and businesses. Full fibre means fibre cables direct from the exchange to the property &ndash; the result? Super-fast gigabit speed internet &ndash; that&rsquo;s over 1,000 Mbps compared to the average 36 Mbps many of us might get currently. In this digital age, imagine the difference this will make to all kinds of sectors.</p>
<p>This digital revolution of full fibre is future proofing the UK, preparing for the ever-increasing use of the internet. The result will be that every home, business, school, hospital and public service can be connected online through a fast, reliable internet service that is always on and can be upgraded at the click of a button.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>New career opportunities</h2>
<p>The exciting employment news that arises from this, is that the mammoth task of installing a full fibre network means creating a completely new infrastructure. This has resulted in the creation of up to 10,000 new UK jobs. If employment trends in your sector are currently uncertain following COVID-19, now might be the time to take advantage of this amazing new opportunity.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Whatever your previous experience, these new jobs in the engineering industry are open to everyone and with projects across the UK there is likely to be <a href="https://buildthenetwork.cityfibre.com/training-opportunities?utm_source=Caree%20Blogs&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Caree%20Blog%202020&amp;utm_content=Link%20to%20CityFibre%20'training%20opportunities'%20page">an opportunity near you</a>. CityFibre have announced a three year <a href="https://buildthenetwork.cityfibre.com/training-opportunities?utm_source=Caree%20Blogs&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Caree%20Blog%202020&amp;utm_content=Link%20to%20CityFibre%20'training%20opportunities'%20page">recruitment and training programme</a>,&nbsp;through which they specifically intend to change current employment trends by attracting people in need of a chance like this &ndash; those out of work due to COVID-19 or those looking to gain new skills through a new opportunity to change careers.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The training programme will be a huge boost to the future of work for many. You will learn new skills, preparing you for a suitable role with the various construction partners that are working with CityFibre to create this new full fibre infrastructure. You could find yourself working in underground cabling, excavating, splicing, aerial installation&hellip; the range of job roles is vast which makes this such an exciting <a href="https://buildthenetwork.cityfibre.com/?utm_source=Caree%20Blogs&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Caree%20Blog%202020&amp;utm_content=Link%20to%20CityFibre%20Build%20the%20network%20page">new career opportunity</a>.</p>
<h2>How to be a part of it</h2>
<p>As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, we will continue to see shifts in the future of work. Employment trends will see more people changing careers so taking advantage of this new opportunity could see you at the forefront.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Now is the time to make your move. This long-term career opportunity, at a time when new UK jobs are in short supply, is one not to miss. This is not a job that will be &lsquo;just for now&rsquo;. Working in a diverse, growing future proof sector means the future of work for you would be far more secure.</p>
<p>To get started, visit the CityFibre website to learn more about how you could be a part of <a href="https://buildthenetwork.cityfibre.com/?utm_source=Caree%20Blogs&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Caree%20Blog%202020&amp;utm_content=Link%20to%20CityFibre%20Build%20the%20network%20page">building the future of fibre</a>.</p>

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