Found yourself out of work? Looking for a change of career? Keen on exploring a new direction?
New data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) released this week has sadly shown that firms have continued to remove staff from payrolls, with some 695,000 UK workers disappearing from the payrolls of British companies since lockdown began in March.
This is believed to be in preparation for the end of the furlough scheme.
Luckily, there’s a varied number of companies that are still actively recruiting and taking applications for roles based at Manchester Arndale and they could be just what you’re looking for.
With both full time and part time roles available, here’s everything you need to know.
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Manchester Arndale / Visit Manchester
Bella Italia
If cleaning is your cup of tea, then popular restaurant chain Bella Italia is looking to hire a “motivated and passionate cleaner” to join “La Famiglia” its Manchester Arndale branch.
According to the job description, the right candidate will be “intensely passionate about creating the very best environment for our guests”, someone who works within the guidelines provided, and is “unafraid to approach any cleaning job required”.
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Staff rewards include 50% discount on food and drink in all Big Table Group restaurants, and team meals on shifts over five hours.
You can find more information and apply for the role here.
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Jack & Jones
Fashion retailer Jack & Jones is looking for a full-time store assistant.
The job description reads: “For our store in Manchester Arndale, we’re looking for a strong sales profile who can deliver and not least give our customers great service – every time. With professional pride, as well as authentic, consistent and positive leadership, you will be trained in our retail concept and core skills.”
Successful candidates for the role will “carry [Jack & Jones’] growth and make sure the customers leave the store with a positive experience.”
It continues: “As Sales Assistant at Jack & Jones, you will primarily be assessed on your ability to create the best possible experience for the customers, as well as the ability to create solid growth and earnings for the store.”
You can find more information and apply for the role here.
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Pandora
Luxury jewellery brand Pandora is looking for a Sales Assistant to join the team at its pop-up store in Manchester Arndale.
As a part-time Sales Assistant, you will be required eight hours per week on a rotational shift-basis, including some weekends and Bank Holidays.
The job description states that the right person will “lead the success of the store by influencing sales, excelling in customer service” and “share their knowledge of the product and brand”. Successful candidates will need “strong selling skills”, and experience in a luxury environment with one-to-one sales experience is preferable, but not essential.
The benefits package includes a competitive salary – with bonus potential as well – and an enticing 55% employee discount on all Pandora products.
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You can find more information and apply for the role here.
Manchester Arndale
Starbucks
Ever-popular coffee chain Starbucks is currently hiring for a Barista and a Shift Supervisor at its Manchester Arndale branch.
The Barista role requires no previous experience and successful applicants will be expected to work flexible hours that may include early mornings, evenings, weekends and nights. The Shift Supervisor will be required to check in with baristas during the shift “to ensure the delivery of legendary customer service for all customers”.
Both are full-time positions.
You can find more information and apply for the two roles here.
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Thorntons
Chocolate retailer Thorntons – which is part of the Fererro Group that manufactures brands such as Nutella, Ferrero Rocher and Kinder Bueno – is looking for a permanent Store Manager to oversee its Manchester Arndale outlet.
According to the job description, successful applicants for the Store Manager role will be responsible for the performance of the store and team.
It reads: “In order to succeed, you realise the importance of your team – which you will recruit and shape through coaching – creating a high performance culture [and] a proven track record within the Food and Beverage, Hospitality or Retail industry [is required]”.
You can find more information and apply for the role here.
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Three
Phone and broadband company Three is looking for “a cool, friendly, ambitious individual” to join the sales team at the Manchester Arndale store.
This is a part-time role working 20 hours per week.
Successful applicants for the Sales Assistant role will earn £9 per hour + 25% on target bonus.
Benefits include:
A brand-new smartphone on an unlimited data plan from Three.
Flexible working hours/shifts.
Competitive salary + OTE.
Training courses and career development.
Being part of “an awesome team”.
You can find more information and apply for the role here.
Trending
Wigan Warriors make history with first-ever Women’s Challenge Cup win
Danny Jones
Wigan Warriors have done it: they’ve officially lifted the 2025 Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup for the first time in their history following an emphatic victory over serial champions, St Helens.
The Greater Manchester club managed not only to finally win the tournament but also to put a stop to St Helens’ hugely successful streak and what would have been five consecutive wins.
Spurred on by some smart tactics from club legend and boss, Dennis Betts – who won the competition seven times with Wigan as a player himself – the Warriors put in an imperious performance, leading by 18 at half time. Now that’s how you start a match.
Here’s the moment they finally got their hands on it:
Not only was the first-ever Challenge Cup win for Wigan Warriors Women, but it also ended a fairly significant silverware drought that has felt even longer for the supporters.
The last time a female Wigan Warriors squad won a major trophy was in the Super League back in 2018, when they also managed to win a maiden Grand Final against Leeds Rhinos by just 18-16.
Cut to this weekend, and the team fielded was much more impressive, not just when it comes to taking an early lead but by stretching and consolidating it to continue controlling the game.
In fact, Wigan were up by 24 before the opposition coaching duo Derek Hardman and Craig Richards’ side even got points on the board.
Full-back Grace Banks pipped her teammates to the Player of the Match award, but there were star showings all over the pitch, including a prolific Isabel Rowe and a wonderful run from Eva Hunter.
— Wigan Warriors 🍒⚪️ (@WiganWarriorsRL) June 7, 2025
Truth be told, it was a bit of a thrashing and one of their best scorelines of the season – kind of them to save it for an epic conclusion at Wembley Stadium.
As for Salford-born Betts, who was once a prospect at Manchester United, playing with the B team alongside the likes of Mark Robins and Clayton Blackmore, this was his first trophy in charge of the women’s team in what has already been a remarkable career.
What a success story his sporting switch turned out to be
Congratulations to a local club with a very bright future ahead.
Featured Images — BBC Sport/Wigan Warriors (screenshots via X/IG)
Trending
Co-creator of Manchester-Blackpool bike ride hoping to reunite with fellow founders for special anniversary
Danny Jones
One of the co-creators of the much-loved Manchester to Blackpool charity bike ride is looking to reunite with some of his fellow founding members for a very special anniversary of the heartwarming event.
Way back when, Tony O’Dwyer was one of just six original riders who embarked on the bike ride from Manchester – Media City in Salford Quays, more precisely – to the Blackpool seafront, which has gone on to become a beloved and regularly frequented fundraiser.
Fast forward four decades later and not only is the annual cycling event approaching its 40th anniversary, but O’Dwyer himself is looking to take it on yet again, just four days before his 70th birthday.
Oh yeah, it’s worth mentioning he’s done it every year since the beginning – including solo during the pandemic. Simply incredible.
Go on, Tony, lad! (Credit: The Christie Charity)
To make things even more memorable, the Wigan-born bike-riding legend is calling on his fellow Manchester-Blackpool bike ride founders to join him in a momentous reunion that is both a personal celebration and one that champions the famous fundraising endurance challenge.
It may have started out as little more than half a dozen blokes setting off from Albert Square in Manchester city centre on a pretty ambitious voyage, but it’s gone on to become a North West tradition and a powerful way to support vital causes, not least of all charities like The Christie Foundation.
This year, Tony will be riding once again to raise funds for The Christie in honour of his late father, Franco O’Dwyer, who was cared for by the specialist hospital and research centre after being diagnosed with stomach cancer.
Franco sadly died 10 years ago, and Tony has been a passionate supporter of the organisation ever since, taking various fundraising challenges even beyond his usual Manchester to Blackpool bike ride.
Speaking ahead of the anniversary edition, Tony said: “I can’t believe it’s been 40 years since we first did it. Back in 1985, it was just a group of mates, a few bikes, and the road to Blackpool – we didn’t have the gear, just grit and a bit of madness!
Credit: Supplied
“We passed through Leigh, Standish, Preston, and St Annes, stopping at pubs and windmills along the way, just enjoying the journey. I’d love to reconnect with the original group – Mike, Barry, Susan, John, Margaret and Christine – it would be brilliant to see where life has taken them.”
“The first time I did the bike ride, I was in fancy dress as a lion, and I’ve done it every year since. I even did it during COVID on my own when the event was postponed, and there were others on the way doing it themselves too, which was amazing to see!”
Crediting The Christie with prolonging his father’s life and giving his family that extra precious time, he’s now proud to fly the flag for the foundation, and they have just as much love for him.
Mass participation events officer Josh Hughff added: “Tony is an incredible ambassador for the Charity and for this event. His dedication over four decades is inspiring, and we’re honoured he continues to ride in support of The Christie Charity.
“His story is a reminder of the lasting power of community, memory, and giving back.”
For anyone who’d like to join Tony and be part of ‘Team Christie’ 2025 as they head towards the seaside town’s South Promenade, you can sign up HERE.
As for those pioneers who first took on the challenge all those years ago, if you were part of that original group or know someone who was, please contact Maggie Doyle at The Christie Charity on 07717 532195.
Fingers crossed we can get the gang back together.