I've worked for a local independent opticians for 4 years now. We got taken over by another independent opticians who have a few branches 2 years ago. Due to staff retiring etc I am the only full time member of staff at my branch responsible for the day to day running including banking, ordering stock, cleaning the practice including toilets and kitchen as well as pre screening patients and dispensing and fitting spectacles. I lone work on the days we don't test eyes and don't even get my legally entitled break. The other staff members work between the branches and are mainly here on days when the optometrist is working and we are testing eyes (usually 2-3 days a week) I keep the place ticking over and everything is done ready for my colleagues to come in and start their day. We have no HR department just an operations manager and a development manager and of course the two owners of the company. I had my first appraisal with them recently and decided I deserve a pay rise for all I do. It was declined. I have now been told I am also responsible for maintaining the outside of the building including litter picking and weeding the car park! This is all for national living wage. I feel so used and worthless. I am classed as CEV but chose to work during the lockdowns as they would not have had the staff members to cover the branch and it would have left them completely stuck. I didn't even get a thanks for this but more fool me.