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AIBU?

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Original poster

Been treated disgustingly by this pub

66 replies

EvePolastri938 · 24/07/2020 20:37

I got offered a part-time job at a pub.
I've done waitressing before but never pulled pints, I told them this and they said it was no problem and they would train me.

Did my training/shift last week. Made a few dodgy pints but picked it up by the end. Did alright with the till, pub was very quiet so just cleaned tables and glasses, didn't seem to be any issues.

I told them I had a holiday booked for later this summer and they seemed very easygoing, saying that they were very flexible and that we could sort it out between us on whatsapp.

The manager was mainly sat there with her friend once she had trained me, she seemed to trust me enough to leave me to it.

Anyway i've since texted twice with my availability and showed that i'm keen, and no reply.

She told me that the rota had been sent out individually to everyone as some of us would be going to different pubs.

Anyway, still haven't received a rota of any kind and i've just been deleted off the whatsapp group. Text the manager to ask why and zero reply.

So I guess this is their way of saying they don't want me. Appalling, i've never been treated that way before. They owe me money for my shift so I will be there tomorrow and will not be nice to them.

I'm fortunate to have a main job and this was intended as a part time summer job, but I really feel for people whose main job that may have been.

Plus, they pay £8.00 per hour, and i'm 29 so it's illegal as min.wage is £8.72.

What would you do ? Very appalling.

OP posts:
Ohtherewearethen · 24/07/2020 22:11

You seem to be having a lot of drama in your life at the moment. It's one thing after another.

Shinesweetfreedom · 24/07/2020 22:14

Not saying this is,but I have heard of pubs doing this and just using someone and then not paying them.
I would also report them to tax office

KrabbyPatties · 24/07/2020 22:23

Are you taking about the pub in Glasgow?

Dolmolandsnowdrops · 24/07/2020 22:31

Exactly the same thing happened to me years ago, 1986 I think it was. Somethings never change. Sorry it’s still going on.

Hamm87 · 24/07/2020 22:33

Does sound like a unpaid trail if you fail you don't get paid basically and its completely legal nothing you can do

Hearhoovesthinkzebras · 24/07/2020 22:40

When you said cash in hand did you mean that in the conventional sense ie a way to avoid paying tax and NI? I mean if that's the case what did you expect? It's not likely that an employer happy to break the law in one way is going to comply in others (minimum wage) is it?

Original poster
EvePolastri938 · 24/07/2020 22:40

Not Glasgow no, that's fair enough they should have been clear about that and not passed it off as training, the manager was also going round asking people what shifts they did since they reopened, so it appears that they are getting paid for their first shift.

OP posts:
Original poster
EvePolastri938 · 24/07/2020 22:41

Cash in hand payments are legal, min wage is not but I have been short on cash and was grateful to get this extra job.

OP posts:
Needsomeadvicehere · 24/07/2020 22:59

Console yourself that people like that are a nightmare to work for, so you were lucky not getting the job. They ought to pay you for the work you did, though.

MissHemsworth · 24/07/2020 23:45

Seems odd that the hospitality industry are recruiting anyone at this time. Especially as you've confirmed it was quiet, on a Friday night. Usually one of the busiest nights of the week in a bar/restaurant. Most restaurants are struggling.

Sounds to me like they changed their minds about any new recruits, but instead of being professional about it have chosen to not bother getting in touch at all.

BIWI · 24/07/2020 23:48

Is cash in hand legal? It's only so if you're declaring it and paying tax etc.

Are you doing that?

honeygirlz · 24/07/2020 23:55

How many shifts did you do OP? Hope you get your money, well done for standing your ground.

RufustheRowlingReindeer · 24/07/2020 23:58

@Pelleas

I've seen a few threads on here about pubs/restaurants using the 'trial shift' premise to get free/cheap labour - essentially using a succession of trial shifts to make up the numbers without employing anyone at the end of it. It sounds like you've been used, OP. I hope you find a decent employer next time!
I agree

And while you’re at it you could let HMRC know about the ‘less than minimum wages’ pay

haveyoutriedgoogle · 25/07/2020 00:01

@EvePolastri938

Cash in hand payments are legal, min wage is not but I have been short on cash and was grateful to get this extra job.
Only if you then declare and pay income tax which I’m sure you were intending on doing, right? 🤣🤣🤣
user1471565182 · 25/07/2020 05:08

Its amazing how cowardly some managers are isnt it. Is it really impossible just to send a text saying 'not quite got the experience' or whatever?

Giganticshark · 25/07/2020 09:05

Cash in hand is different to being paid cash. Were you getting a pay slip too?

Boom45 · 25/07/2020 09:24

Maybe the payroll person has realised you're 29 and they've fucked up hiring someone who they have to pay more? My friend worked in a pub all the way through uni and continued after she graduated full time. Worked there for years, cashing up, opening and closing the pub long hours and she was VERY reliable. As soon as she turned 26 (or whatever age it is the minimum wage rises) they accused her of stealing and fired her. She wasnt the only one that happened to either. If you've just done one shift they can just ghost you without trying to fabricate an excuse not to employ you.

Original poster
EvePolastri938 · 25/07/2020 09:35

I told them I was 29 before I started so not sure if it's that, but yeah they are not worth it really who would want to work for someone like them.

OP posts:
Crinkle77 · 25/07/2020 10:01

I think paying under the minimum wage would have rung alarm bells with me. If they're prepared to do this then no doubt they would have treated you like shit in other ways.

zingally · 25/07/2020 10:47

TBH, you accepted a job knowing it was less than the legal minimum wage... What were you expecting? That should have been the first warning sign.
Those sorts of jobs are usually had by 16/17 year olds, who are easy to manipulate because they don't really know any better... Perhaps, when they saw you were older, they thought "more hassle than she's worth", as they thought you'd be less likely to take shit?

NotSorry · 25/07/2020 11:57

Cash in hand and being paid cash is 2 different things - also being paid cash you don’t necessarily get a wage slip - depends if you are PAYE or part self-employed.

I’m self-employed and a lot of my clients pay cash - I declare everything, it is not in my interest not to.

Back to the OP, think you’ve dodged a bullet

BubblesThaDragoon · 25/07/2020 12:10

Report them to HMRC for failing to pay NMW. Can’t stand businesses that exploit people like this - also trial shifts are no longer allowed - they need to be paid at NMW.

squirrelsbizaar · 25/07/2020 12:14

An employer can pay you in cash, if that's their preferred method of paying wages and still be legit, not encountered many this side of the millennium, but you never know.
But traditional understanding of the term is you are working illegally and your employer is not paying NI or Tax. If you have agreed to work 'cash in hand' then I doubt you have much chance of getting the wages for your shift, unless you threaten them with HMRC.

roarfeckingroar · 25/07/2020 12:19

Why would they owe you money for a trial?

SmudgeButt · 25/07/2020 12:28

Go in and ask loudly for your P45 that the job centre needs to see.