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AIBU?

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Original poster

Trial day?

40 replies

DearHelper · 04/12/2024 08:44

I’m desperately looking for a new job and after two interviews for a position that is a bit on the low side for pay, but otherwise perfect I’ve been offered a trial day.

It’s unpaid and they want 8 hours 9-5. I have almost three decades of experience in my field.

What do you think? AIBU to think this is a red flag? I’m wary as my current work situation is very bad.

OP posts:
Onthesideofthespiders · 04/12/2024 08:53

Raffaelli · 04/12/2024 08:50

Trial days should always be paid. If unpaid they could always claim they recruit around busy periods, get lots of people in for trial days, fail them all and get a load of free labour.

That’s exactly what a lot of cafes around here do! Most of the parents are wise to it now so when our kids age up to teenage/want a little job age, parents don’t let them do it. Cafes had to actually hire someone!

Original poster
DearHelper · 04/12/2024 08:52

The job market is dire at the moment.
Such little choice.
@ThisPearlSwan good suggestion - I don’t have to stay 8 hours.

OP posts:
Gonk123 · 04/12/2024 08:52

Look at it this way - would you hand out a days wages to someone you didn’t know? Nope, so why work for free?
surely if you are a high earner they want someone assertive - ask for expenses perhaps at the least.
That said if you want the job and like the people etc etc go for it. Did you get a good feel for the place when you went for interview?
what are chances of getting a job elsewhere…it’s up to you to weigh it all up…

Curtainqueen · 04/12/2024 08:51

DearHelper · 04/12/2024 08:49

If I refuse I won’t go any further.
Theyve made it clear it’s been two candidates, me and one other.

Then carry on looking.

x2boys · 04/12/2024 08:51

Greentreesandbushes · 04/12/2024 08:50

Trial days can’t really be paid as it involves adding to payroll, tax/NI etc. if you want the job do the trial, if not don’t. Is a trial day normally part of the process?

They could pay cash in hand ,which i know isn't ethical ,but then neither is unpaid labour.

Beautifulbouquet · 04/12/2024 08:51

Can you offer a half trial day? Ie 4 hours

Raffaelli · 04/12/2024 08:50

Trial days should always be paid. If unpaid they could always claim they recruit around busy periods, get lots of people in for trial days, fail them all and get a load of free labour.

ThisPearlSwan · 04/12/2024 08:50

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

x2boys · 04/12/2024 08:50

I wouldn't, and 8 hours ,they are taking the piss i wonder how many other people they have offered " unpaid trial days " too?

Greentreesandbushes · 04/12/2024 08:50

Trial days can’t really be paid as it involves adding to payroll, tax/NI etc. if you want the job do the trial, if not don’t. Is a trial day normally part of the process?

ThisPearlSwan · 04/12/2024 08:50

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

Original poster
DearHelper · 04/12/2024 08:49

If I refuse I won’t go any further.
Theyve made it clear it’s been two candidates, me and one other.

OP posts:
Original poster
DearHelper · 04/12/2024 08:48

My hourly rate is reasonably high and I wouldn’t expect that but even a token gesture? I just think it’s a bit CF.

OP posts:
Curtainqueen · 04/12/2024 08:47

You're not a free service. Certainly not with 30 years experience. I really would tell them you won't be doing any free trials. If they want your services they'll need to pay for them. I say this as someone who has flat out declined to do a free trial for a business. I have bills to pay too.

Agix · 04/12/2024 08:45

Red flag. It shouldn't be unpaid. Trial days should be paid.

Edit: just want to clarify that I don't mean it's illegal. One unpaid trial day is legal. I mean it's scroungey. I'd only do it if I really, really wanted a job.

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