Change your career as well as your diet this Veganuary with our top tips
SOME 1.3million Brits will try plant-based diets during Veganuary this month. But did you know plants can power your career too?
There are 600,000 UK vegans and 47 per cent of people trying Veganuary will move towards a vegan diet afterwards, says the Vegan Society.
The ethical lifestyle, which is backed by celebrities including singers Ariana Grande and Miley Cyrus, has led to a boom in vegan jobs.
There are roles for vegan PAs to work at vegan firms, holiday tours and charities, and a growing number of vegan franchise options.
Analyst Mintel says the vegan UK market is worth more than £572million annually.
The sector is still small compared to most UK industries, but with vegan product launches up 469 per cent in the past five years, the speed of growth means thousands of new vegan jobs will be created this decade.
Natural leader
NICKY SHEARSBY owns vegan brand Nature’s Kitchen and has been manufacturing organic and vegan skincare products for 11 years.
Nicky, of Swadlincote, Derbys, said: “I’m excited to see so many vegan restaurants popping up and artisan businesses that focus on natural, vegan products – including clothing, environmental and small creative-style businesses.
“We are moving away from veganism as being reserved for ‘hippy’ types and as a nation we are embracing a healthier way to live. It is an inspiring time to be alive.”
She added: “The vegan skincare market has blown up over the last couple of years. I see no reason why the vegan movement won’t keep growing. We are understanding how badly animals are treated and that eating too much meat is not good for our health or the environment.”
See natureskitchenskin care.uk.
Glasgo-ahead
GLASGOW is the UK’s hottest jobs market, with new vacancies up 25.7 per cent in a year. Next is Edinburgh at 20.5 per cent.
A report by CV-Library put the Scottish cities top of the national chart, followed by Portsmouth (up 11 per cent) and Bristol (ten per cent).
The next best cities to find a job in 2020 are Southampton (up 8.3 per cent), Cardiff (eight per cent), Brighton (6.9 per cent) and Nottingham (five per cent).
The capital is next, with a 4.8 per cent increase in London, with Liverpool reporting a rise of 3.6 per cent.
CV-Library boss Lee Biggins said: “Despite economic and political uncertainty over the last year, it’s positive to see the UK jobs market continuing to grow.”
Autism triumph
WORKERS with autism face extra challenges but John Fortescue has conquered his.
John, 51, from Ampthill, Beds, graduated from the John Lewis supply chain warehouse operative apprenticeship with a distinction.
The apprenticeship is run by Qube Learning, which specialises in providing training to people from diverse backgrounds. John, who joined John Lewis in 2013, said:
“Autism has presented many challenges for me. But with support I have seen my world change. I have never felt such consistent belief in myself professionally as I do now.”
For more info on Qube, email tellmemore@qube-learning. co.uk and apply for John Lewis roles at jlpjobs.com.
Best way to 'do a Megxit'
HARRY and Meghan aren’t alone in wanting to quit their job after Christmas. January is the busiest time of year for job hunting, but it’s important to manage your exit, so you don’t burn your bridges.
Rebecca Siciliano, head of Tiger Recruitment, has these tips on how to handle quitting your role . . . royal or not.
- Let the dust settle: Decided to quit after the Christmas hols? Things might seem simple from the comfort of your sofa but allow yourself time back in the real world before breaking the news, to check that you’re 100 per cent sure of your decision.
- Can you resolve the situation? Speak to your employer about what is bothering you and see if there is any way to resolve things. If they value you, they will try to address your concerns. You might even get a pay rise.
- Give plenty of notice: Most jobs have a set notice period, so check what this is before discussing your decision with your employer, and make sure you give them time to get organised.
- Speak to your boss before going public: Your employer has a right to know your plans before you start telling colleagues, clients – or social media.
- Don’t overshare: Whatever the reasons for your departure, be respectful of your employer and discreet about any issues you’ve faced. Mudslinging in public is never a good look, so keep things as amicable as possible.
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