Working for no pay :(

crawfy

Last night i went to some out of hours training for work and was told that we would not be paid. We are paid by the hour and have no specific contract for a certain amount of hours just an employment contract.

Are they allowed to do this? I assume because were not contracted for hours either we can't take the hours off in lue?

We only get minimum wage anyway but 2 hours pay is better than nothing!

Thanks

richt71

No in a word. Doesn't matter what they call it unless you agree to non payment they should pay you.

crawfy

There was no discussion about non payment. Someone asked at the end about filling in time sheet and they said that they would not be paying us for it

silvercar

if they tell you its voluntary they don't have to pay you, whether you go or not is then upto you. Problem comes when you are looked on less favourably than those who do the training.

crawfy

It was voluntary i guess but said it would benefit in appraisals etc. Plus i can imagin then making like hard if you didn't attend and asked for something such as time off!

Andy_L

What does your contract say? In mine they won't pay overtime if you have to do more than your standard hours on a training course.

lisyloo

A number of issues to consider.

Will this training help you improve your prospects in your immediate job?
Will it help you improve your general prospects?

If the answer to either of those questions is yes then I think it's worth you doing it for nothing.

If the answer is no and the training is of no interest or use to you then you need to consider the job in general.

How easy would it be for you to walk out and get another one?
If they are treating you badly and you can get another one then do so.
If it's not that easy to get a similar job of there are reasons that you like this one (like convenient location) then keep you head down and don't complain.

CParsons

Hello Crawfy!!

Seeing as the company concerned sates on is websites, it employment values contain:

Investment in people to develop their skills and career.
Appropriate reward and recognition.

Why don't you ask your boss how this fits in with this? Or shame them into paying you, ring the local paper and point out the amount they charge vs what they pay (or don't!)?

Craig.