Caithness jobs fair to highlight homeworking opportunities

19th February 2013

People in Caithness and Sutherland looking for new career opportunities in business services are being encouraged to attend an event in Thurso this Saturday (23 Feb).

Experts from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) will be amongst exhibitors at the Caithness ‘Jobs and How to Get Them’ fair at the ETEC Building, North Highland College. HIE will be offering information on how to find out about new opportunities and highlighting the benefits of homeworking.

Homeworking can introduce career opportunities in rural communities, including new options for people who might find it difficult to attend a traditional workplace for various reasons such as caring responsibilities, a disability or limited access to transport.

Mairi Macleod, based in Thurso, attended one of HIE’s previous sessions and went on to become a homeworker. She will be at the event to share her experiences.

“I chose to become self employed 18 months ago to allow me to be at home working and to work around my children’s needs”, Mairi commented.

”Personally I opted to become self-employed and partner with Arise UK, as this allowed me to select my hours and the client I provided a service to. There are several other options available which would mean you are an employee and work to contracts.

”Whilst moving to self employment and becoming a limited company was daunting, it was an extremely worthwhile decision to have made.”

In addition to providing information on homeworking, HIE will be offering the opportunity to sign up to its Skills Register. The Highlands and Islands Skills Register provides an overview of the skills and abilities available across the area relevant to Business Services employers. People who sign up will be kept to date through an e-newsletter on potential homeworking, as well as site based opportunities and news and events as they happen. To sign up please visit: www.hie.co.uk/skillsregister