Halford’s tester looks forward to sleeping on the job

Sleeping on the job is a criticism that can never be levelled at Phil Latham. The 27 year old freelance outdoor instructor has just learned that he has been awarded one of the most sought-after jobs in the country. He is the new sleeping bag tester for Halfords.

The hotly contested position, paying a minimum of £600 a week, drew over a thousand applications from as far a-field as Brazil, Russia, Canada and Finland, after the job advertisement, originally placed in a regional paper, was publicised by the national media.

Phil, from Newton Abbott, Devon, who has a degree in Outdoor Leadership said: “I am delighted to have got the job. I was a bit dazed when they rang and told me, especially when I heard how many people had applied.”

“I have been a member of the scout movement since I was four and have a lot of experience of camping. My girlfriend saw the job advertised first in the papers and rang saying: “I have just seen a job you may be over-qualified for!” Then my mum phoned and my sister, all telling me it was a job tailor-made for me so I thought I better go for it.”

Phil’s new job starts Monday 26th April and will involve sleeping under canvas trying out a variety of sleeping bags sold by Halfords and then giving relevant feedback to the Product Team.

The unusual role will involve testing a range of Halfords sleeping bags to the limit, both in terms of warmth, strength and longevity.

Halfords advertised the job in order that store staff can provide expert advice to customers who were increasingly asking staff about camping experiences. Interest in camping has soared as Britons holiday more at home.

Halfords outdoor leisure expert Paul Fensome said:  "We needed someone to give their verdict on our extensive range of sleeping bags and are delighted to have found Phil, who is very well-qualified with his personal experience of expeditions and outdoor activities.

"This is the age of peer-to-peer recommendation and the best person to talk about the merits of a sleeping bag is someone who has spent the night sleeping in it.

"Our sleeping bags do go through a rigorous testing procedure but this is all about the customer experience. We found customers asking questions about how well they will sleep when camping. After all they are trading the comfort of their beds for a sleeping bag and we want to help them make the right selection. After all its about getting a good night’s sleep.”

For Mr Latham, the only downside may be the short term nature of his job – his contract only lasts a week.