The past six years haven’t been easy for Cliff Davitt, 61, from Edinburgh. In 2014, he gave up work in a warehouse to care for his wife, Vivian, who had cancer.
He returned to work in 2017 after she died, but suffered a stroke two years later, which meant he was no longer physically fit enough for the job.
“I was in a really dark place for a while and my confidence was at an all-time low,” Cliff admits. “You learn to live with your grief, but you never get over it.”
Eventually Cliff was ready to return to work, but he was unsure of what he would be able to do. “I’d always done the same sort of job,” he says. “I’d never had an interview, and I didn’t have a CV. I didn’t know what to do.”
Accessing support
Cliff contacted Business in the Community’s Age at Work team who provide a suite of resources to help older jobseekers return to work or explore new roles, from online workshops on CVs, to searching for jobs online.
They also have a coffee club where people can share their experiences, and get tips, advice and support.
“I had to do the courses online because of the pandemic, but they were really helpful and gave me confidence,” says Cliff.
“The team also helped me write my CV and gave me interview tips, as well as arranged some work experience for me in a local Waitrose to improve my confidence. “And when a job came up in October 2021, I applied and got it.”
A new chapter
Now, Cliff works at Waitrose’s Comeley Bank branch four days a week.
He says: “I absolutely love my job. I never thought I’d be good with customers, but it turns out I am. I was very quiet at first, but my supervisor was lovely, and encouraged and supported me in building up my confidence.
“Now I’m older, I’m also more patient and reliable. I’m always on the shop floor ready for my shift half an hour earlier.”
And Cliff’s manager has nothing but praise for him.
Margaret Orrock, at Waitrose Comely Bank, says: “I’d absolutely recommend others to consider recruiting older workers. Cliff is a prime example; he has a great work ethic, and is really popular with customers and partners alike.
“It’s also important to have a good mix of backgrounds. It allows us to draw on a wider range of experience, and, ultimately, better understand and serve our customers.”
Cliff adds: “I’ve never been happier. I look forward to going to work. If you’re thinking of going back to work, do it. People in their fifties and sixties have so much to offer – you can’t replace that experience. My whole life has changed for the better since I started working again.”
Looking for a job in Scotland?
Mark, a 50PLUS champion at Jobcentre Plus, highlights opportunities for older workers in the area.
Care
“There are lots of jobs available across Scotland and our community and social care services to be filled. The NHS Carer to Carpenter campaign is also stimulating interest in the vast array of jobs within the NHS – not just care roles.”
Logistics
“Drivers up to and including Class 1 HGV are in demand. If you don’t have this, but are claiming benefits, we can finance training through the flexible support fund. Many jobs are on offer across Scotland; the central belt has several depots and routes available.”
Public sector
“There are many opportunities within the public sector and civil service across Scotland which you can also look into. For help upskilling or applying, visit the JobHelp website.”
Hospitality
“There are a number of roles available in tourism and hospitality across the region. The Whitbread Group is just one employer with opportunities currently on offer.”
Seasonal work
“Look out for upcoming job fairs in September and October to support Christmas recruitment. Royal Mail is a big employer who always looks to recruit extra staff at Christmas all over Scotland.”
