AIBU to say no to new employer who wants me to do two days training (likely unpaid) before starting work?

[GoKatForDinner]

I have a new school job and I’m currently going through the DBS and other checks before I can start. My new employer has just emailed me with two full days of mandatory training. Previously, I’d been told I’d be starting at the end of June/beginning July, once all the clearances were sorted – so it seems this training will take place before I officially start work.

They haven’t said whether the training will be unpaid, but I’m assuming it might be, since it’s before the likely start date.

I am honestly done with doing unpaid work.

I’ve replied to say I can attend, but also asked if the training day will be considered my official start date and I’m waiting to hear back.

Obviously, I don’t want to cause any tension before I’ve even started the job, but AIBU to say I’d rather wait and do the training once I’ve officially started, if it’s unpaid?

Also, how can I check whether the training is paid or not without sounding like I’m just in it for the money?!

You just ask. You are in it for the money!

If they're not planning to pay you and it takes you below minimum wage, that would be illegal.

Tbh I think it's highly unlikely that an organisation requiring DBS checks and 2 days' initial trianing woukd expect that unpaid. If you do it before your start date, you'll claim it as additional hours once you start.

Do not worry about sounding like you’re just in it for the money! You should absolutely get paid to do training.

Just email them asking for clarity about whether you’ll be paid extra for two days, or whether you’d claim the time back once and get two off once you’ve started.

I work in a school and was in exactly the same situation when I started. I said that I could only do the 2 days if I was paid for them, which they did. No issue. Yes I’m in it for the money. If I didn’t need money, I wouldn’t be working there!

People work to get paid, that's a given, so don't worry about that. Ask whether the work will be paid, or whether they will give you two extra days holiday. I'm sure there will be some arrangement which does not involve you doing it for free. In addition, schools are generally run by teachers, who are highly unionised, so I wouldn't imagine anyone would even baulk at the question.

you are “in it for the money ” if you’re honest with yourself

but this is an entirely professional and reasonable question to ask - although don’t frame it as a question more of an assumption that

“thanks for the confirmation. Just to confirm, these two days will be paid?”

Yes, of course I'm in it for the money. Not denying that. I just don't want to sound like I'm just in it for the money and that I'm not interested in the job.

@StevioI like your idea. Thanks.

In every school I've worked in, these were done on a don't ask don't get basis. People who were "happy" to do the training unpaid wouldn't be paid, but anyone who asked would be told "of course you get paid, put in an additional hours claim, here's the form".

Hahaha of course schools have people working unpaid. Generally unless you ask, it won't get sorted. I attended probably 5 weeks' worth of staff meetings before I started my teaching job (was still a student) and it didn't occur to me til years later you I should have been paid. I always ask for pay/TOIL now.

I wouldn't ask if it is being paid, I'd ask how it is being paid. I wouldn't want to give the impression that not paying for it was an option.

Yeah, I think the 'assuming it's paid' option is the best way forward.