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Are Work Trials compulsory

I wonder if anyone can help me out. I applied for a job at a supermarket, and they got back in touch a few weeks ago to say that all candidates have to complete a three week work trial before they would be interviewed.
The date for the trial is over the christmas and new year period, we will be interviewed in January.
I'd always assumed that woirk trials were voluntary and could be terminated at any time; by either side, but I have been asked to sign a form committing to the three weeks.
The Jobcentre have informed me it is my interests to do so, but to wait for an interview seems harsh.:confused:
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Comments

  • lynnexxxo
    lynnexxxo Posts: 1,213 Forumite
    What so they want to you work for three weeks over christmas and new year for nothing??? Seriously? Maybe I'm just out of touch but i know where I'd be telling them to shove it!
  • Thanks, did try to say no, but apparently under the terms of JSA it could be seen as a breach if I don't do it. I did offer to do the trial immediately but on good. what is bugging me is they won't interview me at all unless I complete the trial. I always thought these were voluntary, not a way for supermarkets to get free seasonal help!
  • Oldernotwiser
    Oldernotwiser Posts: 37,425 Forumite
    Are you getting paid for this work trial?
  • No, I will continue to sign on and get JSA, but I still have to seeking work
  • Horace
    Horace Posts: 14,426 Forumite
    Having done a work trial with the jobcentre - I know what its like.

    The work trial will be 15 days and during that time you will still collect your JSA and you will be given an additional allowance for travelling and lunch (in Birmingham this is £3 for the bus fare and £3 for lunch), you need to collect this from the jobcentre on a weekly basis as they will give you a giro.

    You do not sign off whilst you are on the work trial and at the end of it there is no obligation for you to stay on, you can say that the work wasn't for you and give a reason why. If you elect to stay after the 15 day work trial then you must sign off the dole and they will give you a one-off payment of £100 as a goodbye gift.

    I tried to wangle out of the work trial that I went on and was told that my benefits could be affected if I did not do it.

    HTH
  • UM WHAT ????

    Sounds a bit like forced labour to me...

    What a racket for the supermarket eh?
    Blackpool_Saver is female, and does not live in Blackpool

  • So it isn't voluntary then??
  • SomeBozo
    SomeBozo Posts: 1,195 Forumite
    Surely if you are out of work and claiming benefits, anything that can lead to a permanant job is welcome?

    Bozo
  • redz
    redz Posts: 212 Forumite
    I'd give that supermarket a two word reply. Exploiting people who are unemployed during the season of good-will is pretty disgraceful imo.
  • SomeBozo
    SomeBozo Posts: 1,195 Forumite
    redz wrote: »
    I'd give that supermarket a two word reply. Exploiting people who are unemployed during the season of good-will is pretty disgraceful imo.


    Its a trial that could lead to permanant work. Surely its worth a shot to get a perm job?

    You'd just be sat at home anyway!

    Bozo
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