Seasonal Retail Sales Assistant
The Works
Estimated pay: £7.49-10.47 per hour
Glenrothes, KY7 5NW
Part time, contract
The Breakroom Take
- Recommended by students
- Recommended by parents
- Respectful managers
- Proper breaks
About The Works
The Works is a retailer. They sell books, stationery, toys, and art and craft materials.
Job description from The Works
Fixed Term Contract - ending on 31st December 2024.
Whilst we can't make any promises right now, there is often potential for us to take on some seasonal colleagues on a permanent basis after the initial festive contract
8 hours per week
Why The Works?We don’t just sell products. We inspire reading, learning, creativity and play.You sell the paint that turns someone into an artist. You provide the book that unleashes an inner author. You supply the games that help bring families together. You give someone the puzzle book that reconnects them with a late family member’s memory.
You never know who someone will become. So with your passion, and our products, you will help ignite the spark within people, allowing them to unleash their creativity, find new passions, hobbies, or rekindle fond memories.
The unseen possibilities are limitless, and it all starts with you.
- 25% Colleague Discount! - Helping you to save money for those presents!
- My Works - Exclusive online discounts across hundreds of retailers, holidays, utility deals, tech and more!
- Can-Do Academy - Take control of your development with instant access to courses and training in areas that interest you.
- ⛄ Wage/Paystream - Stream early access to 50% of your wages as you earn them – for when ‘life’ happens!
- 24/7 support for you and your family - Through our partnership with Retail Trust Charity, who provide an Employee Assistance Programme from Emotional Support to Financial Health and Physical Wellbeing.
As a Seasonal Sales Assistant, you'll join our merry crew and help make this holiday season the best one yet! Supporting our busy peak period leading up to the holiday, you will be the heart of our retail store, welcoming customers with a friendly smile and inspiring them to read, learn, create, or play!
We have lots of deliveries and seasonal stock to manage. The role can be physically demanding and hard work - you'll need to be physically comfortable managing stairs and heavy stock, but our supportive team of crafty, caring, and can-do colleagues will be there to lend a helping hand!
Joining us during this period is a great way to take advantage of our 25% colleague discount to help in the run up to holiday season.
The Works is an awesome place to… well, work! Our atmosphere is supportive, friendly, and inclusive. A second home-from-home where you can be your best and authentic you.
Our environment is always moving and full of energy, yet we still make space to share must-watch TV recommendations, and our favourite page-turners. Because even superheroes need some downtime to fuel their imaginations!
We are one team. You won’t find anyone too proud to roll up their sleeves here, with all hands-on-deck to inspire our customers and support each other.
• Excite and Delight: Spread joy with your friendly service and inspire customers to read, learn, create, or play with our magical products!
• Loyalty Ambassador: Jingle all the way as you help customers to craft a christmas well spent and know they can get more bang for their money at The Works – they’ll thank you with bells on!
• Merchandising Marvel: Unwrap your creative flair by following our planograms for key product areas. And when you have the freedom, let your creativity dance like snowflakes in non-planogrammed spaces to catch the eye!
• Deliveries: Become a puzzle-master as you manage heavy deliveries, price & label products like a pro, sort items onto shop floor displays, and make sure the stockroom is as snug as a Christmas stocking!
• Have fun! Be your best, authentic elf-self and embrace the opportunity to connect with our brand, colleagues, and customers. Have a jolly good time making the store a twinkling wonderland to visit and work!
- Genuine and authentic: Your positivity, creativity, and passion for our brand and products shine through like twinkling lights on a Christmas tree. Talking to people is your superpower, and customers can’t resist your helpful recommendations!
- Resilient champion: You can handle the fast-paced retail environment like a boss, juggling busy days, heavy deliveries, and customers with ease. You’re the ultimate multitasking hero!
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Stock magician: You tackle the puzzle of sorting, pricing, and merchandising deliveries like Santa’s little helper! Embrace the boxes; they’ve got nothing on you!
Remember, you’re not just an colleague – you’re a festive elf spreading cheer and making the season merry and bright!
Our ValuesTo inspire reading, learning, creativity and play - making lives more fulfilled
We are Crafty | We are Caring | We are Can-do
At The Works, we are proud to have an inclusive culture where everyone truly feels able to be themselves. Our roles are open to all, including under-represented groups such as ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, carers & members of the LGBTQ+ community (including those who identify as lesbian, gay, bi, trans, non-binary, or use another term).
We are open to discussions around working hours and flexible working. And, where possible, we'll try to support this. If you need reasonable adjustments for an interview you might attend with us, let us know in your application and we’ll be happy to help!
Job insights from Breakroom
Retail and sales assistants:
Sales assistants help customers and sell goods and services
What you’ll do as a retail and sales assistant:
- Serve and advise customers
- Take delivery of goods and stock
- Arrange and display goods
- Check for damaged or missing items
- Handle customer payments, returns and refunds
- Keep the store clean and tidy
Is it right for you?
This job may involve:
- Dealing with customers
- Standing
- Wearing a uniform
- Heavy lifting
- Cleaning
- Physical activities
What employees say
Pay
-
Needs improving
-
Most people aren’t paid a living wage
Do The Works pay sales assistants enough to live on?
Most people are not paid a living wage.
How we know this
99% of people say they are paid below the Real Living Wage for where they live.Based on data from 79 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2022 and September 2024.
Why this matters
Everyone should be paid enough to live on.
The Real Living Wage is a voluntary rate employers can sign up to that is based on the real cost of living.
The current rates are £12.00 per hour, and £13.15 per hour in London.
Find out more in our explainer about the Real Living Wage.
Needs improving
-
Most people are paid below market rates
Do The Works pay sales assistants market rates?
Most people are paid less than average for their job.
How we know this
93% of people are paid below average for the type of work they do.Based on data from 30 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2023 and September 2024.
Why this matters
Pay can vary a lot between types of job. Employers should be ensuring that the rates their staff are paid are in line with similar roles elsewhere.
Needs improving
-
Under 21s get paid less than everyone else
Do sales assistants at The Works get paid the same regardless of age?
No, people under the age of 21 get paid less than those above 21.
See what The Works pays different age groupsHow we know this
The average pay of under 21s is less than those who are over 21.Based on data from 91 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2022 and September 2024.
Needs improving
-
Most people don’t get paid breaks
Do sales assistants at The Works get paid breaks?
No. Most people don’t get paid breaks.
How we know this
98% of people say they don’t get paid breaks.Based on data from 85 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2022 and September 2024.
Why this matters
A good job should have paid breaks.
You should be paid for all your time at work, whether you’re on a break or not.
Needs improving
-
Most people don’t get sick pay
Do The Works pay sales assistants sick pay?
No. Most people don’t get proper sick pay.
How we know this
86% of people say they wouldn’t get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.Based on data from 64 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2022 and September 2024.
Why this matters
Everyone gets sick sometimes. You should be able to take time off without worrying.
At a good job you should still get paid if you’re scheduled to work but can’t due to sickness. Your contract should say how many sick days you can take each year.
This is more than the legal minimum, which says you should only get paid if you are unwell for 4 full days. See Citizens Advice for more details.
Okay
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Some people do unpaid extra work
Do sales assistants at The Works do extra work that they don't get paid for?
Sometimes. Some people do unpaid extra work.
How we know this
40% of people report that they do extra work that they don’t get paid for.Based on data from 81 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2022 and September 2024.
Why this matters
Everyone should get paid for any extra work they do, even if it is outside your contracted hours. At a good job, you should be paid for all the time you spend at work.
Hours and flexibility
-
Okay
-
Less than 4 weeks notice of shifts
How much notice do sales assistants get of their shift pattern at The Works?
Only some people get 4 weeks notice of when they’re working.
How we know this
- 37% of people with changing schedules report getting one week notice or less.
- 20% of people with changing schedules report getting two weeks notice.
- 10% of people with changing schedules report getting three weeks notice.
- 33% of people with changing schedules report getting four weeks notice or more.
Based on data from 30 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2023 and September 2024.
Why this matters
At a good job, you get plenty of notice about when you’re working.
This makes it easy for you to plan the rest of life, as well as your finances, because you know how much you’ll be working and when.
Okay
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Some people worry about their hours
Do sales assistants at The Works worry about hours?
Some people worry about getting enough hours.
How we know this
48% of people report they worry about getting enough hours.Based on data from 83 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2022 and September 2024.
Why this matters
At a good job, you shouldn’t have to worry about getting enough hours each week.
A good job should guarantee you a minimum number of hours in a contract, if you want it.
This makes it easier to plan your finances, because you know how much you’ll be earning.
Okay
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Only some people get a choice of shifts
Do sales assistants at The Works get to choose the shifts they work?
Some people don’t get enough choice over which shifts they work.
How we know this
37% report that their manager doesn’t give them enough choice over which shifts they work.Based on data from 30 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2023 and September 2024.
Why this matters
A good job is flexible around your personal life. This means you get a say in when you prefer to work.
Okay
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Can be hard to change shifts
How easy is it for sales assistants at The Works to change shifts?
Some people find it hard to change shifts.
How we know this
38% of people report that it’s hard to change shifts if they need to.Based on data from 60 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2022 and September 2024.
Why this matters
A good job is flexible around your personal life. It should be easy to change a shift if you need to, whether that’s in an emergency or for planning ahead.
Good
-
Easy to book holiday
How easy is it for sales assistants to book a holiday at The Works?
Most people find it easy to book holiday.
How we know this
74% of people report it’s easy to book holidays.Based on data from 76 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2022 and September 2024.
Why this matters
A good job should let you take time off when you need it, and it shouldn’t be a nightmare to arrange.
Okay
-
Shifts can get changed at short notice
Do The Works managers change sales assistants shifts at short notice?
Some managers change people’s shifts at short notice.
How we know this
58% of people say their manager changes their shifts at the last minute.Based on data from 79 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2022 and September 2024.
Why this matters
If your manager is often changing your shifts at short notice that’s a sign of poor planning. At a good job you won’t be messed around at the last minute.
Okay
-
Some people find it hard to take sick leave
How easy is it for sales assistants to take sick leave at The Works?
Some people find it hard to take sick leave.
How we know this
40% of people report that it’s hard to take time off if they are sick.Based on data from 63 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2022 and September 2024.
Why this matters
Everyone gets sick sometimes. You should be able to take time off when you need to.
A good job should support you when you’re unwell and have systems in place that will allow you to take time off to recover when you need it.
Good
-
Most students say it’s good
Is sales assistants at The Works job good for students?
Most students say this is a good place to work if you’re studying.
How we know this
74% of students report this is a good place to work if you’re studying.Based on data from 27 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2022 and September 2024.
Why this matters
A good job should allow you to fit work around important things in your life, like studying.
Life isn’t just about work. Good jobs make space for you to do well in both.
Workplace
-
Good
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Most people feel treated with respect
Do sales assistants at The Works feel treated with respect by their managers?
Most people feel treated with respect by their managers.
How we know this
80% of people say they’re treated with respect by their managers.Based on data from 74 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2022 and September 2024.
Why this matters
Everyone should get treated with respect by their managers. You shouldn’t feel discriminated against or bullied, and if you have a problem you should be able to speak to someone about it.
Good
-
Most people get proper breaks
Do sales assistants at The Works get proper breaks?
Most people get proper breaks.
How we know this
83% of people report that they get to take proper breaks.Based on data from 75 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2022 and September 2024.
Why this matters
When you take a break it should be a proper rest. It should last the full duration and you shouldn’t get pulled off it.
Okay
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Some people are stressed
Is it stressful for sales assistants to work at The Works?
Some people feel stressed here.
How we know this
62% of people say they often feel stressed at work.Based on data from 73 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2022 and September 2024.
Why this matters
Work isn’t always easy, but if you’re frequently feel stressed, that’s not good.
Your employer should support you with enough people and resources to get your job done without feeling overwhelmed.
Okay
-
Only some people enjoy their job
Do sales assistants at The Works enjoy their jobs?
Only some people enjoy their job.
How we know this
36% of people report they don’t enjoy their job.Based on data from 64 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2022 and September 2024.
Okay
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Only some people recommend their team
Do sales assistants at The Works recommend working with their team?
Only some people recommend working with their team.
How we know this
51% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.Based on data from 83 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2022 and September 2024.
Why this matters
A good job means enjoying the place where you work.
The people you work with every day really matter. They can be the difference between a terrible day and a great one.
If you’d recommend your team to a friend, this shows that something’s going right.
Okay
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Only some people get enough training
Do sales assistants get enough training when they start at The Works?
Some people did’t get enough training when they started.
How we know this
43% of people report they didn’t get enough training when they started working here.Based on data from 80 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2022 and September 2024.
Why this matters
A good job should give you good training when you start, not just drop you in at the deep end.
This means that you’ll be happier and more productive from day one and shows that your employer values you.
It’s also very important if your job involves anything that could be dangerous. Good training from the outset keeps you and your team safe.
Okay
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Only some people get support to progress
Are sales assistants given support to progress at The Works?
Only some people are given support to progress here.
How we know this
In the last year, 46% of people report not being given an opportunity to get better at their job, learn a new skill, learn to manage a team or get more responsibility in their role.Based on data from 72 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2022 and September 2024.
Why this matters
A good job should help you progress at work, if you want to. That might be supporting you to get better at the job you currently have, learn something new, manage a team or take on more responsibilities.
This means you’ll be able to build on your skills and experience, and earn more money.
Needs improving
-
Head office doesn’t understand what’s happening
Do sales assistants think The Works head office understands what's happening where they work?
Most people think head office doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work.
How we know this
86% of people think that this employer’s head office or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.Based on data from 72 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2022 and September 2024.
Why this matters
At a good job, the role of head office should be to support the people on the frontline serving customers.
To do that properly, the company’s owners or head office need to have a good understanding of what’s really happening on the frontline. This is especially important when a company owns multiple locations.
Okay
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Only some people feel well informed by head office
Do sales assistants feel well informed about how The Works is doing?
Only some people feel well informed about how the company is doing.
How we know this
46% of people feel that they aren’t kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.Based on data from 71 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2022 and September 2024.
Why this matters
At a good job, there should be a supportive relationship between the people working on the frontline serving customers and the people who own the company or work in head office.
You should be kept informed about how the company is doing as a whole, both in good times and when things get tough for the business.
What The Works employees say about their job
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Best thing
Flexibility, paid average overtime on holidays
Worst thing
Low pay, limited progression
The Works Deputy Manager, August 2024
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Best thing
Relatively easy work
Worst thing
Head office have got no idea how the stores need to run. The company don’t care about their employees, you’re just a number to them. Taking time off when you’re sick is very very difficult. You get very little training if any.
The Works Deputy manager, June 2024
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About this pay
CloseEstimated pay
This pay estimate is based on data from 30 The Works employees who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2023 and September 2024.
Take the Breakroom Quiz to compare your job.