One in seven of us is now self-employed, but whatever type of work you need, we are here to help
WELCOME to your new-look Sunemployment page.
Since we began our campaign to get Britain working in 2009, we’ve helped more than 200,000 readers find jobs, train or launch small firms.
Almost a decade on, though employment rates are at a record high, still plenty of us struggle to get work.
Lack of training, education or not knowing where to get the right help can hold you back in your job search.
One in seven of us is now self-employed and the growth of the “gig economy” means many Brits do more than one job to fit around commitments.
Whatever type of work you need, we are here to help you.
So join us at our Sunemployment Roadshows in London on June 25, Birmingham on June 26 and Manchester on June 27.
Find help and advice at mcb777.site/sunemployment and in the paper every week.
One thing we believe at Sunemploment is it’s where you end up that matters, not where you start.
Sunday Times Rich List compiler Robert Watts says: “Britain is changing.
“We’re seeing more people from humble backgrounds, who struggled at school or who didn’t even start their businesses until well into middle age.”
This week's top tips for moving up in your career
1. Accept your first job. Any job is better than no job.
2. Don’t just look in the Job Centre or online for work.
3. Ask family and friends and contact former bosses.
4. Get a LinkedIn profile. Many recruiters use it to find new staff.
5. Believe in yourself. Every job increases your transferable skills.
UK's most wanted
HIGH pay is not everything in the jobs market.
The UK’s most sought-after role is emergency ambulance driver, offering £16,634 a year, according to job site Adzuna.
The position, which pays around half the average UK advertised salary, is the site’s most clicked-on role this year.
The second most popular is non-executive director, with an average pay packet of £32,952.
This is followed by funeral director, averaging £23,672, and air traffic controller for £32,959.
Adzuna co-founder Doug Monro said: “The UK is looking to give back to the community and be part of something much bigger rather than take home a bigger pay packet, revealing a culture of love over money.”
Top bods' first jobs
JEFF BEZOS, Amazon boss.
Was: Worker at McDonald’s on £4,400 salary.
Now: £1.1billion.
DONALD TRUMP, US President.
Was: Bottle collector, £40 a year.
Now: £500million.
Short-term gain
SIX per cent of full-time workers are considering quitting in favour of short-term contracts.
Flexibility is the biggest draw to the gig economy, according to the study by health tech start-up WeMa Life.
It also found that half of the people surveyed were planning to use new websites and apps to help them find enough work.
The firm’s chief financial officer, Rajal Patni, says: “While the gig economy is certainly not for everyone, many people are drawn to this model of working due to the flexibility and control it offers.”
Jobspots
Survivors Manchester is recruiting therapists.
by noon on Friday, May 25.
Alliance Utilities wants grab drivers.
Call 01277 812 262.
You'll adora flora
WANT to see your career bloom? Then consider a career in floristry.
With the Chelsea Flower Show on this week and the stunning floral display at Harry and Meghan’s wedding wowing the world, there’s never been a better time to branch out into the industry.
Research from online platform shows as many as one in five women have considered the profession.
The firm’s Katie Bennett says: “A career in floristry will tick many job-satisfaction boxes.”
Sian Wild, 35, from Manchester, who won the National Wedding Florist of the Year 2017 competition, says: “Florists can train under an apprentice scheme or with college qualifications.
“The ability to listen carefully is vital.”
Find out about a career in floristry .
Gig news
NEED to make extra money?
Gig app Coople.com links you with flexible, part-time work in offices, hotels, events and even festivals.
Plus, you automatically get paid holiday.
Bricks 'n' oughta
WHY not build a great future?
Housebuilder Barratt Developments has more than 100 roles available for apprentices, bricklayers and carpenters right across the UK.
There are also specialist technical and commercial roles available.
A spokesman said: “We’re not just looking for people in construction – you may be an experienced sales professional or looking for a role in one of our divisional offices across the UK.
“When you join us, it’s not just about a job, it’s about building a career path that will enable you to achieve your ambitions.”
See .
Are you Britain's best plumber?
THE search is on for Britain’s best plumbers.
WaterSafe, the national register for approved plumbers, is asking tradespeople to enter by June 29 for the chance to be crowned the UK’s best and win a prize worth more than £10,000.
Apply at .
MOST READ IN MONEY
Aim higher
THE sky’s the limit with one ambitious apprentice scheme.
Thomas Cook Airlines is hiring 15 apprentices to be based at Manchester Airport on a trail-blazing three-year aircraft maintenance programme.
Trainees will study for a level 3 in Aeronautical Engineering.
Paul Ritchie, head of quality, training and safety at Thomas Cook Airlines, said: “We want to hear from those who are passionate about engineering and aviation, will work hard and have a desire to learn from our highly skilled team.”
Apply by June 17 at .