Fishmonger

Introduction

Fishmongers prepare and sell fish. They may work in a fishmonger's shop or in a supermarket. The work may involve collecting fish supplies very early each morning.

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Work Activities

Fishmongering is a skilled job that demands a detailed knowledge of fish and fish products. A fishmonger buys fish wholesale and hand-prepares it for retail sales. The preparation involves removing scales, skin and bones and possibly cutting the fish into smaller portions. Fishmongers might also carry out specialised tasks such as dressing crabs.

The work involves collecting and storing stock, displaying fish and serving customers, often giving advice on how best to store and cook fish. Some fishmongers also sell poultry and game.

A fishmonger has to maintain strict standards of hygiene and health and safety. Fish handling tools and equipment such as knives, tongs, fish slices, sharpening tools and pliers are used and have to be clean and well looked after.

Working conditions may be cold and wet.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

As a fishmonger, you should be physically fit as the work involves standing for long periods and some lifting. Good communication skills are important as is the ability to handle cash and keep accounts.

You should not suffer from skin allergies and must maintain a high standard of personal hygiene. It is essential to be able to cope with the sight of blood particularly for gutting and cleaning fish.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Fishmongers earn in the range of £11,500 - £13,500 a year, rising to £15,500 - £19,500 a year. Some fishmongers can earn around £25,000 a year, and some self-employed fishmongers can make considerably more.

Fishmongers usually work a basic 39-40 hour week, including Saturdays, with a day or half day off during the week. Early starts may be required. Part-time work may be available.

Employers include small shops, market stallholders and mobile traders. However, most opportunities are now with supermarket fresh fish counters. There are opportunities for fishmongers to become self-employed.

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Adult Opportunities

It is 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 through dealing with the public, food retail work or handling cash

Seafish Training provides relevant short courses such as An Introduction to Fishmongering. These can be completed by attendance at a local training centre or in the workplace. A list of centres is available on the Seafish website.

• 16% of fishmongers work part-time.

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