Shop working hours

ceridwen

I would certainly think its illegal to deny any "category" of people - disabled/those with prams/etc access.

The thing is - I expect the law has some sort of little phrase in saying "where reasonably practicable" and the shop is using whatever-the-getout-clause is.

I'm not sure whether anyone inspecting premises re the law would enforce the law if possible or turn a blind eye to extra units crammed in/etc and not make the shop take those surplus units back out again.

I've certainly noticed in the last few years that quite a few shops are cramming in extra display shelves/cabinets/etc - even when it means taking the shop from "enough room for everyone to get round okay" to "really crammed and a bit of a problem to do so". Obviously they are figuring that "the wider the range of goods on display - the higher the chance of making a sale" and thats why they do it.

bluenoseam

The other clause they'll use is the right to refuse entry to anyone they see fit to deny, while it's not right really, it's also a consequence of a shop being too small - definately don't like the fact they're not allowing people with prams/wheelchairs in though, to me that's just not right.

As for the offices etc being upstairs, it's not poor design, it's just how the location is, in the 4 retail establishments i've worked in the office area was blocked off from public view (granted in my previous one they had a cleaner who'd open the door for you, this one has a bell to ring & the last i can remember i was usually on the same train as a member of management anyways!) - raise it with your employer by all accounts, but like i said, it's circumstance.

greenbee

Unfortunately in the current economic climate I think many employers are banking on employees, whether permanent or temporary not complaining as they want to hang on to any job they can.

Having said that, my jobs have always involved an element of business travel, generally outside of office hours, and this has never been paid. In my current role workload means we rarely manage to claim back time in lieu, although management have been tasked with doing some capacity management work that includes travel time as work. So tomorrow, I leave home at midday to get to the airport ... Get to the other end, get to the hotel, unpack, eat, maye have a walk, prepare for my meetings and sleep. I have three days of back to back meetings including dinner with sales managers and/or clients each evening. I get home around midnight on Wednesday. But the travel and nights away from home are not considered by my employer to be 'work'. The only consolation is that they do put us up in decent hotels and give us a generous subsistence allowance!

Reverbe

ceridwen wrote: »

I would certainly think its illegal to deny any "category" of people - disabled/those with prams/etc access.

The thing is - I expect the law has some sort of little phrase in saying "where reasonably practicable" and the shop is using whatever-the-getout-clause is.

I'm not sure whether anyone inspecting premises re the law would enforce the law if possible or turn a blind eye to extra units crammed in/etc and not make the shop take those surplus units back out again.

I've certainly noticed in the last few years that quite a few shops are cramming in extra display shelves/cabinets/etc - even when it means taking the shop from "enough room for everyone to get round okay" to "really crammed and a bit of a problem to do so". Obviously they are figuring that "the wider the range of goods on display - the higher the chance of making a sale" and thats why they do it.

They are not denying them access per se and wheelchairs etc can enter store- tho personally if it was me I wouldnt bother as manipulation would be a real pain.But by nature of product we are going to attract a lot of the less well off with small kids etc and TBH i do think company have tried to economise on the size of unit without really knowing customer base or caring.

Tills are high up with a LOT of ermm carp items (that nobody really ever buys)piled up in front making both staff and customer have to really lean during transaction.

Reverbe

greenbee wrote: »

Unfortunately in the current economic climate I think many employers are banking on employees, whether permanent or temporary not complaining as they want to hang on to any job they can.

Having said that, my jobs have always involved an element of business QUOTE]
my sentiments exactly esp with regard to the unbearable heat which customers comment on continually at tills and staff often have to keep water just inside staff area access. I have often felt dizzy during shifts and I am in perfecr health.

greenbee

If the staff are finding it hot customers must find it unbearable as they'll have been moving about and probably wearing coats etc (well, they will be soon!). Is the heat due to lack of cooling or excessive use of heating? If it's the latter, maybe you could all suggest it as a way of cutting overheads (and mention that customers coming in wearing winter coats are likely to find it unpleasant) and offer to wear thermals/jumpers yourselves to ensure that the shop is a comfortable temperature for your customers.... Hopefully if you put the spin on it that it's all about cutting costs and maximising sales they will take notice. Employers are more likely to listen and take a positive view of staff who come up with ideas that help increase profits than listen to what they perceive as grumbling about working conditions. So be creative and work out how you can get them to make changes for the benefit of the business which co-incidentally make life better for you and your colleagues. And in the meantime, hopefully you can grin and bear it and use it as a springboard to something better with more hours.

Reverbe

greenbee wrote: »

If the staff are finding it hot customers must find it unbearable as they'll have been moving about and probably wearing coats etc (well, they will be soon!). Is the heat due to lack of cooling or excessive use of heating? .

Company wont spring to run the air con tho apparently customers have told me there is air con vents in the ceiling.:mad::cool:

dark_lady

Is this Poundworld by any chance?

greenbee

Reverbe wrote: »

Company wont spring to run the air con tho apparently customers have told me there is air con vents in the ceiling.:mad::cool:

You'd better be prepared for it to be cold in winter...:D

missprice

Aelius wrote: »

Surely if a shop closes at 5:30, then you can't expect to be away then as the till need cashing up etc?

And why shouldn't retail staff clean toilets if catering staff do?

ooop i worked in catering for 6 long and horrible years but i never cleaned a loo and we never even cleaned the canteen (the bit where people sit) we cleaned the kitchen bit only.
for info i worked in around 20 places as canteen/food service/prep