Agency work and weekly pay

welshkitty_2

I started working as a nurse for an agency in february and for 1st time have had to deal with weekly pay and direct debits. I've spent hours studying my bank account and direct debits - trying to spread them equally over month.

I try to keep my hours the same each week, between 21 and 24 hours. And thought I was all sorted.

Nightmare this week, relying on lifts, as car in garage. I had 3 early shifts arranged for Weds, Thurs and Fri. Turned up to ward on Weds, and found ward was closed because of infection - agency hadn't told me. I started my shift only to be told that I couldn't work anywhere else for 48 hours due to infection control. My other 2 shifts were cancelled and now only accumulated 7.5 hours this week, not the 22.5 hours I'd expected.

Panic stations for next weeks pay - which won't will be approx £75 and no where near enough for the Direct debits arranged that week - juggling time again.

I am looking for a permanent job - and hopefully will find one soon.

justmumcookcleanertaxi

Hi check with you agency. If you turned up to work on the ward as the agency hadn't informed you you should be entitled to a percentage of that days pay. Also I would check if they are going to compensate you for the other 2 lost days as it isn't your fault that you cannot work. I appriecate it isn't the agencies either but as you were already booked for the 2 shifts and again it wasn't you that cancelled and you are willing to work these shift then again they should compensate you so percentage. Give the agency a call you have nothing to loose.

smashedbooboo

Hi , which agency are you with. Probably granny and sucking eggs come to mind here. but i used to work for a couple of agencies and some are better than others. Had the same problem myself. What area of nursing are you in if you dont mind me asking. You could ring the bank up and ask them to put back your dd for a week. I did that with mine and there was no problem with doing it.

BAILIFFCHASER

You could always cancel your dd and reset it up again.

welshkitty_2

I work with MPS, but on the shift there was a Thornbury nurse who had been informed and accepted shift as she didn't have a further shifts booked. My agency says they weren't told yet Thornbury were. The infection control dept says they notify all bank staff and agencies.

I've contacted the bank and stopped all DD's for the affected week - now I have to try and work more shifts to make up the loss of earnings - which is going to be a problem as Kids have started Easter Hols!!!!!

I'll get back on to Agency to see if they will pay any compensation as I would not have accepted the shift if I'd known.

If it happens again - I'm sure I'll have second thoughts of entering a closed ward.

welshkitty_2

Sorry forgot to add I'm a registered nurse and work acute Med and Emergency admissions usually. Although to be honest - when I'm available for shifts - I'll work wherever I'm needed!!!!!!

smashedbooboo

Do you only work for the one agency, I signed up to three. And yes i know what you mean when you say say you will work where ever needed. Can be a nightmare sometimes.

Skint_Catt

I know how you feel - it's taken me ages to get a positive balance on my current a/c since I was unemployed for a few weeks then temping through an agency and getting paid weekly! I catch up, then it all gets taken again! i always thought it would be easier getting paid weekly, but it's not.

Catt xx

misspoppy

Why don't you cancel all your DD's and pay them cash via the bank that way you are in control and will have less risk of bank charges. Also can you ask the agency to pay you monthly although now its going to be a nightmare getting back into the habit.

Skint_Catt

But you get charged more by most companies for paying cash than DD.

It just takes some juggling.

Catt xx

joeblack066

I'm in the same boat in many ways, and now I have a new nightmare......going from weekly pay back to monthly!! Rent will be fine as that is paid in advance, but lord knows what I'm going to do about all my other bills for that month!! I have just claimed £1300 bank charges back, so if that comes through in the next four weeks, my bacon will be saved, lol!! I agree with the signing on with more than one agency, I did it and it worked for me! Well done on what you have done so far, you are managing to stay in control of an awkward situation.