A food counter assistant works behind the counter in cafes, self-service restaurants and fast food outlets, serving food and drink for eating on the premises or taking away.

The Work

You could be:

• standing behind the counter, taking food orders face to face or on the phone and passing them to the kitchen
• taking orders via a drive-through booth and inputting them into a computerised till
• serving hot and cold food to customers as they move along the counter
• heating up food in a microwave or serving it from large pots on a hot plate
• making sandwiches, burgers, salads, tea or coffee
• clearing and wiping the tables in the eating area and keeping the work area clean and tidy
• loading and unloading the dishwasher
• making sure there are enough trays, cutlery and condiments (sugar, milk, sauces) available
• working the till, adding totals, taking money and giving change.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work
• the size of the organisation you work for
• the demand for the job.

The starting salary is often based on the National Minimum Wage (NMW).

As of 1 April 2019 the National Minimum Wage is £4.35 an hour for workers aged 16 to 17, £6.15 an hour for workers aged 18 to 20 and £7.70 an hour for workers aged 21 to 24. The National Living Wage is £8.21 for workers aged 25 and over.

Conditions

• You work shifts, including early mornings, evenings and weekends.
• Part time work is common.
• It can be hectic and noisy, especially at peak times.
• You might have to wear a uniform, or protective clothes such as apron, gloves, hat or hairnet.

Getting In

• You do not need formal qualifications but a good general education is useful.
• You might be able to get in through a Modern Apprenticeship.
• Jobs are in cafes, business canteens, schools, colleges, airports, passenger ships, hospitals and fast food chains.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2019

53031

2 %

RISE

2024

54067

  United Kingdom

2019

600511

3 %

RISE

2024

618227

LMI data powered by EMSI UK

What Does it Take?

You need:

• good customer service skills
• excellent hygiene awareness
• a smart appearance
• a polite and friendly manner
• stamina for working busy shifts
• good number skills for dealing with money.

You should be:

• trustworthy
• patient and tactful
• able to stay calm under pressure
• able to work fast and efficiently
• good at working in a team
• aware of health and safety.

Training

• Training is usually on the job. You learn about health and safety, using kitchen equipment, preparing food, using cash tills and taking orders.
• Anyone with a job involving the handling of food must complete a relevant food safety and hygiene course.
• There are Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) which you can do while working, such as Food and Beverage Service or Food and Drink Operations (Food Sales and Service Skills) at SCQF Level 5 and Hospitality Services at SCQF Level 4.

Getting On

• There is often a high turnover of staff, and so there are usually a lot of vacancies.
• After gaining experience you can apply for jobs as supervisor or manager.
• Some fast food chains run their own training schemes.

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.