Would you give this up as a lost cause?

[lottieandmia22]

I've been working for someone I know for a short time. It is a small business. Basically, my boss can't give me enough hours. When I started she said I would be guaranteed X number of hours and what has happened quite frequently is that she's phoned me to say she doesn't need me that day or whatever so I sometimes only get a third of what she said. Then I've noticed that she hadn't paid me enough last week. Apparently she took an hour off me because we finished at 6.45 instead of 7 o clock.

She has been repeatedly saying that she will be able to give me more hours. 2 weeks ago she said I could start this at the beginning of March and now suddenly she's saying Easter.

I'm a lone parent and I really need the money. I am thinking that I should apply for a different job (not such a nice place to work but it's a much bigger business). My mum says she's messing me about.

Is this sort of carry on usual?

What you've described is a zero hours contract. They don't guarantee any minimum number of hours per week, and presumably expect you to sit there twiddling your thumbs on the offchance they want you to come in for a few hours. How do they expect you to pay your bills...

I'd find something more secure if I were you

t sounds as though you are effectively on a zero hours contract.

This boss has not delivered on promises made to you and personally I would not be able to trust her.

I think you deserve better. There are better jobs with better conditions and more trustworthy employers out there.

I would give it up as a lost cause, personally, and look for something else. As a single parent you need certainty and stability and that is not going to happen while you stay with this employer. I agree with your mother.

Definitely, move on I had not this exact situation but similar in some ways. Find new job and leave in nice manner. Your mum is probably very much right by the way.

Your mum's right. Look for a new job.

Ok thank you. I don't know why she can't just be honest with me?

Because it suits her to have your services on tap, as and when she needs you, and not paying a penny piece when she doesn't have to.

I think you're right

She said to me that she thinks I'm an asset to the business. So it's a shame she doesn't try to give me a decent chance.

If she thinks you are an asset to the business then other, more deserving, employers will too. It is her loss!

I think she doesn't want to be honest and tell me she just can't afford to pay me for those hours...

Well, if you are asset to her business she needs to put you onto a more secure footing, or risk losing you. She needs you more than you need her. And if she's struggling to afford to pay you now, what are the longer term prospects that she will be able to? What would you advise a friend in this situation? Look out for yourself - check out the local market for other jobs.