Unpaid Agency work

Redvee

I've been with an agency since november working with one client, last week they informed me that they had a new client and I'd be working sunday, not a problem with that.
What did cause me problems was that I'd be working for nothing as the first night was for training/induction, during the phonecall I agreed with this verbally and as yet have signed nothing regarding this matter. I'm guessing this breaks NMW rules? If the agency has agreed with the client that they'd not take a fee for the first night that is their contract, my agreement is with the agency so I should be paid for the hours I work regardless of the agency/client arrangement.

Glass_Half_Empty??

If you want the work you will have to go without pay, unfortunately this is how agency's are running the show these days. Whether it is right or not isn't for the likes of us to question or you'll just end up at the back of the queue while the ones willing to do it "to get the work there after" will be jumping at the chance.
If everyone stopped going to these unpaid triaing days then they would have to start paying again, and a lot of the time it is the company's themselves stating they wont pay as they have to pay enough by giving them the work so yes the agency should pay you but in reality if you want the work then you put up and shut up.

Redvee

The thing is I wasn't given any specific training or induction. All I was instructed in was the code for the electric pallet trucks and which refernece number to look at on the pallets we were unloading.

Glass_Half_Empty??

Redvee wrote: »

The thing is I wasn't given any specific training or induction. All I was instructed in was the code for the electric pallet trucks and which refernece number to look at on the pallets we were unloading.

I know what you are saying and I agree, I am just saying that in reality if you go demanding money or having a go it is likely they will use someone else and lets face it we all know there is far too many people that need the work as it is you wouldnt be hard to replace in their eyes.