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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

to think this is a bit cheeky? (No pay while training.)

22 replies

NinjaBunny · 16/01/2014 16:21

I have a job interview tomorrow.

Been on ESA for almost a year. Desperate to get back into work.

Care job (my field) has cropped up. One night a week (12) hours which is what I want to ease myself back into work. It's also round the corner from my house, handy since I don't drive.

Just text a friend who works there who told me that you don't get paid for you first 6 shifts because you're 'training'.

So, I'd be without pay for 6 weeks.

Phoned the jobcentre who said I could just claim Jobseekers Allowance for those first 6 weeks so I wouldn't be out of pocket but that really isn't the point. It also means going down there and going through the hassle of claiming and explaining that I'd be working for no pay.

Is this odd?

It seems odd.

Am aware I might not even get the job so it may be a moot point.

OP posts:

CailinDana · 16/01/2014 16:25

Is it even legal?

Original poster

NinjaBunny · 16/01/2014 16:28

I assume so.

Man at the Jobcentre didn't seem surprised or question it or anything.

OP posts:

WooWooOwl · 16/01/2014 16:46

It does sound dodgy, but then at the same time, I wasn't paid for doing the training that enabled me to do the job that I now do, so it's not really any different.

College and university students don't get paid to be there despite doing training that is essential to their future jobs, so it's not really any different.

I suppose the deciding factor on whether this is right or not depends on whether you are getting training and are being fully supervised for those first six weeks, or if you are properly working and taking responsibility for the job being done.

Boreoff456 · 16/01/2014 16:50

I have only heard of that when then they pay all 6 when you complete the training and actually start. Generally to stop people doing a month of training then pissing off. But never heard of not being paid at all.

BarryBarry · 16/01/2014 16:50

It does seem odd. Even mcdonalds pays for training days. And that isn't as extensive as a care job.

BakerStreetSaxRift · 16/01/2014 16:55

WooWoo, I don't think you can compare working as a free carer for 6 shifts to being at Uni You're hardly slogging your guts out at Uni, are you! Plus you get a degree at the end of it.

I would say that is a bit dodgy OP, are they definitely going to keep you on after your training? Are you aren't just volunteering to fill a gap for them for free?

ENormaSnob · 16/01/2014 16:56

Thats ridiculous.

Who's paying your crb before you undertake this 'training'?

PrimroseLodge · 16/01/2014 17:00

I assume that as this your field you have already trained and qualified in NVQs etc. That leads me to guess that this 'training' will just be to find out how this particular care provider operates.

I think the chances of you getting sixty odd hours of actual training are fairly small.

I think you are right and this employer is cheeky. They are looking to get six weeks unpaid work from you. Unfortunately it seems to be an increasingly common tactic by employers.

Only you can judge whether in the long term the job is worth it to you. I'd just worry that you won't pass the 'training' and someone else will start their six weeks unpaid work the week after you finish.

WooWooOwl · 16/01/2014 17:08

I don't think you can compare working as a free carer for 6 shifts to being at Uni

That's why I said it comes down to whether they are providing actual training, or they are expecting OP to just do the job.

LessMissAbs · 16/01/2014 17:10

YANBU. Not on. Employer sounds very dodgy. Whats the point in having minimum wage legislation if employers get round it by paying zero? Who on earth doesn't need some training in a new job?

ThePigOfHappiness · 16/01/2014 17:14

When I started as a nurse in a private care home I had to work 3 shifts training for free. I was qualified and had experience, it was anything to stop having to pay for work. Carers had to complete 100 hours training

Original poster

NinjaBunny · 16/01/2014 17:22

Yes, NVQ 3 and 15 years experience.

JSA is probably around the same amount I'd be earning but I really want to be earning my own money.

You have to pay for your own uniform.

I don't know about the CRB. My last job I paid and got it back after 3 months.

Not sure about this time.

I don't have £65 for a CRB and £25+ for a uniform knocking about at the moment.

OP posts:

Devonsmile · 16/01/2014 17:29

Don't take the job, very dodgy and very wrong.

So many companies try this not paying crap, I bet that they have someone starting every six week.

Original poster

NinjaBunny · 16/01/2014 17:32

I'd put up with it if they pay for the CRB.

I can't afford to pay for the CRB if they won't be paying me for 6 weeks though.

OP posts:

auntpetunia · 16/01/2014 17:39

sounds very dodgy. if you're asked for as center/dbs then they should be paying for it. and I don't think you should have to pay for your uniform check out Moneysavingexpert.com as I understand you can claim tax back on uniforms.

Viviennemary · 16/01/2014 17:41

On the face of it this does seem most unfair. However, I would imagine you will just be observing and not actually be part of a team for these six shifts.

GlitzAndGiggles · 16/01/2014 17:47

You can claim money for cleaning your uniform. I'm not too sure on the terms and conditions for this though. Is it actual training or will they be using you as a free worker for a while?

JackNoneReacher · 17/01/2014 13:30

I think its fucking outrageous.

Qualified and with 15 years experience and they want you to work unpaid??

What about minimum wage? Even apprentice jobs are paid.

Clearly taking advantage of a difficult climate doing this and hoping to get away with it.

If its a care home then I presume they must be answerable to some body and I'd be tempted to contact them. Or the CAB. From what I hear about the job centre you wont get much help there.

Fantissue · 17/01/2014 13:38

This is very unusual. Some places might not pay you for training or trial days but if that's the case you usually get the money for them if they take you on.

Unfortunately it's an employers market and they don't see why they should do all the admin associated with taking someone on and setting them up for payroll if they're not going to last.

JackNoneReacher · 17/01/2014 13:42

Also, being a care worker is an important and hard job for which they get paid little enough.

Nevermind having them do it for nothing.

pluCaChange · 17/01/2014 13:46

Could you have a look on eBay for second hand uniforms specific to this provider? If there are a lot of second hand, "hardly used" uniforms, that's a great way to find out about reasons for staff turnover.

pluCaChange · 17/01/2014 13:52

Unfortunately it's an employers' market and they don't see why they should do all the admin associated with taking someone on and setting them up for payroll if they're not going to last.

That's a risk for all employers. If turnover is high, despite the demand for jobs, that's either employees exercising the only power they have - leaving - unless it's the employer which is turning staff over, to cut costs (which should be illegal, if it isn't already, since why should taxpayers subsidise such businesses twice over, through JSA and state use of the businesses' services).

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