Specsavers create hundreds of new jobs

According to the British Retail Consortium, one in five high street retailers have closed1 due to the pandemic, with thousands of people facing unemployment and one in 20 people who want a job unable to find one2.

However, Specsavers is bucking the trend with vacancies including 400 retail roles in stores throughout the UK, many of which don’t always require optical experience, 61 Home Visits roles and 730 management and laboratory roles for more experienced job seekers looking for an exciting new opportunity.

Head of Recruitment, Alan Gregg, says: ‘As well as people with optical or audiology experience, we are eager to find experienced retailers who put the customer at the heart of what they do. This will help us to continue to offer the highest standards of care in order to meet the pent-up demand brought about by lockdowns and social distancing restrictions.

‘At Specsavers, we offer a variety of promising careers, each rooted in first-class training and support to help people meet their goals and aspirations. For those at the start of their career, or looking for a change of direction, we have 196 apprenticeships available – a tried and tested programme that has produced many success stories.’

One of these is York-based director, Georgia Eason, who went from apprentice to store retail partner in less than five years.

Georgia began her career in 2015 at Specsavers Acomb as an optical retail apprentice at the age of 17, and quickly went on to gain certification in optical dispensing. She was then promoted to store supervisor and recently became a retail partner for Specsavers Home Visits service in York, owning her own business at the age of 22.

‘I never expected to become a partner at such a young age but working alongside an inspirational team and wonderful customers made me more motivated to push myself each day,’ says Georgia.

Specsavers UK Managing Director Paul Marshall says: ‘In the current climate we think it is important to invest in our communities and do all we can to get the high street back up and running.

‘Apprenticeships will be key to rebuilding the jobs market, especially for young people. They can really help businesses develop and prosper and equip people with the skills and tools they need to become successful.

‘We would love people to consider a career with us, even if it means doing something completely different to what they are used to, as we have such a broad spectrum of roles available and provide training at all levels. We always champion entrepreneurial spirit and many of our colleagues have gone on to own their own business - we now have 4,000 joint venture partners worldwide.’

For more information visit join.specsavers.com/uk/find-a-job/

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Liam Hoden, editor.