Checkout operators, or cashiers, operate tills at sales points in most large stores, recording and receiving payment for goods being purchased.

They pass items over an electronic bar code reader, or key in prices manually. The till usually totals prices, and may calculate change. Operators take cash, cheque and credit card payments and are responsible for processing loyalty cards and any discount or credit vouchers.

Operators may weigh items such as fruit and vegetables and pack goods into bags. In some stores they may change till rolls and balance the till. They are responsible for keeping their work area tidy and stocked with change, till rolls, carrier bags and other items.

They may have other duties within the store, such as putting out stock or working in the customer service area. In large stores and supermarkets there is likely to be a separate role of shelf filler.

In some stores, such as department stores or independent retailers, the work of a checkout operator may be combined with sales assistant duties (see Sales Assistant profile).

Hours and Environment

A full-time cashier usually works 37 or 38 hours a week, which includes some weekends. Stores can be open from 8am until 10pm, and some are now open 24 hours, so shift work may be required. There are often part-time opportunities. Overtime may also be possible.

A great deal of time is spent sitting down. Most stores provide a uniform.

Skills and Interests

To be a checkout operator you should:

• have good customer service skills
• have a polite and friendly personality and the ability to deal tactfully with difficult customers
• have good spoken communication skills
• be honest - you will handle a great deal of cash
• have good numeracy skills
• have a smart tidy appearance
• have stamina

Entry

You do not need formal academic qualifications, but some companies require a good general standard of education. Enthusiasm and motivation are also important.

It is a particularly suitable job for those with family commitments because of the amount of part-time work available.

Cash handling and customer service experience is an advantage.

You may be able to get into retail work through an apprenticeship scheme. Funding for apprenticeships is available for 16-24 year olds and some over-25s. To find out more, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk. For information about apprenticeships in other parts of the UK, see Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Training

Training is often provided on the job, but the larger stores may hold induction courses and other training away from the shop floor. Training is often tied in with an appropriate NVQ/SVQ or other work-based qualification.

Relevant qualifications include:

• NVQ/SVQ Distributive Operations at Level 1
• BTEC First Diploma in Retail
• NVQ/SVQ Retail Operations at levels 2 and 3
• NVQ in Sales at levels 2 and 3
• NVQ/SVQ Customer Service at levels 2 and 3.
  

Opportunities

The retail industry employs around three million people in the UK. The majority of checkout operators work in large multiples, such as well-known food supermarkets and DIY stores. These are often situated in out-of-town locations, so transport may be needed.

Many stores encourage staff development and it may be possible to move into a supervisory post and from there into a management position. Larger companies offer the best opportunities for career development.

Many stores/retail operations now have their own websites which advertise vacancies and training schemes.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

The starting salary for checkout operators is around £10,000 a year.
More experienced staff can expect around £12,000 a year.
A supervisor could earn between £12,000 and £15,000 a year.

Further information

40 Duke Street
London
W1A 1AB
Tel: 0800 093 5001 222-224 Queensferry Road
Federation House
Edinburgh
EH4 2BN
Tel: 0131 343 3300 10 Hydepark Road
Mallusk
Newtonabbey
Northern Ireland
BT36 4PY
Tel: 028 9084 5830