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Started with a cleaning agency. Not sure if all above board.

7 replies

Rallyaround · 25/09/2020 23:36

Hi, I’ve taken a temporary job with a cleaning agency to pay for Xmas while my business has suffered massively (wedding supplier).
The job appealed as transport was provided, meaning I can leave the car with DH to do school pick up. I was called on Wednesday and asked to attend a training day the next day at a hotel that the company has been sub contracted to, to learn their standards.
My new boss called me to say he wanted to take a few more people and because I’m the only one that drives and has a car could I take my car and take 3 other people. I thought it was strange as they haven’t done any checks on me like ID and driving licence and they were asking me to transport other employees. I agreed and took them up to the hotel about 50 minutes away. We were shown around and how they like things done, and asked to make beds etc. Then I drove them all home again in the afternoon.
They are saying that as it was training we wouldn’t be getting paid for it.
Last night they asked if I could take a driving position and they could drop a company car off to me within the hour. I agreed as I felt a bit put on the spot.
So today I was sent to the main hotel to help with the housekeeping team (everyone else cleaned lodges) and had to pick up another lady. We had a horrible day. The housekeeping team made it very clear within 5 minutes that they DO NOT like agency staff. We were also not allowed to take a break or go for a drink as we were only supposed to work between 9-2 and that doesn’t qualify for any breaks. But we were asked to clean another room taking us til 3 before being asked to help with the lodges.
So I left at 7.50 to pick up the other lady and get to the hotel for 9am, then worked until 4 without being allowed a break. It was hot and sweaty work and I was parched.
I’m absolutely knackered. I’m not a stranger to hard work but I feel ill tonight. I was out the house for 7.50 and didn’t get to have anything to eat or drink until bloody 4pm.
I could have cried at the end of the day.
The hotel housekeeping have put me on the rota again for Monday and I am dreading it beyond belief. I don’t get paid for doing transport. I get paid from 9am and it’s £8.72 an hour. I don’t know if I can stick it out 😭

OP posts:
StephenBelafonte · 25/09/2020 23:39

Thats an appauling way to treat anyone. Tell them to stuff their job.

StephenBelafonte · 25/09/2020 23:42

It was your responsibility to take drinks and lunch with you though.

It's illegal for them to not pay you for your driving time if you're picking up/dropping off colleagues at their request.

If you want to keep the job but not do the driving them just tell them.

Rallyaround · 25/09/2020 23:45

Yes I took my water flask and lunch but had to leave it in a cloakroom and was not allowed to take a break to get it. I brought it just couldn’t have it.

OP posts:
StephenBelafonte · 25/09/2020 23:47

Honestly it sounds like a really awful job.

I hope you don't mind me asking but did you just take it because it would qualify you for tax credits? Because I can't think why else you or anyone else would do this job.

Rallyaround · 25/09/2020 23:55

I don’t know what tax credits are really. I don’t get anything like that. My husband I think earns over the threshhold. I’ve been classed as self employed for 8 years but since the wedding business is virtually non existent I was just wanting to earn some extra pennies for Xmas.

OP posts:
Rallyaround · 26/09/2020 08:30

I can’t seem to find any info on the driving time being paid. Does anyone have any links please?

OP posts:
Brandaris · 26/09/2020 08:41

I had a job in housekeeping for a while, it was a bit brutal and exhausting. Often wouldn’t have a break beyond swigging some water. I lost a lot of weight.

Ultimately this job is not essential to you surviving so if I was you I would check with the agency that your driving time was paid and that you would be getting a lunch break. If their answer isn’t what you would like then be prepared to walk away.

Sympathies though, I’m also in wedding industry (bridal alterations) and have lost so much money this year Christmas will be very lean!

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