Excessive requests before starting a new job

[EL8888]

I’m starting a new job next month, l have completed all of the HR documents, referencing, bank forms etc etc. Today l wake up to 9 long documents relating to me my new job (NOT related to my start or HR, related to the role). I’m poised to send them an email saying l will attend them when l start. I’m a little annoyed they are trying to get me to do stuff in advance. They know lm still at my old job so why all of the requests. They aren’t paying me yet!

Im poised to send them an email saying l will attend them when l start.

Do this - if you want to get off on completely the wrong foot.

😳

@Candleinthebreeze
read quickly - skim read -
do a couple of notes - its meant to HELP you & how you can spring to the idea of extra hours when so many on here have told you otherwise (shakes head)
Personally I would be looking forward to new job & curious about information (but I am an information junky) You sound like you hate work?

As a contractor, I've never had anyone wanting me to do actual work for them whilst I was being paid by someone else. If they really need me to read documents pertaining to the work, I may be able to do it at the weekend but they'd be charged at my hourly rate for the work! (And before anyone says nobody would hire me or keep me, people are desperate to have me work for them, I turn down more work than I get)

@Svalberg

As a contractor, I've never had anyone wanting me to do actual work for them whilst I was being paid by someone else. If they really need me to read documents pertaining to the work, I may be able to do it at the weekend but they'd be charged at my hourly rate for the work! (And before anyone says nobody would hire me or keep me, people are desperate to have me work for them, I turn down more work than I get)

I have worked as a Contractor and while I agree with you it sounds like OP will be an employee so it’s quite different

Yeah, tell them you'll attend to it at induction.

Is it actual work related stuff that would be confidential, or just general documents FYI? Or more general 'acceptable use' type documentation that you have to agree to.

‘we need out of hours working to deliver our core function’

Well there’s clearly something wrong about that set up then 🙄

I have worked in HR for several organisations and this is perfectly normal practice, there will be compliance/mandatory information you need from day one and also it helps manage the FAQs we get like when is pay day and so on.

Bonkers, no you don't have to do work in advance of the first day of a new job unless you choose to. The choice part is pretty important!

I think people missed the point that the OP is in the position of power here - sounds like they want her more than she wants him.

Would a powerful man in her shoes do the reading? I suspect not. Take the power and do the reading on arrival!

Some pretty unkind comments on here. I don't think there's anything wrong with either being paid for the work if out of work time or doing it during work hours.

Of course you do the bloody reading, it's 35 pages not the A-Z of Encyclopaedias. It's not a male female thing, it's willing to go prepared in a new role.

Caveated by if this is NMW.

I joined the civil service earlier this year and had to read through several hours of online material before starting. It just had to be done as it logged it online when read.

As a total workaholic I’d still be surprised to be asked to do this pre-reading- and I can’t really understand all the comments. There’s usually a bit of hanging around at the start whilst you meet the team and get set up, so the reading would be ideal to do then. You literally don’t even work there yet! Actually laughing that the new place might be worried about your abilities/ reading speed if you say you’ll get to this when you start. As if!!

I'd be delighted if I had information in advance of starting a new role. Number of times I have started a new job where the induction involves showing me the kitchen and toilets and expecting me to somehow magically know every work related process from day one ...

I also keep boundaries between work and home and usually stick to working time however there is a bit of give of take. Work are flexible if I’m a little late or want to leave a bit early, I’ll make hours up. If there’s a personal emergency they are considerate and equally if there’s pressure at work I will work extra to accomplish defined objectives. I would also see this as an opportunity to get further insight into the role which would pay off for me personally. I think you’re reading too much into it but also think a lack of flexibility on your part may be a bit unreasonable (we’re not talking about taking calls on a Sunday).

Also as a point before the candidate accepts an offer I go through with them what the role actually entails to make sure they want it (don’t want them giving up a position they’re happy with for something they won’t enjoy or be motivated by). You don’t sound like you really want the job tbh.

I've had this in all professional jobs I have had. It was information I needed to know prior to my first day to be able to effectively start my role.

My industry has high demand for new staff however, when an employee uses the 'demand is high, I can go anywhere' they don't seem to last long.

I’m on Team OP, here. She’s not under contract yet, does she fuck have to lift a finger before day one. But MN loves licking capitalist boot and cringing in thankful servitude for jobs instead of seeing employment as a two-way street.

What are the docs? I can’t make a decision on whether you’re being U until you provide this info.

There are definitely red flags, but not on the part of the employer.

Ideally want to know what the docs are!

Is it a local authority employer?

I think it depends on if this is a career role

What's a career role?

It's probably taken longer for OP to read the replies on here than it would to read the docs she's been asked to....

@burritofan sounds like l need to up my bowing and scraping skills. Mine are clearly quite woeful!

@Rainbowshine like l said l have done all the HR stuff e.g. pay day, pension, annual leave etc