newsagent

The work

A newsagent sells newspapers and magazines but may also hire out videos or take in dry-cleaning. Most newsagents sell sweets and cigarettes and are called CTNs (confectioner, tobacconist and newsagent).

They will handle cash and serve customers. Stock handling will mean trips to a cash and carry for merchandise. It may be necessary to use a computer for paperwork such as record keeping. Newsagents may employ staff, and will need to understand and comply with employment, health and safety, and selling laws.

Newsagents offering newspaper delivery will have to get the papers ready and supervise the delivery boys and girls when they arrive.

Newsagents might own the shop or manage one of a chain.

Hours and Environment

Newsagents usually work more than 45 hours a week, between 6am and 6pm. Most shops open every day of the year except Christmas Day.

The work involves long periods of standing, and having to lift and carry stock.

Skills and Interests

As a newsagent you should:

• be able to run a business and cope with the pressures
• be prepared to expand the business with new lines or services
• be numerate and able to handle money
• be able to deal with paperwork and accounts
• have customer service skills
• be able to organise and supervise staff
• have reasonable health and fitness.

A driving licence could be important.

Entry

There are no specific qualifications required to start work as a newsagent. However, a good basic education, usually at least GCSEs (A-D)/S grades (1-4), especially in English and maths, is very useful.

Experience of working in a newsagents or retail business is an advantage.

If you start work as a self-employed newsagent, you will need the financial backing to buy or rent a shop and also to buy the stock. You will need to check that newspaper wholesalers will supply your business once you have bought or rented your premises.

For those not starting out in self-employment, newsagent branch manager positions may be advertised locally by chains. Young people can sometimes enter through an apprenticeship scheme (see Training).

Training

Large chains usually have their own training schemes for new employees. These may be in store or away at a head quarters.

NVQs/SVQs are available at levels 1, 2 and 3 in retailing and business related subjects. General courses in areas of business, such as bookkeeping, health and safety or marketing, may be useful. Many of these courses are offered by local colleges and training centres.

Apprenticeships may be available for those under the age of 24. In England these are currently Apprenticeships (level 2) and Advanced Apprenticeships (level 3). To find out more about these, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Apprenticeships may be different in other areas. For further information see Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland

Opportunities

There are around 53,000 newspaper and magazine outlets in the UK and Ireland, approximately 20,000 of these are independent newsagents. Many are run by couples and they often live on the premises.

Newsagents have been hard hit by the growth of supermarkets. Many move into other areas - perhaps opening a sub post-office or a convenience store. The National Lottery is improving profits.

It may be possible to take on extra shops, or expand the business into new areas. Newsagents in chains may move to larger shops or into senior or regional management.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Newsagent branch managers are likely to earn between £13,500 and £20,000 a year.
Self-employed newsagents' earnings vary greatly depending on the size of the shop, the location and the level of trade.

Further information

Yeoman House
Sekforde Street
London
EC1R 0HF
Tel: 020 7253 4225 40 Duke Street
London
W1A 1AB
Tel: 0800 093 5001

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