to be annoyed by being paid for work via a pocketmoney card?

[hamptonhangingpork]

Just want to see if I am being unreasonable here.

I've picked up a job as a Christmas Temp at Tesco this Winter, gave in my bank details as requested for being paid as per the letter contract.

However, in the post today, I've received a Tuxedo prepay card. Yes kids, the same thing you'd give your teenager. I will be paid through this pre-loaded card to save Tesco on their administrative fees.

Infantilising at best I know, however I could suck it up were it not for the fact that it will cost me money to use for bills, direct debits etc. etc. I know I can use it in the shops, but I feel like it's an extra burden on those of us who are picking up extra hours working in a shop. You know, just to pay bills.

What do you think? Has anyone else had this experience?

And for the record, no, the pocketmoney card was not mentioned at all in any of the recruitment gumpf, contract or anywhere outside a Google search which has yielded that Tesco are using it for their temp staff.

Or Moneybox or You and Yours at radio 4.

I couldn't find information on their website about how much withdrawing to your bank account costs. Plenty about how you can transfer money to them for free

Seems to cost 50p each time to us an ATM machine too.

That's obscene.

You could also try the local CAB and/or Radio 4's Moneybox programme.

outrageous. i'd be absolutely fuming.

Actually since 2010 - www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/article-1695992/Tesco-pays-some-salaries-on-top-up-cards.html

You need to get on social media about this. Tweet Tesco and include Martin Lewis and your local MP as well. This is an occasion where you need social media and the press to be all over it. Paying somebody using a mechanism that costs them additional money to get their wages is disgusting and unethical. How the fuck are you supposed to pay your mortgage using a Tuxedo card?

I'd also report the thread to MNHQ and get them to tweet about it. They have a lot of pull on social media.

Your contract of employment should specify how and when you'll be paid. You say the tuxedo card wasn't mentioned but what does the appropriate clause say?

Oh brasty I agree and I say at the end of my post it should be optional just as in the increasing past being payed by cash was an option. I was just sumising tescos logic on why they've done such a thing. The people that should be getting these cards are the teenagers that used to be paid in cash when they picked up their physical payslip. It should be an option though something they chose to do not as a blanket roll out.

Oh I see OP you haven't actually got your employee number or pass word to download your payslip? Well that's erm helpful not. I'm not sure that's ok.

That’s bonkers! Why would they think this is ok?

That’s terrible. I’d contact money / debt charities too, as this smacks of modern day slavery by big companies...

Oh, for clarity: I can't log in to get my pay slips because no one can / will give me my employee number to register for downloading.

It's all so rubbish.

And the Tuxedo website is silent on the issue of transferring money. I imagine, because it's a preloaded card, not a "real" card. I can't get past the self-service telephone number to speak to a real person to clarify.

I feel like I am in an episode for Black Mirror right now.

I'd think about contacting your MP and asking them to help you / contact Tesco etc. Assuming you're being paid at or near national minimum wage, I'd also contact the Low Pay Commission to see if they have any views about it - (www.gov.uk/government/organisations/low-pay-commission)

I'm really shocked at this. Are you on minimum wage? If so they are putting you below that if you have to pay to take money out. Are Tesco's involved financially with that card?

This nearly happened to my daughter but luckily her supervisor stepped in to push things along.
Also I noticed you have to be 18 to have a Tuxedo card and she was only 17!
I was under the impression that they do this if your details are not set up yet, not as a permanent way to pay wages.
Given that it seems to be some sort of partnership, it may benefit Tesco to put some custom their way.
I would ask your direct supervisor to support you, rather than sort it out yourself.

@Alanna1 that's a good point. If you are being paid min wage but have to pay to access you money - that essentially puts you at being paid below MW.

I can’t believe this is a thing? Paying people via a mechanism that costs them to access the money seems superwrong. It amounts to a deduction from wages, if you are being charged to withdraw the wage

www.chad.co.uk/news/exposed-the-con-cards-that-suck-thousands-from-sports-direct-workers-1-7958803

What on earth are Tesco thinking?

This is outrageous. What on earth is happening in this country.

Seriously? That's like being back in Victorian times.

Try the gov.uk fair work ombudsman too for advice.

Fuck that! Name and shame, right thing to do. Oi! Daily Mail! Over here, a story for you! Get it on Twitter, Facebook etc.

That is so crap. So rubbish.

I've seen one from 2009 so it's been going on for years.
Awful

Apparently you can opt out of it.

Contact ACAS today.

Reminds me vaguely of the old truck system which it's worth noting is illegal in the UK ....