A SOUTHAMPTON business is urging people who may have lost their jobs throughout the pandemic to consider bringing their skills to the care sector.

The care provider based in the city is looking for new people to fill 50 roles and is urging those from all sectors, including retail and hospitality, to come forward.

As the pandemic brings unemployment and an uncertain future for the job market, Home Instead Southampton is urging local people to consider a career in care.

While there are job losses in a range of sectors, the pandemic has caused a surge in demand for home care as people look to protect their loved ones.

Of the 50 caregiver jobs on offer, six of them are for live-in caregivers who move into a client’s home to provide care.

Greg Harrold, owner of Home Instead Southampton, says: “Our caregivers come from a range of backgrounds, and that’s how we’re able to deliver personalised care for a range of seniors with different needs.

"It doesn’t matter what career you have previously worked in; as long as you have a warm heart and a desire to make a difference, we want to hear from you.”

Debbie joined the company in May 2020, the midst of the pandemic, and came from a background in accountancy.

She said: “I come from an accountancy background, so becoming a caregiver was a great leap. I’m so pleased I went for it though! As a live-in caregiver, which means that I have resided in clients’ homes, I have particularly made a difference to the lives of seniors in my community.

“My previous career involved dealing with a range of people daily, and that’s how my clients and I have warmed to each other so quickly. I would highly recommend anyone who is thinking about having a career change to consider a role in care.”

Home Instead clients are supported to live as independently as possible, by caregivers that they come to know well and who visit for a minimum of an hour at a time.

Caregivers’ duties are tailored to the needs of individual clients and ranges from companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, post-discharge care, personal care, shopping and errands.