SWANSEA-BASED energy efficiency firm Consumer Energy Solutions (CES) has recruited 250 new staff so far this year as it experiences growing demand for its products and services.
The recruitment drive follows the opening of two new offices in Swansea’s SA1 waterfront area at the end of 2023 as the company addresses those growing demands.
The fast-growing company now has a workforce of more than 700 people, supporting customers in energy-proofing their homes to reduce their carbon footprint, and ultimately, their energy bills.
The new hires span across various departments, including administration, customer service, finance, people services, heating, insulation, renewables and electrics.
Lewis John, Managing Director, Consumer Energy Solutions, said: “At CES, we are deeply committed to fostering economic growth and prosperity in the regions where we operate.
“Our investment in expanding our workforce underscores our belief in the potential of local talent and our commitment to providing meaningful employment opportunities.
“By nurturing a skilled and diverse team, of which we have massive ambitions to grow even further, we not only strengthen our ability to deliver exceptional service to our customers but also contribute to the vitality of the communities we serve.
“We firmly believe that by investing in people, we can drive positive change and make a lasting impact on both the environment and the economy.”
Established in 2016, Consumer Energy Solutions (CES) delivers money-saving energy efficiency improvements to homes across South Wales and the South West.
As summer approaches Homesitters Ltd, the UK’s leading home and pet sitting company, is actively seeking new homesitters ahead of the peak holiday season and is highlighting the benefits of the role including travel opportunities and boosting income.
A report in February from 50+ Choices Roundtable found that one third (3.6 million) of over-50s are engaged in part-time work and 72 per cent want to have flexibility in their work[i].
Other research from Fred Olsen Cruise Lines shows almost a quarter (24%) of 55 and overs say they have got more adventurous with age and three in 10 (29%) travel more now they are retired than they did previously.[ii]
Ben Irvine, Director of Operations at Homesitters Ltd said: “Homesitting is an attractive role for older people who want to be active in retirement or gradually transition to retirement. The chance to travel more is a significant draw for many, and as the role is flexible, it can easily fit around other commitments.
“People can choose as many assignments as they wish and some only work in the summer to take advantage of the lighter days to see new places. We operate nationally, so it is a fantastic opportunity to travel around the UK without paying for hotels or B&Bs. It’s also a great way to spend time with pets, typically dogs and cats, which is a major highlight of the role.”
Homesitters receive a modest remuneration, a food allowance and mileage plus they can make savings on their bills when on assignment. Combined with the travel perks, the role offers a fulfilling way to supplement pension income.
Sharon Payne, 60, from Milton Keynes, discovered homesitting in 2018 after taking early retirement. She was looking for a job that wasn’t office based and found homesitting the ideal fit as it gave her the chance to travel, spend time with pets, and earn a modest income.
Sharon said: “Homesitting may sound like a low key job but it comes with major responsibility as people’s homes and pets are the most important things in people’s lives, apart from their children.”
Sharon enjoys meeting interesting people on assignment. Talking about one of her most memorable assignments she said: “I stayed in a beautiful old house in a small village where I looked after two dogs – and 35 tortoises. I really enjoyed looking after them, although I had to keep going to the local shop for more salad as they eat a kilo of salad every day between them! They are quite low maintenance and mostly put themselves to bed at night although I did have to check they were all in their beds and look for any stragglers.”
Other memorable home sits include staying in a gorgeous Tudor mansion in Cambridgeshire with landscaped gardens and a swimming pool and looking after an extremely well behaved dog near Chelmsford who, when he got muddy, would sit by the door and lift his paws one by one for Sharon to wash and wait to be towel dried off before venturing into the house.
Sharon appreciates the income she receives and is saving money. She explained: “The salary is modest but what I earn I don’t spend. I’ve noticed that since I started home sitting my gas, electric and water bills are significantly lower – my water company keeps reducing my monthly payment. I also get a food allowance, so I eat for free while I’m on assignment.”
Homesitters is currently recruiting. Ideal candidates are responsible and reliable people, who are good listeners, and will be sensitive to clients’ requirements. Proven pet-care skills and a genuine affinity for animals are also a bonus.
For more information and to apply to become a homesitter visit: www.homesitters.co.uk
A 17-year-old apprentice from Cardiff is flying to Budapest after support from the Welsh Government’s Jobs Growth Wales+ programme to land her dream role as a Hairdresser.
Darla Wathen recently completed her Level 1 NVQ qualification in Hairdressing and is currently working at Henderson & Co. as a Junior Stylist.
When discussing her route to employment, Darla said: “I wasn’t very academic at school, but I’ve always been a creative person. I decided to meet with Working Wales to scope out my options and Jobs Growth Wales+ appealed to me because of the work placements and hands-on training that were incorporated into your learning.
“Back then I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my future, so I attended a few taster days to explore different career pathways. The courses on offer varied from childcare to beauty to construction and animal care, but it was hairdressing that I discovered I had a passion for.”
Having found her feet, Darla excelled on the programme and quickly proved to her tutors that she was a talented and dedicated learner.
Darla said: “My tutor, Charlotte, played a huge role in how comfortable and at ease I felt on Jobs Growth Wales+. I was nervous when I first started the programme, but she spent a lot of time helping me build on my essential skills before looking for employment.
“As well as working with me to improve my CV, Charlotte would act out interview scenarios with me to get me used to a real-life environment. This massively helped with my confidence and was a huge turning point for me.
“My Jobs Growth Wales+ tutors saw my potential. Everyone treated me like an adult, and I could tell the programme wanted me to succeed.”
With the support she received, Darla soon secured her job at Henderson & Co. in Cardiff and is currently thriving as a Junior Stylist.
Darla continued: “Working at Henderson & Co. has been amazing. I really appreciate the advice the other stylists give me, and I’ve already learnt so much in such a short space of time. When I’m not with clients, I’m either on reception, tidying or doing stock take – I love going to work because no day is the same!”
“I’m really keen to specialise in colour and I’ve been lucky enough to practice different techniques – from block colour, balayage, foils and highlights. I even dyed a customer’s hair red the other day.”
This year, Darla will be flying to Budapest with Henderson & Co. to attend a fashion show workshop.
“I feel incredibly lucky to be going with the team to a Kevin Murphy fashion show. It’s another new adventure and an opportunity for me to be taught by the very best influencers and experts in the industry.”
Darla has also got her sights set on gaining more work experience in Australia before returning to Wales to set up her own salon.
Darla said: “I’m hoping to progress with Henderson & Co, and maybe in a few years even live and work in Australia to learn new techniques again. At the moment I’m taking every day as it comes but it would be amazing to set up my own salon eventually.
“My one piece of advice for people who don’t know what they want to do when they’re at school is to talk to others about your options. I felt incredibly listened to and was lucky enough to find a career because of the training and funding provided through Jobs Growth Wales+.”
To learn more about Jobs Growth Wales+ visit workingwales.gov.wales/jobs-growth-wales-plus or call Working Wales on 0800 028 4844.
In Valentine’s Week, Homesitters Ltd, the UK’s leading home and pet sitting company, is highlighting the romantic benefits of a homesitting lifestyle where couples in retirement can spend quality time together enjoying new experiences.
A survey last year by Aviva[i] to find the ultimate ‘retirement bucket list’ found that travel was top of the list; and when it came to how people planned to adapt their lifestyle in retirement, the top answers were they wanted to ‘enjoy myself/have fun’, ‘relax more’ and ‘spend time with family and friends.’
Ben Irvine, Director of Operations at Homesitters said: “Homesitting gives retirees the chance to travel more in the UK, have fun and relax, and spend more time with their partner whilst on assignment looking after people’s pets and homes.”
“Sharing a homesitting experience can be a real treat for couples looking to spend time together and do something purposeful in a new and exciting location. Caring for the home and pets is the priority, but there is also time to pop out to enjoy a romantic pub lunch, tour a local attraction or take a long walk with the dog.”
“Homesitters receive a modest remuneration and get a small food allowance and mileage, plus they can make savings on their own energy bills too. It’s a great way to boost pension income whilst doing something that feels for many like going on a mini holiday.”
John Charlick, 79 years old (pictured above) and his partner of 20 years, Richard, 70, are regular home and pet sitters and they love their way of life. John has been homesitting for seven years since retiring from a career in the hospitality industry and Richard, a former care worker, retired recently so they can now do assignments together.
The couple used to run a small boutique hotel in St Ives in Cornwall. Now they are both are fully retired, they enjoy homesits which they view as mini breaks, with the bonus of looking after someone else’s pet. They tend to do around eight assignments a year, which is enough to keep them busy in retirement.
John and Richard were both keen to stay active in retirement and thought the flexibility of the role would allow them to travel to interesting new places and be around different animals.
John says, “I’m a people person and love the social side of the job, but my favourite thing is staying in gorgeous homes and visiting places I haven’t been to before. We often stay in great locations and very glamorous homes, with swimming pools and tennis courts. I took up playing the piano again a few years ago so if there’s a piano, I enjoy playing in the evenings.
“I also like spending time with the animals, particularly dogs. I’ve owned dogs in the past, but now that we live in a flat it isn’t practical to have one and they are rather a tie. Homesitting gives us the opportunity to look after dogs and take them for walks, but we can then hand them back to their owners – rather like having grandchildren!
“After seven years of home sitting, we have a few regular clients and particularly enjoy home sitting for a lovely couple in London looking after their whippet. We stay there several times a year and usually arrive the night before the client goes away so we can all have supper together – we almost feel like one of the family.”
Homesitters is keen to hear from people interested in home and pet sitting. Ideal candidates are responsible and reliable people, who are good listeners, and will be sensitive to clients’ requirements. Proven pet-care skills and a genuine affinity for animals are also a bonus.
For more information and to apply to become a homesitter visit: www.homesitters.co.uk
As the cost of living continues to soar, many people have turned to the gig economy for extra cash. In 2023, a Finder study revealed that 44% of Brits had at least one side hustle. The survey also found Generation Z to be the most likely age group to have a side hustle — many Gen Zers have flocked to TikTok to slam the 9 to 5 lifestyle. The research found that over 22,000 searches around ‘side hustles’ were conducted monthly on average — a 22% rise from the previous year. Additionally, there were nearly 3,000 online searches for the ‘best side hustles 2023’ each month. Finder stated that the average earnings from a side hustle are £206 per week or £10,701 per year. Yet, according to the website builder GoDaddy, the average side hustler in the UK makes £18,200 in revenue a year. With the range of part-time work available, the income potentials vary, so what are the most lucrative side hustles? In this blog post, Henfield Storage will reveal the average annual income for 10 lucrative side hustles, based on the UK average of 16 hours per week for part-time workers. The side hustles mentioned consistently receive a high volume of online searches around how to succeed in this field. To help you achieve your financial goals, they’ll also advise on how to grow these side jobs and maximise your earnings.
1) Social media influencer (£97,743)
The research identified an average of around 1,700 monthly searches relating to becoming a social media influencer – showing that becoming an online content creator was still a common goal. The searches included 590 on making money from TikTok and nearly 500 around monetising Instagram. In 2022, Adobe’s Future of Creativity study revealed that British influencers earn an average of £117.48 per hour. Of the study’s respondents, 65% were still employed full-time, keeping their content creation as a side hustle. Earning this hourly rate at the average part-time week of 16 hours could result in a staggering £97,743 annually!
How to succeed as an influencer:
Post consistently.
Find a niche that you’re passionate about.
Focus on one or two social media platforms.
Produce a content strategy (consider post timings, type of content, etc).
Engage with your audience.
Invest in equipment (e.g. camera, editing software).
Research what your target audience wants.
Network and build relationships with potential clients and collaborators.
This hourly rate is high and not a guarantee, as there is a vast pay range between influencers. A separate study from Maddyness cited that the average monthly earnings for mega-influencers (with over one million followers) are more than ten times that of micro-influencers (with between one and ten thousand followers on Instagram).
2) TaskRabbit Tasker (£21,532)
According to TaskRabbit, their UK taskers earn an average of £25.88 per hour. While this is much lower than the social media earnings, it’s far more attainable. Taskers can offer various services, such as furniture assembly, cleaning, electrical work, queuing and gardening. Whether you’re handy and can help around the house, can drive, or even just strong enough to lift boxes, there’s probably a task you can charge for at the rate of your choice.
To enhance your business as a tasker:
Invest in quality equipment if your task requires tools.
Be reliable.
Deliver good customer service.
Develop your skills.
Have a valid UK driving licence and/or a reliable form of transport.
If you get to elite status as a tasker, you’ll also gain access to benefits, such as digital GP appointments. With some taskers claiming to earn six figures, this side hustle can be extremely lucrative if taken seriously.
3) Yoga instructor (£20,592)
If you have a passion or talent for yoga, you could turn your hobby into extra cash by becoming an instructor. Using Indeed’s salary checker tool, Henfield Storage found that yoga instructors can earn £24.75 per hour in the UK. The rates can vary, with the cost likely being higher if you teach private classes or work at an establishment, but you may not be able to work as flexibly. You may also need to charge a lower rate if you have less experience. Bear in mind that if you aren’t already qualified, you’ll have to spend money to turn a profit. Yoga teaching training courses can reportedly cost between £1,000 and £3,000. If you’re new to the business and work independently, you’ll likely also need to buy yoga equipment and pay for insurance.
To help you succeed as a yoga instructor:
Continuously improve and expand your skill set.
Build relationships with class members.
Focus on your feedback style.
While being a part-time yoga instructor can help you earn extra cash in your spare time, it’ll likely take time and a small investment before you see a profit if you start from scratch.
4) Private tutor (£19,361)
Helping students improve their grades can be a rewarding way to make some extra money. According to Indeed, working as a tutor can earn you around £23 per hour. You don’t necessarily need teaching qualifications to become a private tutor, but certification in the subject you’re teaching can help your job prospects. Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks also aren’t legally required for tutors, but many parents will look for this qualification when hiring.
To get started as a private tutor:
Choose an area of expertise and study the subject.
Gain experience working with children.
Promote your business on social media, in relevant forums and local community centres.
Seek endorsements and testimonials from clients to build your network.
You could also sign up with an online tutoring platform, like Fleet Tutors or Tutorful, that connects tutors with students. Working with a trusted company could increase your client base and relieve some of the pressure of finding work and managing payments.
5) Freelance professional services (£15,766)
If you’re already skilled in specific areas because of your education or professional experience, consider offering your expertise as a freelancer. Freelance work can include graphic design, marketing, makeup artist work and much more. The research revealed that one of the most popular options, with around 3,600 average monthly searches, was to be a freelance writer, which can earn you nearly £20 per hour. There are many strains of being a writer, from copywriting for websites to news journalism and magazine columns. Making a living off being a full-time writer can be challenging as salaried positions are rare and self-employed writers often face competitiveness and income instability. However, when you aren’t solely relying on it to pay your bills, freelance writing can be a profitable side hustle.
To get started as a freelancer and enhance your prospects:
Decide your rates (research standard industry rates).
Create a portfolio.
Practice and grow your skills.
Register with platforms that connect you with businesses.
Identify your target clients.
The second-most popular freelance gig was to be a voice-over artist, which could involve advertorial, educational, corporate work, and the more competitive entertainment-based jobs. You can earn just over £18 per hour as a voice-over artist.
6) Uber driver (£13,112)
Becoming an Uber driver can be a flexible way to earn extra money. You’ll need a valid UK driving licence, a vehicle that meets Uber’s requirements, and to be over the age of 21. First, sign up online, upload official documents to your profile, complete an onboarding course, and then activate your account. Each city has a minimum amount that you can earn for any trip. Indeed states that the average earnings are £15.76 per hour. However, there are ways to maximise your income.
How to increase your earnings as an Uber driver
Work when rider demand and prices are high (e.g. Friday and Saturday nights, after-work rush hour).
Complete a set number of trips within a certain time frame when the offer is available.
Maintain a clean and welcoming environment, driving efficiently and smoothly and going the extra mile to encourage tips.
Uber drivers can also deliver Uber Eats orders if the service is available in their city. The average earning for delivery drivers is £12.15 per hour on Indeed. Uber Eats delivery drivers will often have more frequent trips but may earn less per trip than Uber drivers due to them likely being short journeys. However, Indeed states that the best-paying delivery driver jobs are transporting packages with Deliverwize for £15.48 per hour on average.
7) Babysitter (£11,898)
The research found an average of 4,400 monthly searches for ‘babysitting jobs’ each month, making it one of the most popular side hustles on this list.
How to become a babysitter:
Start by approaching your friends and family members for work and ask them to let people in their circle know you’re available for childcare.
Ask your first clients for references to help you get hired by people you don’t know.
Join online babysitting groups to get the word out further.
Consider joining an agency to help find clients.
As a babysitter, you’ll need to go to the child’s home to look after them. It often requires spending a few hours supervising the child(ren), keeping them entertained and then putting them to bed. If you want the children to come to your home, you’ll be classed as a childminder and will need to undergo more stringent training and gain qualifications. According to Indeed, the average hourly rate for babysitting is £14.30. To help increase your earnings, offer to work on bank holidays and charge for time and a half. You may also earn a tip if you go out of your way to accommodate the parents’ schedule.
8) Dog walker (£9,127)
If you’re an animal lover and like being outdoors, becoming a dog walker could be an enjoyable way to increase your bank balance. Dog walking can earn you £10.97 per hour, compared to £6.70 per hour for pet sitting. Dog walking and dog sitting, however, can coincide. You don’t need any specific certifications to become a dog walker, but it can help you stand out and warrant a higher demand and fee.
Boost your dog walking CV with:
Experience working with or being around animals.
Qualifications from relevant courses in animal care.
A DBS check.
A driving licence and access to a suitable vehicle.
Specialised insurance.
You can set up your own company or register with an established platform. There may be different requirements if working for another business and, perhaps, less freedom but more support than working independently.
As with any self-employed business, you’ll need to handle advertising yourself through online marketing, testimonials and networking.
9) Rent a room (£8,868)
One of the most popular ways to earn extra money is to rent out a spare room in your home. As well as homeowners, tenants can sublet a room with written permission from their landlord. Looking for rooms to rent is also currently in demand, with a 22% increase in searches.
According to the Spareroom Rental Index, the average monthly room rent is £739 in the UK. Due to the ‘Rent a Room Scheme’, you may be able to earn up to £7,500 tax-free from letting out furnished accommodation in your home. This amount is, however, halved if you share the income with your partner or someone else. Anything over this amount will be taxed, which is worth considering when setting your rate. However, there are some sacrifices to make for this money, including an aspect of your privacy and space. Not only can living with a stranger be inconvenient, but it can also be difficult if disagreements erupt or your new roommate is unreliable with payments and other obligations.
To minimise the risk of these disadvantages:
Test the waters with a rolling contract before committing to a long-term tenancy.
Get the potential tenant’s proof of income, references and identity verification.
Ensure you and the tenant sign a written tenancy agreement if you commit.
Allow the tenant the same respect and space you expect.
While this option isn’t as lucrative as the other side hustles on the list, renting out a room doesn’t require any labour. Aside from the initial advertisement, interviewing potential roommates and cleaning the room for viewings, there isn’t any additional work required. So, when purely looking at the return on investment, renting out a room can be the most worthwhile, and if you’re lucky, it could also introduce you to a new friend.
10) Sell used clothing (£1,800)
In 2023, a Trustpilot report revealed sales of second-hand goods in the UK had soared by 15% compared to the prior year. With six in 10 consumers now buying pre-loved items, the cost of living crisis was cited as the biggest reason for the second-hand shopping spike. Selling used items is nothing new, but it has never been so accessible with various apps and websites available, such as eBay, Depop, and Facebook Marketplace. The analysis discovered 4,400 average monthly searches to ‘sell clothing online’. We also found that searches around selling on Vinted had increased by 53% in the last year. The popular resale platform Vinted previously claimed sellers can earn £150 per month on average selling clothes. Of the Vinted members who transfer their earnings from selling items to their bank, 43% said in a report that they use this money to fund everyday household expenses.
How to maximise your earnings from selling used clothing:
Time your posts for relevant seasonal occasions (e.g. wedding season, Christmas party season).
Post clear photos of the item well-presented, in good lighting and with a plain background.
Include popular and relevant search terms in your listing.
Set an appropriate price (if using a platform that doesn’t allow bids).
Send your sold items quickly to encourage good reviews.
The earning potential varies across apps, but as Vinted sales don’t come with seller fees, instead charging the buyer, the platform allows for higher potential earnings.
What do you need to grow a lucrative side hustle?
Across many types of side hustles, there are consistent requirements that will enhance your success and help you stand out among competitors.
Invest in equipment
Most side jobs require equipment, from cameras and laptops to ladders and toolboxes. While you can start with the basics to help you get the business off the ground, investing in higher quality and a wider variety of equipment will help you expand your services once you’ve started turning a profit.
Expand your space
Most side hustles start at home, but if they become successful, often require another space to expand the business. It’s likely not worth renting an entire office for part-time work, but you could work in a communal workspace. If you’re a yoga instructor, used clothing seller, or even an influencer, you may need to rent a business storage unit to keep your tools and stock if your collection becomes too large to keep in your home. If you’re renting a room out, you may find it most cost-effective to store some of your belongings in a self-storage unit to make the space available for charging rent.
Network and promote
Many types of freelance and independent work require you to self-promote your services. Depending on the type of work, this could mean joining and posting in online groups or growing your own social media accounts/pages. Alternatively, you could try more traditional advertising methods, such as placing leaflets and posters in local areas where your target audience may frequent. If you’re looking to break into a particular industry, you may also benefit from attending professional events, reaching out to potential employers and taking people out for coffee to introduce yourself.
Monitor tax requirements
From the start of 2024, digital platforms often used for side hustles, such as Vinted, Uber, Deliveroo, and Airbnb, will automatically pass your information to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). This information will include your number of sales and how much income you’ve generated. However, don’t let this tax requirement stop you from following your passions or meeting your financial goals. This new rule doesn’t change who pays tax on earnings from digital platforms, but it does mean that HMRC has more visibility about who owes tax. Side hustlers have a £1,000 trading allowance, meaning anything you can earn below this amount is tax-free. If you earn more than £1,000 through online sales or property-related services, you’ll need to declare your income to HMRC and complete a self-assessment tax return. So, it’s important to closely monitor your earnings so you don’t unknowingly exceed the tax-free amount. You can learn more about whether you owe tax in HMRC’s online guide and the gov.uk tool. If you’re still unsure about your tax requirements and earn over the income tax rate, seek professional advice from an accountant. A lucrative side hustle can help pay your bills, boost your savings and provide some extra cash to improve your quality of life. Although it often requires longer work days, it can also be creatively fulfilling if this isn’t something you’re achieving through your day job. If you invest money and time into your side hustle, it could also one day become your primary job.
Homesitters UK, the UK’s leading home and pet sitting company, is on a mission to recruit new homesitters in 2024 to meet increased demand for its service. The company is particularly interested in individuals who are retired or not in full time employment and looking for part time work or people with portfolio careers.
The company wants to attract the growing band of part time workers in the UK. According to analysis Office for National Statistics(ONS) data by Rest Less[i] there has been a 12 per cent increase in over 50s working part time in the last two years, a 26 per cent rise in the last decade and a 56 per cent increase since 2003. Two thirds of people (66 per cent) who were still working past 65 were part time, as well as 40 per cent of people aged 60-64.
Ben Irvine, Director of Operations at Homesitters said: “2024 is set to be a busy year for us. People are travelling again, there has been a huge growth in pet ownership since Covid and demand for our services has risen. We want to hire couples and single people interested in a part time, flexible role that gives people a sense of purpose, a chance to spend time with animals as well as opportunities to travel and boost their income.
“January is always busy with applications but this year we expect this to hit new levels as older people want to continue working to help with cost-of-living challenges. Homesitters are employed directly by us and benefit from the safety net that comes with working with a trusted company, including comprehensive insurance and 24/7 support for people when they are on assignments.”
Homesitting couple Tim and Rosey Mackervoy, both 60 years old, were introduced to home and pet sitting two years ago and couldn’t be happier with their decision to embrace this flexible job. When Tim’s 40-year career in the construction industry came to an end in 2021, and Rosey, a former child minder, decided to step back from work as well, they were excited by the prospect of starting a new chapter homesitting to keep busy in retirement.
Tim says, “We have stayed in some beautiful places, from Grade II listed properties to new and modern homes, and looked after some incredible pets and had lots of fun doing it. Homesitters check in with us when we are on assignment and always arrange preliminary meetings with clients which we find really useful, so we know exactly how the house works and the pets’ routines before we start.”
The Mackervoys are both animal lovers who have owned two border collies and two cats in the past, but they felt that the timing wasn’t right to commit to owning more pets.
Rosey says, “We now have the opportunity to stay in new places we would never have thought to visit. We miss having our own pets, but doing this job we still can enjoy taking care of animals, which we love. It’s a really great way to get the best of both worlds.
Discussing the other perks of homesitting, Tim says, “We also make savings working as homesitters and have seen lower bills due to our time away on assignments.”
Tim calls their homesitting earnings their ‘pocket money,’ emphasising that all the money they make goes towards paying for their annual holiday.
For Tim and Rosey, homesitting isn’t just a way to fill their time; it’s a lifestyle that combines adventure, animal companionship, and financial benefits.
Homesitters is keen to hear from people interested in home and pet sitting. Ideal candidates are responsible and reliable people, who are good listeners, and will be sensitive to clients’ requirements. Proven pet-care skills and a genuine affinity for animals are also a bonus.
For more information and to apply to become a homesitter visit: www.homesitters.co.uk
Homesitters UK, the UK’s leading home and pet sitting company, is on a mission to recruit new homesitters in 2024 to meet increased demand for its service. The company is particularly interested in individuals who are retired or not in full time employment and looking for part time work or people with portfolio careers.
The company wants to attract the growing band of part time workers in the UK. According to analysis Office for National Statistics(ONS) data by Rest Less[i] there has been a 12 per cent increase in over 50s working part time in the last two years, a 26 per cent rise in the last decade and a 56 per cent increase since 2003. Two thirds of people (66 per cent) who were still working past 65 were part time, as well as 40 per cent of people aged 60-64.
Ben Irvine, Director of Operations at Homesitters said: “2024 is set to be a busy year for us. People are travelling again, there has been a huge growth in pet ownership since Covid and demand for our services has risen. We want to hire couples and single people interested in a part time, flexible role that gives people a sense of purpose, a chance to spend time with animals as well as opportunities to travel and boost their income.
“January is always busy with applications but this year we expect this to hit new levels as older people want to continue working to help with cost-of-living challenges. Homesitters are employed directly by us and benefit from the safety net that comes with working with a trusted company, including comprehensive insurance and 24/7 support for people when they are on assignments.”
Homesitting couple Tim and Rosey Mackervoy, both 60 years old, were introduced to home and pet sitting two years ago and couldn’t be happier with their decision to embrace this flexible job. When Tim’s 40-year career in the construction industry came to an end in 2021, and Rosey, a former child minder, decided to step back from work as well, they were excited by the prospect of starting a new chapter homesitting to keep busy in retirement.
Tim says, “We have stayed in some beautiful places, from Grade II listed properties to new and modern homes, and looked after some incredible pets and had lots of fun doing it. Homesitters check in with us when we are on assignment and always arrange preliminary meetings with clients which we find really useful, so we know exactly how the house works and the pets’ routines before we start.”
The Mackervoys are both animal lovers who have owned two border collies and two cats in the past, but they felt that the timing wasn’t right to commit to owning more pets.
Rosey says, “We now have the opportunity to stay in new places we would never have thought to visit. We miss having our own pets, but doing this job we still can enjoy taking care of animals, which we love. It’s a really great way to get the best of both worlds.
Discussing the other perks of homesitting, Tim says, “We also make savings working as homesitters and have seen lower bills due to our time away on assignments.”
Tim calls their homesitting earnings their ‘pocket money,’ emphasising that all the money they make goes towards paying for their annual holiday.
For Tim and Rosey, homesitting isn’t just a way to fill their time; it’s a lifestyle that combines adventure, animal companionship, and financial benefits.
Homesitters is keen to hear from people interested in home and pet sitting. Ideal candidates are responsible and reliable people, who are good listeners, and will be sensitive to clients’ requirements. Proven pet-care skills and a genuine affinity for animals are also a bonus.
For more information and to apply to become a homesitter visit: www.homesitters.co.uk
Evenbreak, the world’s first global disability job board for disabled people and run by disabled people, is inviting disabled candidates to a webinar to hear how diversity helps to support the financial sectors. Representatives from Invesco, Fidelity International and M&G will talk about their organisations and how they support disabled employees. Candidates are invited to explore the roles available within these organisations.
This exclusive event held 16.11.23, from 12.30pm until 1.50pm will see the panellists myth bust your impressions of the financial sector, reveal more about core roles in HR, marketing and sales, tech, insurance security and many more. There will also be a panel discussion with financial sector representatives who will share their inclusive recruitment practices followed by breakout sessions offering candidates the opportunity to find out how they can thrive within the finance sector.
Evenbreak’s The Meet The Sector Financial Sector panellist include:
Invesco
Andrea Hammond (EMEA Talent Acquisition Manager)
Laura Ladd (Legal and Company Secretarial Admin Assistant)
Fidelity International
Yvette De Souza – Early Careers Global Senior Programme Manager
Stephanie Marshall – EMEA Head of Talent Acquisition
M&G
Mark McLane – Director of Diversity and Inclusion
Emily Northcott – Asset Management Recruiter
Suzie Threlfall – Asset Management Recruiter
Sasha Riar – Apprenticeship Manager
Candidates are invited to join Evenbreak and find out how their skills can support the organisations that help to create, grow and the UK’s financial services industry.
Registration is free to Meet the Sector and could find the perfect new role that suits the talents of candidates. Register your place here.
Staycations grew in popularity following Covid restrictions on travel abroad in 2020-2022, and they are trend here to stay.
New research by Cofton Holidays[i] revealed that 73% of adults are more likely to opt for ‘staycations’ in the UK instead of a holiday abroad over the next year.
It also revealed that 1 in 3 UK adults (34%) said that the likelihood of them going on UK breaks instead of an overseas trip had increased compared to before Covid-19 and the cost of living crisis.
The top five reasons are because UK breaks are seen as easier to plan (63%); cheaper (51%); easier to travel to (42%); a way to avoid chaos at airports (41%) and avoid uncertainty around travel restrictions in other countries (35%).
But what if there was a way to make a staycation even cheaper and easier, as well as earn a bit of extra money? Well, there is good news there is, and that is to become a home and pet sitter!
Homesitting is a flexible role for people who want to keep active and busy as well as boost their pension income.
The role appeals for lots of reasons with our recent research with our homesitters finding that the top three benefits of the job are the chance to explore the UK, look after pets, and have a change of scenery.
Many of our homesitters have also suggested the role is like having lots of ‘mini holidays’ throughout the year with each assignment giving them the opportunity to visit somewhere new and stay for free!
It’s the ultimate staycation as people can choose assignments in places they have always wanted to visit and don’t have to pay for accommodation.
On top of that, homesitters receive a modest remuneration, are reimbursed for mileage when they travel to and from an assignment, plus receive a daily food allowance.
For two of our homesitters, Martin and Kristine Bell the chance to stay in new places throughout the UK and spend time with pets is a big part of the attraction.
Martin and Kristine are from Nottinghamshire and decided to start home and pet sitting after retiring. Martin retired at the age of 60 from a career in industry and legal secretary, Kristine decided to retire at the same time so they could spend more time together.
The couple didn’t want to sit around doing nothing during their retirement and were keen to get out and meet new people and visit new places. Homesitting seemed a good way of doing this. They also wanted to spend time with animals without the commitment involved in being a dog owner, after the losing their dog.
Martin said: “We started homesitting in 2017 after we lost our 14 year old west highland terrier. We love dogs but we were coming up to retirement and didn’t want the commitment of having another one, so homesitting seemed like the ideal way for us to get our animal fix without the long-term commitment.”
“Generally, we do around 10 sits a year – and they can range from a weekend stay to a couple of weeks. We could do more but we like to do other things too. The main reason we homesit is because of our love of animals but it can be a very good way to boost a state pension and make savings on utility bills too – particularly during the winter months.”
The Bells thoroughly enjoy the homesitting lifestyle. They spend the evenings reading, or doing crosswords and suduko puzzles and Kristine enjoys knitting. In one home there was a large dining room table so they did a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle over the course of their stay.
Martin adds, “We’re just ordinary people doing ordinary things and getting the maximum benefit from our retirement. You’d be surprised how many people aren’t aware that home and pet sitting is a job and we’d recommend it to anyone who’s retired.
“Where else would you get the opportunity to stay in different homes in new places and experience other people’s pets and lifestyles and not have to pay lots of money to do it?”
We are currently recruiting, so if like the Bells you want to enjoy staycations for free and spend time with pets then check out the Become a homesiter section on our website which explains more about the role, the types of people we are looking for and how to apply.
Retiring may lead to low mood or worsening existing symptoms of depression according to research[i] as people adjust to life without the routine of work.
The Mental Health Foundation highlights that depression affects about 22% of men and 28% of women aged 65 years and older. Even those not experiencing low mood or depression can find retirement challenging as they can feel they have lost their purpose and identity.
According to leading home and pet sitting company, Homesitters Ltd, keeping busy in retirement by taking on a part-time flexible role like homesitting can be a meaningful solution.
Research from the company this year found that homesitters feel happier, are better off, and have a sense of purpose in retirement due to homesitting.
Ben Irvine, Director of Operations at Homesitters Ltd said: “After retiring some people can experience a real sense of loss and self-worth as they no longer have their career to focus on or work colleagues to interact with.
“This is why many of our homesitters chose the role, some even before they retired, as they want the structure, responsibility and purpose it offers. It’s a flexible position that involves taking care of people’s homes and pets when they go away.
“Homesitters can choose how many assignments they do each year, which means it can work around other commitments such as travelling or spending time on hobbies. The top benefits for most are exploring the UK, looking after pets, and having a change of scenery.”
Homesitters receive a modest remuneration, they are reimbursed for mileage when they travel to and from an assignment, and they receive a daily food allowance. They also make savings on their own bills when they are on assignment.
63-year-old Julie Wade from Kent decided to become a homesitter after finding that retirement didn’t completely suit her. Previously she had enjoyed a fast-paced career as a senior manager at John Lewis, but after retiring felt that she had lost her purpose in life.
She thought that becoming a homesitter would not only keep her busy but enable her to combine her two passions of animals and travelling.
Julie says: “I’ve always loved to travel and when I turned 40, I made a promise to myself to visit a new country every year. As a homesitter, I still get to travel around the UK visiting lots of new places and different counties rather than different countries, having adventures and meeting new people and their pets.”
Julie is very much focused on doing homesitting to make the most of the new experiences including staying in interesting places and being around animals. She says: “It feels good to be out of the rat race and finally have time to do all the things that life gets too busy for.”
Julie describes home and pet sitting as ‘the perfect job’ and says: ‘I’m so pleased I’ve finally found a job which allows me to have it all; time with my family, free time to go to new places and have adventures, and a great way to stay active and fit.”
Ben adds: “We’re currently recruiting more homesitters and are looking for responsible and reliable people, who are good listeners, and will be sensitive to our clients’ requirements. Proven pet-care skills and a genuine affinity for animals is a bonus too. Anyone that thinks they fit the bill we’d love to hear from.”
For more information and to apply to become a homesitter visit: www.homesitters.co.uk
