DS trial shift not paid

[Parvolax]

DS has done two trial shifts one with an agency who said they would pay him but then changed it to they would pay him if they took him on which they didn’t and one at a local cafe who didn’t say she wouldn’t pay him until he asked a week or so later.
For context, DS is intelligent and hardworking. I think for the agency job they thought he was too skinny and wouldn’t be able to lift things etc and the cafe said they were looking for someone permanent (not summer job). I know she trialled several people over a week so would have had free labour all week.
AIBU to think people should be paid for what they work?

Unfortunately morally it's wrong but it's legal but shameful business practice. Happened to dh when he was desperate for a job after he lost his and wasn't taken on. Completely took advantage of someone he was trying to support his family at the time.

I bet they do.it all.the time .

Thing is a trial shift isn't really free labour, if anything it takes up time for existing staff rather than being of benefit to the business.
It was commonplace in the restaurant industry even twenty years ago when I was at sixth form, 3 hours or so is long enough to see if someone has the right initiative and work ethic for a basic FOH job.
I don't think I ever got a restaurant job FOH or kitchens without a trial.

Where I work people come for trialshifts that are meant to be just a couple of hours but usually last less than that. I think that’s fair enough but working a full shift for nothing seems unfair.

This guidance notes that work trials can help employers “to decide whether the individual has the skills and qualities for the job”, and that unpaid work trials can be a “legitimate practice” so long as they are not used “to obtain work or services for which at least the minimum wage should be paid”.28 Mar 2023

So basically the guidance is as clear as mud.
You’re right, morally its awful.

If its longer than a half hour to look at your skills you should be paid. Making you do a full shift is completely immoral.

Morally wrong, but perfectly legal and a customary practice. Just like paying a lower minimum wage to younger adults.

I did a trial shift at a dog groomers and it cost me £6 for a return bus ticket and £3 for lunch.
I thought I was getting paid but it turned out I wasn't but as I was about to leave at the end of an 8 hour day the manager gave me a tenner as thanks. That meant I was £1 better off than when I left the house that morning.