The coronavirus has had a major impact on the economy and the job market. As the lockdown eases, increased protective measures have given rise to new opportunities for many jobseekers. Professionals in multiple sectors who are temporarily unable to work have taken up new roles to contribute to the coronavirus effort.
New roles
Some of these coronavirus-related roles include:
Temperature Checker or Screener – you do not have to be a medical professional to check if people are symptomatic. Any business that has reopened may have a first line of defence by mandating temperature checks on all those wishing to enter the building – thereby preventing people with symptoms from entering. This is an important, front-line position.
Contact tracers – moving into the next phase of the COVID-19 response requires a "test, trace, isolate, support" approach. The government is recruiting thousands of people to help prevent a second wave and the spread of the virus – and it can be done from home.
Social-distancing warden – major retailers need additional help to manage queues and car parks to keep customers a safe distance from each other.
Expert cleaner – specialist COVID-19 cleaners are already working in the NHS, but as more workplaces and schools reopen, more cleaners will be needed.
Bedside buddy – you need at least six months’ acute-care experience on an NHS hospital ward for this job. Under the supervision of nurses and doctors, you would provide one-to-one care for patients and help to keep the bedside area clean.
COVID-19 support officer – in this role, you would be helping to protect the most vulnerable people in society. You would be calling people who are “shielding”, or similarly in need, to ensure they know about the sources of help available to them.
Changing roles
Many businesses are changing the way they work due to coronavirus, meaning roles are also evolving to suit our new priorities.
HR roles are changing to highlight the importance of wellbeing, as working from home can cause some to thrive, but many others to feel isolated, causing their mental health to suffer. Now, HR departments are expanding to incorporate new roles such as Wellbeing Manager, or Health, Safety and Wellbeing Officer, with greater emphasis placed on employees’ mental wellbeing.
With most companies expanding their digital capacity to allow employees to work remotely and to attract more online business, the need for IT support has surged - with digital teams expanding.
The coronavirus has had a revolutionary, and likely permanent, impact on the UK workforce – but it is not all bad. Being in crisis mode has taught us what is necessary and unnecessary about traditional working and has even created these new opportunities.
For specialist roles or talented professionals in your sector, contact your nearest Reed office.
