125k+ retail job losses predicted in 2020 but Devon’s redundant can transfer skills to care

DEVON’S shopworkers are being encouraged to transfer their skills to care by one of the county’s providers as analysts predict there will be more than 125,000 retail job losses nationwide in 2020 (January 2020).

Guardian Homecare, which provides home care in south Devon, says experts claim the high street retailers are facing a terrible year ahead with 7,000 store closures anticipated.

Catherine Porter, Manager for Guardian Homecare, which operates services in the Exeter area, says: “According to the Centre for Retail Research, in 2018, chains with 10 or more shops shut 3,303 stores with the loss of 62,395 jobs and it predicts in 2020, the number of closures will more than double to 6,865, leading to another 126,360 redundancies.

“We’ve already just recently heard about Debenhams troubles nationwide. Following the 19 store closures this month (January 2020), a further 28 stores are expected to shut next year, although details of the locations have not yet been released. The closures are expected to result in around 660 job losses.

“Meanwhile, the high street is seeing other worrying trends with the John Lewis Partnership warning bonuses may be in doubt for staff, as it revealed a fall in festive sales. These are worrying times for anyone working in retail on the high street, but all is not lost.

“We’re urging anyone made redundant from a customer-facing role to get in touch with us immediately, as skills gained in retail are in high demand in our sector.”

Guardian Homecare says those losing positions at major high street retailers should join the homecare sector, as a job in care can be a role for life for the right candidate.

“Many people believe that the skills they’ve learnt in a certain industry means they’re restricted when it comes to seeking new employment, but we want to let them know that this simply isn’t true as many of the skills they already have can be adapted for a brand new industry, such as care.

“People who work in retail for example have excellent customer service skills and know how to treat customers with respect and they are super helpful and friendly, and these are just some of the skills that our carers need when visiting our service user’s homes. Being trustworthy, organised, punctual and reliable as well as being able to undertake admin tasks are some great skills that are transferrable between industries.

“We are offering the right candidates secure employment in the care industry, which can often mean a job for life. They’ll be able to bring all the experience they’ve acquired into the industry as well as gain much more through training.”

Guardian Homecare delivers personalised home care supporting people wishing to stay living safely and comfortably in their own homes in south Devon. 

Field Care Supervisor, Shibu Jacob explains: “We’re a tight knit team and we look after each other and give each other lots of support when needed. In my role organisational, communication and interpersonal skills are a must.

“It’s a very rewarding position and care is a good, secure career that can last a lifetime. I would recommend it to anyone who is kind, caring, honest and reliable.”

Guardian Homecare offers training and the opportunity for internal advancement. Anyone who joins the team can create a career path using the different qualifications they achieve.

Catherine adds: “Being a carer is a highly skilled, professional vocational occupation that is essential to the fabric of our society and the beauty of a job for life means people can start at the very bottom and work their way up with training and qualifications.

“We are looking for kind, honest, caring and reliable individuals who wish to have a stable and long-term career in care, and who would like to forge rewarding relationships with the service users they care for. No experience is necessary to become a carer as free, full training is offered.”

Guardian Homecare employs nearly 200 domiciliary carers in south Devon to look after its service users in their own homes and it is currently searching for 100 new honest and kind-hearted individuals to help add to its teams.

“We offer new recruits a five-day training induction and a 12-week on-boarding programme working towards a care certificate. We also offer flexible working hours, both full and part-time, as well as competitive wages and generous holiday allocation.

“It is a great opportunity for people to achieve a recognised qualification and they’ll also be able to have access to exclusive discounts online and in-store from retailers including Tesco, Primark and Argos.”

New recruits are given free uniforms, access to a national staff discount scheme for many major brands, as well as 28 days paid holiday, paid travel between calls and paid mileage.

For further details,  please visit www.guardianhomecare.org.uk.