With positions at nearly every business in the UK, the Admin & Secretarial sector provides employment for about 5 million people in the UK. Jobs are available in a wide variety of industries in both governmental and private spheres and employers range from massive multinational corporations to small firms with only a handful of employees. At present, there is a particular demand for skilled administrative staff, and recruitment agencies are having difficulty finding experienced, well-trained professionals. Bi-lingual applicants are especially desirable.
The most common positions in the field - receptionist, data entry specialist, and personal assistant - do not typically require any advanced degrees or certifications, but candidates possessing these will certainly be more competitive. Training courses in office or business administration can be an excellent asset for those looking to move from entry-level positions into roles of greater responsibility.
Salaries in the UK range from £13-30K, and the average income is about £18K. In London, however, the median salary is significantly higher, hovering around £28K. Strong communication skills, typing proficiency, and general aptitude with computers are essential for successful applicants. Employment opportunities tend to fluctuate with the economic landscape, but the field is currently growing and many positions are available in most regions of the UK.