Working in the new Union St. Food Market

If you’ve been into the Student Union lately, you will probably have noticed the new Union Street Food Market, in place of the Union Shop and Rymans. Personally I think it looks amazing, there’s a Grab and Go section, a Hot and Cold deli bar, a bagel station, a salad bar and a Bubble Tea stand. I am yet to try the Bubble Tea, but my smoked salmon bagel was delicious. Here’s a preview if you’re interested.

There’s also a place to busk for your lunch, so if you have any musical talent it’s the perfect chance to get heard and practise performing live.

Anyhow I am thrilled to have a part-time job there! Having applied over the summer, when it was still the Union Shop, the Food Market is as new to me as it is to previous Union Shop staff, which is great because it is an exciting change for everyone. I’m on the Grab and Go section, which means keeping busy stocking and organising the shelves and fridges, serving customers and general shop duties.

Whilst I have worked before in various temporary positions, this is my first regular longer term job, and I have to admit I really enjoy the team atmosphere and getting to know all my co-workers. University regulations mean I can work 15 hours max., which is because the uni want us to still have time to study and attend lectures (aka. the main reason for going to univerisity). This is a good thing in my opinion! Another great thing about getting a part-time job in the Union is that all student staff are paid at least 24% above the minimum wage, which is hard to find!

One thing I’ve learnt so far is that you really have to use your initiative on the shop floor, especially at busy times. You can’t rely on your manager or supervisor to be available all the time to answer your questions! And now that I pretty much know what needs doing and how to do it, I can just get on with it and not need to keep asking for orders, which was what I had envisioned before starting.

Anyhow I’ll keep you posted on any new revelations! Fresher’s Fair is coming up on Monday 28th and Tuesday 29th, which will be a really exciting and busy time for my society, but we are really looking forward to welcoming new members! Stay tuned for a blog post about it at the end of the month 😀

Caroline