Employer of choice

Matt Hancock loves a numerical challenge. He needs to get 18,000 contact tracers together by mid-May. Various agencies are involved, so I presume everyone will have had their references checked and full training (estimated at 2 to 3 days) delivered within a fortnight. (Or should that 'delivered' read 'posted' ?)

As ever, from the ads I've found, the Government is big-hearted with money. An agency in Preston is offering £8.72 per hour (bang on the National Living Wage, so presumably no skills required) 6 days, 48 hours per week (1 hour dinner per day, not paid = 42 paid hours), working from home, equipment provided. The ad first appeared four days ago.

Another agency, with an ad two days ago, seems to be looking for those who will make the harder calls - ringing people to say they should isolate. "For this role you will need a quiet and secluded room (where you won’t get interrupted) with a desk and chair. You need to provide your own equipment but don’t worry, we’ll check your kit out. During pre-screening we will cover off the equipment you require. We can also supply kit in some instances if you only require a few bits and bobs, just let us know when we speak to you !"   Here the job is described as part-time but pensionable, with a salary of £18,137 for twenty hours a week. 

Applicants must "be able to modify and adapt methods of communication to account for the differing needs of callers especially in stressful and difficult situations and ensure polite, efficient and appropriate communications exist at all times" and "maintain confidentiality in relation to personal data held in accordance with the Data Protection Act".  On your own equipment !