Semi-Skilled Labourer

The Methodist Church in Britain; Normanton on Trent; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Local Government Pension Scheme

Life assurance at three times annual-s

Lease car salary sacrifice scheme

Job summary

Reading Borough Council is seeking a semi-skilled labourer to join the Property Services team. The role covers general labouring, basic repairs and maintenance in occupied homes, with a depot-based, full-time pattern on weekday day shifts and an out-of-hours emergency call-out rota.

A full driving licence and willingness to work across council properties are essential. You will work alongside skilled tradespeople, carry out tasks safely, keep records, and contribute to planned programmes while

Qualifications

• Experience of general building repairs and refurbishment.
• Basic literacy and numeracy.
• Knowledge of building trades and construction.
• Ability to operate small plant and power tools safely.
• Good organisational skills, prioritising tasks and meeting deadlines.
• Strong communication and customer service skills, handling challenging situations calmly.
• Flexible approach, supporting and supervising other labourers where required.

Responsibilities

• Carry out general labouring, basic repairs and maintenance across houses, flats and maisonettes.
• Undertake rubbish and debris clearance, small-scale demolition, drainage, garden clearance and related tasks.
• Assist with planned programmes of work and major repairs.
• Work in occupied properties with care for residents and belongings.
• Use small plant and power tools safely and effectively.
• Support transport of materials and keep areas clean and safe.
• Complete records and paperwork accurately.
• Work independently and with colleagues to complete jobs to a high standard.
• Follow health and safety procedures and participate in out-of-hours rota.
• Work at height and assist with roofing-related duties after training.

Skills

General repairs

Literacy & numeracy

Building trades knowledge

Power tools

Organisational skills

Customer service

Team supervision

Health & safety

Flexible attitude

Tools

Power tools

Job description

A semi-skilled labouring post in the Property Services team at Reading Borough Council, keeping council-owned homes in repair. The work covers general labouring, basic repairs and maintenance in occupied houses, flats and maisonettes, often alongside skilled tradespeople. It is a full-time, depot-based role on weekday day shifts, with an out-of-hours emergency call-out rota and a company vehicle. A full driving licence is needed to take it on.

What the job involves

• Carry out general labouring, basic repairs and maintenance across houses, flats and maisonettes
• Undertake rubbish and debris clearance, small-scale demolition, excavation, drainage, garden clearance, concreting and removal and reinstatement of shuttering
• Assist with planned programmes of work, major repairs and one-off maintenance jobs
• Work in occupied properties, treating residents and their belongings with care, courtesy and respect
• Use small plant and power tools safely and effectively
• Support the transport of materials, goods and waste, keeping work areas clean, tidy and safe
• Assess material requirements and complete records and paperwork accurately
• Work independently and alongside colleagues to complete jobs efficiently and to a high standard
• Follow health and safety procedures and take part in the out-of-hours emergency call-out rota when required
• Work at height and assist with roofing-related duties after appropriate training and safety procedures

What’s required

Experience

• Experience of general building repairs and refurbishment

Skills & knowledge

• Basic literacy and numeracy
• Knowledge of building trades and construction
• Ability to operate small plant and power tools safely
• Good organisational skills, prioritising tasks and meeting deadlines
• Strong communication and customer service skills, handling challenging situations calmly
• Flexible approach, supporting and supervising other labourers where required

Checks & eligibility

• Full, current driving licence

Other

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team
• Flexibility to take part in the emergency call-out rota

Nice to have

• Experience of domestic painting and decorating
• Certification to drive relevant equipment
• Ability to tow and operate a cherry picker

What’s offered

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, rising to 30 after 10 years, with option to buy more leave
• Flexible working opportunities
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Life assurance at three times annual salary (LGPS members)
• On-site day nursery rated outstanding by Ofsted
• Season ticket loan for rail or bus travel to and from work
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme for three years, including insurance, servicing and road tax
• Tool allowance, plus company vehicle for work use, specialist tools and mobile phone