Jobs that fine employees for absence/holidays

[Annoyedfedup]

N/c for this post.

I received a job offer a few days ago for a gig economy type job which requires the employee to cover any absences. If the employee is unable to find cover then they are fined and in some cases the fine is more than the pay! Some employees were forced to work whilst ill or face fines. Surely it’s the company’s responsibility to cover absences? Apparently (again according to employee reviews) the company withhold 2 weeks of pay in case the employee leaves before the 28 day notice period. I thought the statutory notice period was 1 week but could be wrong. And is it legal to withhold wages?

Would it be reasonable to contact them and say this is an unfair and unsustainable business model. Would it be unreasonable to contact them?

Would it be reasonable to contact them and say this is an unfair and unsustainable business model

Yes, but it won't change anything.

You can contact them and tell them whatever you want, depends whether you want the job or not.
You can check if what they are doing is legal by contacting ACAS or similar and if not report them

That sounds like self employed terms and you are contracting for the work, rather than being an employee.

doesn't sound right but (uk) I think if it's in the contract they can get away with docking pay for stuff as long as you still make over minimum wage. I'm not sure that's the case here

Yes it’s a self employed delivery role.

It’s self employed so you don’t have the same employment rights.

Usually for these sort of jobs there is a delegate driver who is also self employed and will pick up work from unavailable drivers as and when they want it, but it’s not a given you will find a delegate to partner with.

“This is a permanent, self-employed contract.
It would be your responsibility to arrange cover for your round if you need time off, we’re unable to make these arrangements.”

No delegate driver. So if the vehicle breaks down, you’re taken ill, you need to take time off and you can’t arrange cover then you’ll be fined or possibly sacked.

I looked at the background of this company and they have links to religious organisations. And yet their company is involved with these sharp practises. Sad but not surprising.

So it’s probably the substitute clause to avoid IR35 then