THIS Bank Holiday weekend will see spending in pubs, clubs and restaurants soar by ten per cent, as the nation makes the most of the extra day off.
But with the cost-of-living crisis, living wage hikes and employers’ National Insurance payments, the sector faces serious challenges.
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Although the “night-time economy” is worth £153billion to UK coffers, research by the Night Time Industries Association shows the country has lost 37 per cent of its nightclubs since 2020, while six pubs are closing every week.
So what can be done?
Currently 36 per cent of young people feel unsafe at night.
Eighty-one per cent of women back improved safety in bars and clubs, so the answer could lie in more female security staff and taxi drivers.
READ MORE EMPLOYMENT NEWS
Official figures show women make up just 11 per cent of the UK’s security workforce and seven per cent of cab drivers — but encouraging more females into the sector could up visitor numbers.
Ellie Knapp, 32, from New Eltham in south-east London, is campaigning for more women to get behind the wheel.
The black-cab driver for taxi app Freenow said: “I love being my own boss. I can work as much or as little as I need to, and take my holidays when I want.
Surprised
“People love that I’m a woman in a male-dominated field, and that is something I am proud of.
“I occasionally get a surprised look from clients, but people are genuinely interested and want to see more female drivers.”
Lisa Baskott, 55, from Worthing, East Sussex, is the founder of 2ndlineofdefence.com, a female-friendly security agency.
She said: “When women are visible on the door and the venue’s security, it sends a message that safety and inclusivity are priorities.
“It creates a more welcoming atmosphere and can change the whole vibe of a venue for the better.
“One of the biggest misconceptions about being a door supervisor, or any other security role, is that you need to be a big, burly bloke.
“The qualities you really need are more about character and mindset than muscles.”
As well as protecting pubs and clubs, female security staff are in high demand for other events, from music festivals to corporate conferences and VIP personal protection.
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Once fully qualified and experienced, the job can also provide a springboard into other areas.
Skills learnt include communication, conflict resolution, quick thinking and teamwork. Security staff move on to work in venue management, event planning, policing or health and safety roles.
Lisa adds: “Change is happening — I see more women joining every month and more organisations waking up to the benefits of a diverse security team.
GET STARTED IN SECURITY
- BELIEVE IN YOUR ABILITIES: Confidence is key and you don’t have to be “one of the lads” to fit in. Skills like communication, empathy and resilience are what the industry needs.
- QUALIFY AND KEEP LEARNING: You need to obtain an SIA (Security Industry Authority) licence then additional training such as first aid and self-defence.
- FIND MENTORS AND ALLIES: Reach out to other women in the industry as there are formal and informal networks. Most of the industry is male, and many of them are incredibly supportive and want to see more women succeed, so find male allies too.
- JOIN PROFESSIONAL BODIES OR FORUMS: It’s valuable to learn from others’ experiences.
- USE UNIQUE STRENGTHS: Women often bring different qualities to security – perhaps a calmer tone, a talent for defusing conflict with words, or being more approachable to certain patrons. Leverage that.
- TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF: This job can be demanding, so look after your wellbeing.
HOW TO MAIL LIKE A PRO…
YOU may think it’s a polite email, but could it be upsetting your colleague?
Almost two thirds of staff believe poor communication is a problem at their work.
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With the average employee spending five hours a week answering emails, HR experts are warning workers to improve their etiquette when sending messages.
Here employment specialist Renae Shaw, from retailer Furniture At Work, shares five common email phrases to avoid and suggests more user-friendly alternatives for each.
1. AS PER MY LAST EMAIL: This is the corporate equivalent of “I already told you this” and can feel passive-aggressive or critical.
Instead, try using: “Just following up on the email I sent (day/time) regarding (topic)…”
This more direct and friendly follow-up shows you are referencing a past message without implying blame.
2. URGENT!: Slapping this on everything is a fast track to being ignored. Being specific about the timeline and expectations is more effective and respectful of others’ workloads. A better version is: “Flagging this as important” before specifying the deadline.
3. I HOPE THIS EMAIL FINDS YOU WELL: Let’s be honest, no one has ever replied “Thanks! It did!”
Although polite, this phrase can feel impersonal or overly formal. Instead use something like “I hope you’re having a good week so far”, which is less formal.
Or skip it altogether as your colleague may appreciate the efficiency.
4. REATTACHING FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE: This phrase can come off as passive-aggressive, as it implies the recipient didn’t read the document the first time. Instead consider: “I’ve reattached the document here in case it’s helpful”.
5. ANY UPDATES ON THIS?: This wording can feel abrupt or demanding of the other person’s time. Consider softening it with: “Just checking in to see if there’s been any progress on this – no rush if you’re still working on it.”
JOBSPOT
HERE are posts that could be right up your street. Lingerie store Boux Avenue is recruiting sales assistants, store managers and a social media manager. See bouxavenue.com/about-bouxavenue/careers.html
BE A HIGH-FLYER
TRAINING to become a pilot can cost up to £100,000, but Jet2’s new fully-funded programme lets you take to the skies for free.
With places for up to 60 aspiring pilots, the training course aims to boost social mobility and promote diversity within the profession.
Applicants need at least five GCSEs at grade four or above, including maths and a science subject, or equivalent qualifications.
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com said: “We know that the cost of training is an obstacle to many people who dream of becoming a commercial airline pilot, so we are very proud to announce this groundbreaking programme.”
Apply at jet2careers.com/pilots/jet2flightpath/info.
JOBSPOT
THINK you have an eye for what’s bang on trend and know how to sell?
Fashion chain Dune has vacancies now for store managers and supervisors. You can search at dunelondon.com/ch/en/careers.html.
GIG FOR VICTORY
ALL aboard for a new career as a shipwright, with women more than welcome.
The National Museum of the Royal Navy is seeking a shipwright heritage carpenter to work in Portsmouth as part of the team preserving HMS Victory, the world’s oldest commissioned ship.
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Applicants need a Level 3 City & Guilds Boatbuilding and specialist knowledge of construction of maritime joinery.
Clementine Mollier, lead shipwright on HMS Victory said: “It’s not just a job for the men. There are brilliant female shipbuilders, who should be role models for the next generation.”
Apply at jobs.nmrn.org.uk by Sunday, June 1.
