Checkout Operator

Also known as:

Cashier - Shop
Shop Checkout Operator
Till Operator
Supermarket Checkout Operator

Introduction

Checkout operators work in shops or supermarkets operating tills. They handle cash, credit and debit cards and cheques for goods purchased by customers. They may also have to weigh and pack goods.

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Work Activities

Checkout operators work in shops, supermarkets or warehouses. They sit at cash tills or cash registers where they check the items a customer is buying and then take payment from the customer. The checkout operator takes each item the customer wants to buy and enters its price into the till either by using an electronic scanner or pressing numbers on the till's keypad. Once all the items have been entered, the checkout operator presses a button to get the total price and asks the customer for payment.

Checkout operators deal with cash, cheques and credit and debit cards and must be able to give change accurately. They may also have to wrap goods, weigh produce and pack shopping bags. The work can be repetitive and requires sitting or standing in one place for long periods.

There is a great deal of customer contact and the work can be demanding, particularly during busy periods.

Checkout operators usually work in clean, well-lit conditions.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

As a checkout operator, you should have good powers of concentration and be able to work under pressure. It's important to be able to work quickly and accurately. A neat appearance and pleasant manner are essential.

You will need basic number skills to work out payments and change, and the ability to use computerised tills and pricing equipment.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Checkout operators earn in the range of £190 - £210 a week, rising to £220 - £240 a week. Higher earners can make around £280 a week.

Checkout operators usually work a basic 39-hour week, which may include early starts, evening and weekend work. Many part-time opportunities are available.

Small shops, large stores, supermarkets and warehouses all employ checkout operators.

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Adult Opportunities

It is now illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some entrants have developed relevant skills by working in retail and by handling cash

• 74% of checkout operators work part-time.
• 3% have flexible hours.
• 4% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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