Work Trials

Mythical

Does anyone have any experience with these?
I've applied for a job and the ad says 'work trail is essential'. I've already been told about work trials, but haven't had chance to ask about them properly. Do you still have to sign every two weeks and keep looking for a job, on top of what you're already doing at the job? And is there some limit to the hours you can work - since you only get what you'd normally get on JSA, plus expenses.

I hadn't even thought about it, but yeah, my Mum is having a hissy fit - me having to work 40 hours for £60. Even if it's only for a month.

Is there something in place to stop employers taking the mickey with this scheme - after all, it's essentially a free employee for a month - what's to stop them trialling employee after employee?

bunny999

Unless it's for a really good job it sounds like a rip off.

Mythical

Well it looks like a really good job, and Work Trials are something that's organised by the jobcentre people. But yeah, it does look a bit like a rip-off!!

briona

Hi Mythical

I know employers who have used people on work trials, and more often than not, they use them for one month (for free!) and then say it didn't work out and get another candidate (for free)... See where this is going? :rolleyes:

The only benefit I could see to you doing it is that you get work experience in a particular job/area. Obviously there is a possibility of you getting offered the position at the end of the trial (probably on low wages if you've come to them virtually free at the beginning!), but worst-case scenario, you can put it down as a temporary contract or freelance role on your CV.

Briona

Mythical

briona wrote: »

I know employers who have used people on work trials, and more often than not, they use them for one month (for free!) and then say it didn't work out and get another candidate (for free)... See where this is going? :rolleyes:

That's what I thought!
It'll keep me out of trouble for a few weeks, and I'll be able to add something to the CV/portfolio, if nothing else!
I'll keep my fingers crosed anyway.

mcc28_x

Do you know if the this job is part of the 'Local Employer Partnerships?'

If it is ,the trial is probably genuine, if not I would be cautious.

Trials should not normally last more than 3 weeks and they should confirm your employment after 2 weeks even if they ask you to work the third week.

You should receive a subsistence allowance and travel expenses. These are the requirements when the work trail has been negotiated via the JobCentre, if not tell them to stuff it!

Yes you will have to sign on but you should be 'regarded' as actively seeking without having to produce evidence...

Mythical

Thanks for your help, mcc28_x!
I don't remember wether it was part of the LEP or not - I applied to the Jobcentre who passed the application on, if that means anything.

Anyway, I had my interview today, and was offered the trial - start Monday. I'm still skeptical, but the hours are good, it keeps me out of trouble, and TBH, I need a break from jobseeking, so I'm taking it!

I know I'm not expected to look for anything, but is it expected that I keep my options open, just in case it doesn't work out? Like if I had an interview planned since before I applied to ths job, scheduled for after I'd start, do I still attend? even though it's not a better job?

ukdickie31

Just for the record, a worktrial (organised by the Jobcentre) is anything up to 15 days.

I would suggest that if they do ask you to do a worktrial, you ask them to limit it to one day.

Most potential employees and employers can make a judgement in this time. Anything over 1 day normally isn't necessary.

mcc28_x

Mythical wrote: »

I know I'm not expected to look for anything, but is it expected that I keep my options open, just in case it doesn't work out? Like if I had an interview planned since before I applied to ths job, scheduled for after I'd start, do I still attend? even though it's not a better job?

It would be a very harsh advisor that took DMA action for not attending an interview whilst doing a work trial.

Good luck and I hope you get the job!

ukdickie31

DMA - refusal to attend / take up a Worktrail vacancy cannot be DMA'd !

If you are unavailable due to being on a worktrial, it can hardly be classed as not actively seeking employment etc when the worktrial itself is demonstrating taking employment.

hippychik

I posted a similar question to this. In my case the interview will not be held until after the three week work trial, and although they contacted me last month, the trial is not till christmas hmmm....