How can I go back to employment after a gap of 3 years

[Question2022]

I have 3 years gap in employment. Used to work nhs admin band 2.
Currently my son is 3 and I broke up with his father. So I am thinking about applying but it is currently brutal out there.

Maybe try local government admin. Just give examples of how you meet each criteria asked for. I found them nicer and more flexible with hours. I don’t think a 3 year gap would matter, as long as you can get references.

Lots of people have an employment gap, for reasons apart from childcare but it is a fact of life.
Apply for jobs, be honest and you should not find yourself in a worse position than other applicants. If you are unsuccessful, see if you can get some feedback which may help next time.
Good luck.🤞

The issue with gaps in employment is when they cannot be explained adequately. Yours can be, you were at home with your son. Be prepared to be asked about this gap at interview so have some words ready to expand on it. (Over the years I have had to explain 5, 7 and 6 yr gaps in my employment history and always got the job.)
I just looked at my local hospital and there are 8 admin vacancies, one at Band 2 so start checking your local health trust website.
Have a look on that Openlearn website to see if there are any free courses that might help you update your skills.

Hi Op, some NHS organisations have bank staff - so register with each individual one. Also, try and volunteer - even a few hours a week can help. There maybe a back to work scheme in your area too that may be of help - search online. Good luck.

Do you want to continue with admin or try something new?
Have you thought about voluntary work to get you back into work experience?

I would like to progress to a better paid job so I am able to give a better life for my son.

Progress in admin or try something new?
By new I mean e.g. look out for carer roles, become a health care assistant in a hospital, with experience then try for a nursing associate role?
Or start in retail and in time try for supervisor/manager roles?
Look at apprenticeships in business/finance?