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AIBU?

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Original poster

Cleaning interview unpaid

57 replies

Methodmenthol · 13/05/2021 20:14

Have recently been on an interview for a part time self employed cleaning job. Part of the interview process was cleaning the company owners bedroom and bathroom unpaid. I desperately needed the job and so went ahead with it however, on telling a couple of friends a few weeks later, they both believe it wasn’t a great thing for them to have asked and one even said unethical.

I also overheard whilst cleaning that he made sure he hadn’t cleaned the bathroom for a while before I started.

Aibu to feel a bit used or is it standard practice and I agreed to it so move on? (I did get the job and have some cleaning hours)

OP posts:
WillWonderer · 13/05/2021 20:19

I think this is fine - it's very common to have an unpaid trial. I'd think it's a bit odd that it was the owner's bedroom and bathroom but perhaps with Covid it made more sense than introducing another person into the mix. Regardless, it doesn't actually matter what you cleaned, the purpose was to see how well you clean.

TwoAndAnOnion · 13/05/2021 20:19

You have been taken advantage of.

Totally inappropriate to be in his bedroom. Was there anyone else in the house?

EmeraldShamrock · 13/05/2021 20:24

I also overheard whilst cleaning that he made sure he hadn’t cleaned the bathroom for a while before I started.
And you stayed? This is the moment he'd regret his superior comment with a dripping bucket on his head.

Chwaraeteg · 13/05/2021 20:25

That is very creepy. It definitely doesn't sound right, sorry Confused

shetlandponies · 13/05/2021 20:25

@Methodmenthol

Have recently been on an interview for a part time self employed cleaning job. Part of the interview process was cleaning the company owners bedroom and bathroom unpaid. I desperately needed the job and so went ahead with it however, on telling a couple of friends a few weeks later, they both believe it wasn’t a great thing for them to have asked and one even said unethical.

I also overheard whilst cleaning that he made sure he hadn’t cleaned the bathroom for a while before I started.

Aibu to feel a bit used or is it standard practice and I agreed to it so move on? (I did get the job and have some cleaning hours)

😱😱

Nooo this is so wrong

I was a self employed cleaner for ten years and still do a bit alongside ,y other job. No one EVER asked me to do an unpaid trial of any kind and I'd never have done it if they had. At one point I had other self employed ladies occasionally doing clients for me and when they started I gave them a trial which was paid at the rate agreed.

If this is a mollymaids type company my advice is to steer clear. You'll have all the shit of being employed ie a "boss" etc yet you're self employed. The money is shit too. better to start up on your own. If you want any advice pm me. X

Newrumpus · 13/05/2021 20:26

Unpaid trial is shocking practice. Would they let you have a week’s pay in trial to see if it is enough to live on? The other details make this incredibly grim.

ittakes2 · 13/05/2021 20:28

I think that’s awful. I sometimes ask new cleaners for a trial but I always make sure it’s clear it’s a trial and I absolutely pay them.

EmeraldShamrock · 13/05/2021 20:29

Have confidence in your work don't offer free trials just inform them if they're unhappy when you finish they won't be charged but don't return or they'll try it weekly.
Are you a good organised cleaner? If yes then you'll be snapped up.

Aprilx · 13/05/2021 20:32

Disgraceful. Don’t fall for that again.

GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 13/05/2021 20:38

Sounds really dodgy to me!

Kokosrieksts · 13/05/2021 20:46

That is so weird. Someone could just make these interviews up to keep getting free cleans.

Tabitha005 · 13/05/2021 20:55

I wonder how many times he's done that? I bet the shitty bastard hasn't paid for cleaning services in a VERY long time.

Unsubscribed · 13/05/2021 20:55

it's very common to have an unpaid trial

Really? I would be very surprised by that. It sounds very dodgy and taking advantage. By all means have a trial but it should be paid

Sonofabiscuit · 13/05/2021 21:06

@Kokosrieksts

That is so weird. Someone could just make these interviews up to keep getting free cleans.
Exactly .I know of a woman who did this regularly, until a cleaner went back and had words with her partner who had no idea . She would have a clean ,but ,always have to go out and so will transfer the money later. Well everytime she found fault and said wouldn't pay .
SpiderinaWingMirror · 13/05/2021 21:32

Cheap bastards

notanothertakeaway · 13/05/2021 21:38

I think a trial is OK, poss OK to clean the owner's house, but it should be paid as you have provided a service

safariboot · 13/05/2021 22:17

YANBU.

A lot of 'employers' pull the scam of getting job applicants to do actual work. Happens in all sorts of roles.

SnackSizeRaisin · 13/05/2021 22:20

A trial is fine but it should be paid. Weird that he would let an employee into his own bedroom! Sounds very strange. Can't you set up as a cleaner on your own?

Original poster
Methodmenthol · 13/05/2021 23:17

Thank you for all the replies. I think I may look into setting up as cleaner and finding my own clients.

I am wondering if I should say something to the two company owners about what happened?

OP posts:
eatsleepread · 13/05/2021 23:51

Nando's did this with my teen. Unpaid full shifts. Cheeky bastards that they are.

I have a cleaner, OP, and would never treat someone like this. YANBU Thanks

Northernsoullover · 13/05/2021 23:59

@Methodmenthol

Thank you for all the replies. I think I may look into setting up as cleaner and finding my own clients.

I am wondering if I should say something to the two company owners about what happened?

I worked for an agency for next to nothing. It was a good experience as I ironed out all my kinks under their name and then set up on my own. I didn't take their clients but I did pass my number on to their friends/family them and built up a nice little round of my own. Your trial is shit though I got paid for my trial shifts. I'd stick with it and start marketing yourself. When you have built up enough customers you can say cheerio.
Redruby82 · 14/05/2021 00:06

Seems a bit odd cleaning his bedroom but an unpaid trial is fairly normal I think.

I would set up on your own, I did this 12 months ago and am now working full time and still getting inquiries. It's flexible and I can work around school runs etc. I have worked for cleaning agencies and they pay peanuts but charge a fortune! People always want cleaners and as long as you are good and don't mind doing all chores it's really good money.
Good luck!

EmeraldShamrock · 14/05/2021 00:11

Setting up yourself might be a good thing.
Definitely inform the management and don't put up with a shit attitude again, cleaning takes lots of hard physical work and pride.
Good luck.

mellicauli · 14/05/2021 00:23

It is unethical. But it suited you and you agreed so not much you can do about it.

But keep in your mind these aren't good people and keep your boundaries. If you are truly self employed, you can pick and choose what work you do, for who and what you get paid. Take what you want from this but keep looking for something else.

If they start getting shitty again, tell them you'll be talking to HMRC.

Twistered · 14/05/2021 00:26

Was it Clem by any chance?

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