Pay for trial shift?

phil2890

Hi Guys,

I recently had a trial shift for a catering company in order to see if I was suitable for the job. After completing the shift I decided the job wasn't for me so chose not to pursue it, and they haven't contacted me for further work or feedback anyway.

Now when the company arranged the shift for me there was no mention of pay, however there was no mention of me doing it for free. I was under the impression I would get paid for the shift however I have not heard anything further from the company so was wondering whether I should try and chase this pay up?

Are there any laws or guidelines to do with this? As it's a job that doesn't require experience they could just employ loads of staff for these trial shifts and basically get free labour.

Thanks

DCFC79

Why did you not ask about pay at the start ?

alonehiker

A Work Trial gives you the chance to show an employer that you are the right person to fill a job. It is entirely voluntary.

ohreally

Suitability can be assesed without shift payment being affected. Imho, unless explicitly agreed, there is no reason not to expect to be paid for your labours.

I would write to the company seeking their views on the matter and if they decline payment ask where they're authority comes from to permit withholding of pay.

phil2890

In hindsight I agree I should have made the payment situation clear when the shift was arranged but it always seems a bit awkward to ask! I will make sure I do in future. I just assumed I would be paid.

However the trial shift was for catering at a wedding and almost everyone working was on this trial shift! It just seems like they're out to get free work.

I will send them a friendly letter and see where it leads.

thegirlintheattic

You don't get paid for trial shifts, and yes some companies use it as a way of getting free work for a day.

MissSarah1972

thegirlintheattic wrote: »

You don't get paid for trial shifts, and yes some companies use it as a way of getting free work for a day.

It's a well know practice in hospitality to have people work a days 'trial' just to cover for someone who is not there and you do not get paid a penny.

DVardysShadow

phil2890 wrote: »

In hindsight I agree I should have made the payment situation clear when the shift was arranged but it always seems a bit awkward to ask! I will make sure I do in future. I just assumed I would be paid.

However the trial shift was for catering at a wedding and almost everyone working was on this trial shift! It just seems like they're out to get free work.

I will send them a friendly letter and see where it leads.

Worth a punt to claim NMW for the shift - I suspect they would pay up rather than let it go to trial and lose.

MissSarah1972

DVardysShadow wrote: »

Worth a punt to claim NMW for the shift - I suspect they would pay up rather than let it go to trial and lose.

why would they lose?

scooby088

OP you don't say whether you are employed or unemployed? Was thinking was this work trial scheme run by the jobcentre if it was you wouldn't get paid for it.

MissSarah1972

scooby088 wrote: »

OP you don't say whether you are employed or unemployed? Was thinking was this work trial scheme run by the jobcentre if it was you wouldn't get paid for it.

.........and you wouldn't get paid if it was a trial where the company aren't paying you. OP - you really needed to ask before hand.