Parliament seeks upholsterer for 'rewarding and varied' role

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-23132230

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Parliament is seeking to recruit an upholsterer to keep the fabric of the Commons and Lords in order.

In an advert on the parliamentary website, the new position is described as an "exciting opportunity" and a "rewarding and varied role".

The successful candidate will be expected to deal with day-to-day upholstering tasks and be involved in the preparation for ceremonial events.

The position carries a salary of between £21,682 and £24,839.

The job specification makes no specific reference to the famous green padded benches in the Commons, where ministers and backbenchers sit, or the red benches in the Lords.

'Soft furnishings'

However, it says an experienced professional with skills in leather and fabric upholstery and cosmetic leather repairs is needed.

Until the Victorian era, the Commons benches were covered in wool but since then have been finished with Morocco leather.

"This is an exciting opportunity to work for a prestigious and iconic institution, providing a service to and dealing with members, Lords, and staff of both Houses," the job description states.

"The post holder is required to upholster furniture, dealing with a range of traditional furnishing style and fabrics on a day-to-day basis as well as substantial involvement in preparations of ceremonial occasions.

"Successful applicants will have the relevant City & Guilds qualification(s) in upholstering/soft furnishings, a comprehensive knowledge... with the ability to re-upholster a wide variety of traditional styles and to make up loose and tight covers and be able to carry out simple repairs to curtains, blinds, tracks and their fixings."

The right candidate, it adds, must demonstrate "real pride in their work, excellent customer skills and good awareness of health and safety and manual handling regulations".