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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

4 hour unpaid work trail

44 replies

Bellasorellaa · 03/05/2019 14:22

I have a work trial on Saturday which I agreed to go to however I was willing for one hour only

I am told today it will be 4 hours and there is no guarantee the job is yours after

It’s for a personal assistant to a woman with a disability

Would you take this?

I already have a job but looking for another. This one in particular had some benefits I wanted.

OP posts:
MagicKingdomDizzy · 03/05/2019 14:24

4 hours unpaid seems like alot for a trial. One hour should be sufficient.

Is she hiring you herself, or is it through an agency?

waterrat · 03/05/2019 14:25

hmm. I am fairly anti doing any free work as a 'trial'. I have worked for a very large organisation in the past where they expected entire DAYS done for free as 'trial' with no guaruntee of work. The union stepped in and that has been banned.

So - this is a really personal role and they want to check the two of you are compatible.

It would probably ring alarm bells for me if this person was tight with money and can't offer expenses/ paid trial - but if you really want the job I don't think four hours of your life is an enormous loss to find out.

Ragwort · 03/05/2019 14:29

I think a trial is good because it works both ways, you may find that you really don’t like the work.
Who is saying it is for four hours? Is it an agency?
Suggest you compromise on two hours and phrase it as ‘that will give both Ms X and myself sufficient time to agree that I am the right person for the job’.

Mrsjayy · 03/05/2019 14:29

I don't think the woman would be able to work out if you are sutible in just an hour i am assuming she might have personal needs that she might need to trial, it is entirely up to you if you go or not but she has set out her trial and obviously thinks half a shift is what she requires,

MRex · 03/05/2019 14:29

I don't agree with working for free; you could see this as an extended interview but then 4 hours is a long time. Have you asked how many other people are being trialled? I think it's reasonable to ask to at least be paid for the 4 hours at half rate, or to confirm after 2 hours if you're getting the job, sign the contract on the day and only continue (paid) if you have the job.

Mrsjayy · 03/05/2019 14:31

Yes you could ask about 2 hours as a compromise.

DingDongDenny · 03/05/2019 14:31

I think it's perfectly reasonable. If you are employing someone to assist with your personal care needs it's very initimate and you have to feel like you trust them.

I imagine the idea is that 4 hours will give you a better concept of what is involved and if you are going to be compatible.

But I do think they could pay you for the time if you get the job and go on the payroll

Original poster
Bellasorellaa · 03/05/2019 14:43

It’s just me who will be on trail. They are interviewing others who will do their own trail.
I don’t agree with it either 4 hours is a long time for free and nothing is paid no travel nothing

She is hiring herself for a personal assistant cash in hand

OP posts:
bringincrazyback · 03/05/2019 14:44

4 hours is too long unpaid, that's taking the piss.

Original poster
Bellasorellaa · 03/05/2019 14:45

It’s doing her errands, booking her classes, taking her to appointments. I don’t need to change her or take her toilet or anything.
She’s from a rich family and they pay for her care.

OP posts:
Mrsjayy · 03/05/2019 14:49

Look if you think it is dodgy just decline or negociate some expenses they might or might not be taking the piss but it is entirely up to you .

RedRiverShore · 03/05/2019 14:49

Well, if she get enough people to interview to do a 4 hour trial she will not have to pay anyone for a while will she.

notacooldad · 03/05/2019 14:52

Not a chance.

She could give you 'expenses' at least.

MRex · 03/05/2019 14:53

If her family are rich then they can afford to pay you for the trial, even if it's not the full payment. Sounds pretty suspicious to me. As does "cash in hand".

bigbadbadger · 03/05/2019 14:54

I employ a lot of people for part time (4-8 hour a week) roles. I pay them in full for their trial - they do 4 shifts - and then we meet and decide whether it has worked, discuss training needs and arrange a contract. I wouldn't work for free, and she should not want you to.

RomanyQueen1 · 03/05/2019 14:55

There are jobs like this in hospitality, but they usually ask for 8 hour shifts for free. It is quite common.

higgyhog · 03/05/2019 15:00

4 hours is really just an extended interview. I was offered a job 2 years ago that for various reasons i didn't take. I spent 2 or 3 days researching the role, preparing my first presentation and then travelled some distance for a preliminary interview, which took over an hour and a half in all. Then selected for a second interview so had to put my heart and soul into a second more complex presentation and the same amount of time again. I'm sure the person you are applying to be PA to will want to have a fairly lengthy period of time to see if you gel.

Annabk · 03/05/2019 15:15

I did a full 9hr shift unpaid as a work trial at a large high-profile charity. Thankfully got the job, apparently they had three of us on different days, competing for one position.

Original poster
Bellasorellaa · 03/05/2019 17:06

What should I do? I don’t know

OP posts:
Original poster
Bellasorellaa · 03/05/2019 17:06

Red river this is what I thought as well

OP posts:
Reddedder · 03/05/2019 17:08

Trials are normal.

HollyBollyBooBoo · 03/05/2019 17:08

Trials are completely normal, if you want the job then yes I'd do the trial.

Original poster
Bellasorellaa · 03/05/2019 17:12

I’m an experienced person so I don’t feel being a beginner in retail or hospitality is the same thing.

I have over ten years experience

OP posts:
smartcarnotsosmartdriver · 03/05/2019 17:15

My DH is a highly experienced chef, very good at what he does and commands a decent salary. He is often expected to work full shifts as a trial. It's sucks but it's what is needed. It's up to you if you think the job is worth the expense.

Bouncebacker · 03/05/2019 17:15

Cash in hand isn’t legal. You need to be registered as self employed if the nature of the work allows that and she needs to pay you enough to cover your tax. If you will be under her direction and control - sounds like you will be - then you are her employee and she needs to register as an employer and pay employers NI as well as your tax and above minimum wage.

I sound hoity toity- but unless this kind of employment is legitimatised, then employers can get away with all sorts of exploitation - including asking you to work for free.

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