Catering assistant Pauline Burgess had been working in a hospital for 37 years when changes in legislation regarding salad preparation meant that her job ceased to exist. She was selected for redeployment and Unison Project Worker, Jane Eyre, was asked to provide support to help Pauline find new work.

Pauline was very nervous about looking for new work as she had been in one job for such a long time.  She felt that she had no transferable skills and she also had low levels of confidence.

Working through the Value my Skills cards, she discovered that she had a range of positive skills from her previous work and her home life including organisational, budgeting skills, communication and working with people.

Using the cards really helped boost her self-confidence and she began to believe that she had the ability to find another job.  However, it became very clear that her digital skills were very low and needed to be improved

Pauline’s digital skills were almost non-existent so the thought of learning to use a computer at the age of 57 was daunting. To address this lack of confidence, Pauline worked one-to-one with Jane for an hour a week over 6 weeks to learn the basics such as how to use a mouse, how to access mandatory training (most of which is only available online) and how to access digital forms such as wage slips, rotas and online appraisals.

She was able to practice on computers purchased by the Union Learning Fund (ULF) and the NHS Trust for staff to use at work, and Jane was also available for reassurance whenever Pauline felt nervous.

Jane made sure that Pauline was able to do the repetition and practice needed to develop her digital skills by integrating plenty of games and fun activities into the mix. Pauline was also able to take home one of the learning laptops, also purchased by the ULF, so that she could practice at home.

While learning about computers, Pauline looked at several different jobs, some of which were unsuitable due to the level of IT skills or number of working hours required.  While talking to a variety of managers, she was accompanied by Jane who provided the support and confidence that she needed.

Pauline has now found a new post. Still in catering, she is now in a much more public-facing role covering a range of different roles including working the tills, serving at the deli bar and working in the coffee shop.  

Key to the success of this redeployment exercise was the on-going one-to-one support provided by ULR Jane. It helped Pauline to overcome her lack of confidence and allowed her to progress more quickly in her digital skills as the work was targeted precisely at her skills gaps. It also helped her keep on track with both her new learning and looking for a new job.

Pauline is very happy about the support she received and how it has changed her life. She says,

There’s a lot of help out there if you take it. It’s important to try everything – you never know, you might be pleasantly surprised.  For me, redeployment was a good opportunity to learn new skills through the union.  The union is there to support you and can help you turn a negative experience into something much more positive”

Change in the workplace affects everyone and you may need support in managing that change. Unionlearns “Smart choices: preparing for the third age” publication is full of ideas and support.