To say retail jobs are few and far between?

[PampersNotPampered]

I'm not fussy, I'll work anywhere. Due to severely ill health, I cannot work and I'm currently claiming ESA, which is just £57ish a week. I do however believe I could manage a part time retail job and I think that's in my best interest. Trouble is, I never realised how few and far between these jobs were until I started hunting properly!

Literally, there is next to nothing available in my area (South Essex). I can't spend too much on travel as I just haven't got it, so anything less than 12+ hours wouldn't work. Travel is very unreasonably expensive here and although my DP drives, he's working all day so unless it's a night shift I'm not going to get a lift.

I'm also going through yet another most likely miscarriage right after just having one before this pregnancy. All this pressure just seems too much

I'm not entitled to any other form of benefit apart from ESA.

Thank you all x

Working from home seems good, but doing what exactly? On the other end of the scale, I wouldn't dream of trying Avon etc, done it before and there's far too many people already selling in the area.

What about something like proof-reading or translating if you can speak a language? Or typing? I know there are jobs where they e-mail you audio and you have to type it up? It might be worth investigating if you'll struggle working out of the home.

Proof-reading and typing up an audio sounds great, I have English skills as my best assit.

I can speak Spanish but I can't really translate etc. How would I find something like the former?

BrightNewDay the OP isnt on JSA but if she was she would be expected to do a bloody sight more than 10 to 15 a week.

And if you apply for a job that is unsuitable and you are not tailored for no amount of embellishment lies will make it so. But if the JC tell you to apply for an unsuitable job and you dont even if you know you will never get it cos you havent got the quals etc you get sanctioned.

Helena is right: It's something like 50+ jobs a day isn't it? I think it's ridiculous that you're expected to apply for things you have no chance of getting too.

If you have a degree (in anything) and speak Spanish, it is just possible that you might be able to get proof-reading/ quality-checking work for the big translation agencies. You won't qualify as a translator, but you may get a foot through the door in quality management.

Google it, it's not well paid and you need experience, patience and some business sense to make money out of it, but it's possible. A few years ago, my DH starts doing this after a period of serious illness (he would not have been well enough to work full time), and has very gradually built up a successful small business as a specialist translator.

OP I'm sorry to hear of your ill health and your miscarriage.

I really don't think retail would be right for you, when it's not physically draining it is is mentally.

Just wondering op if you would potentially qualify for the work choice programme?

Retail is the must physically demanding job I've done. You could keep an eye on your local council, although Councils are being hammered at the moment by the austerity cuts, they are still recruiting for staff at the lower grades because they are having to promote from within which leaves gaps at the bottom. Would you qualify for an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship seems good, but they're all full time jobs and I'm only looking for something part time if not at home.

I don't have a degree, no

PPs are right. Its coming up to the most brutal time in retail too. Its "Black Friday" next month.

Last year shop assistants got injured during it. The scenes in the press and on Twitter were appalling.

I wonder what the retail employers are doing to protect their workers from experiencing a repeat of the risks this year especially after swearing last year that lessons will be learned.

A bit of a random message, but I used to be an area manager for a retail company for a good few years & dealt with recruiting, id be happy to help out with your personal statement part on your cv/ application if that's of any help?

I know Lush do 0-hour contracts where you can do as little or as much as you like, similarly The Body Shop & places like that?

If you google proof-reading jobs you should come up with a fair few companies

Lush don't do zero hour contracts as they believe they are unethical.

Ah they offered about 20 staff 0-hour contracts at one of their major stores last Christmas! How strange, unless it was just because it was a flagship. Anyway we're derailing ha!

I'm in South Essex (wonder if we're from the same place!) and work in a well known health and beauty store, and we're currently hiring Christmas temp staff, as are quite a few shops up and down the high street at the minute. Though as others have said, I'm not sure if I'd go for retail if you are unwell as it's physically very tiring.

OP, I noticed on a previous thread you said you had a child. This means you do not need to be over 25 to claim working tax credit.

Hi Grief, I must have said something misleading, I do apologise. I'm pregnant, I don't have a child just yet. You must have a live birth before you can claim x

Hi Pampered. Have you thought about office work? You can sit down and work more 'at your own pace' than if you're in a customer-facing role. Or maybe sitting on a reception?

I'm a bit out of date but the civil service used to have admin assistant or clerical roles. Some might be part time.

The other thing is, don't have 'a' cv that you send out to everyone. Every one should be tailored to the person spec and you should send a covering letter saying why you want that job at that company. Spell out why you would be good for the job and why the job would be good for you!

OP on your 'gamer' thread you appeared to say your partner had a child and you had a baby in your flat. I was assuming that meant you were not a childless couple. Apologies if I misinterpreted you!