Advice needed re new job

queline

I have been in a new job for 3 weeks. I know that my new employer doesn't have to give me any sort of contract yet as I believe they have 3 months in which to do so. That's fine as long as it happens. I did get an email offering me the job, with the salary but no more detail than that. It's a very busy environment where employment matters are way down the list from what I can see. They have only just asked for some personal details including N I number, address, and next of kin.
When I started, I naturally wanted to know what date I would be paid, however I had to do the asking as this information wasn't given freely. Initially I was told it would be weekly as most of the other staff get paid weekly, however a handful do get paid monthly, so I asked if I could be paid monthly as I have direct debits and standing orders coming out monthly which are around the pay date of my previous job, and I have always been paid monthly in all of my previous jobs. They made me feel I was being awkward about this but finally agreed, however are a bit vague about when it will actually be pay day. First of all they said it would be the last Monday in the month then I was told it might not be, could be the first Monday of the following month, so I am none the wiser and a bit worried about paying bills etc.
Is this normal practice elsewhere? Can an employer pick and choose when they pay you, ie not on the same date every month? It's going to be difficult to keep track of whether I am getting paid correctly too as well as managing my accounts. Its possible I might be paid tomorrow as that is the last Monday in January so I want to check I have been correctly for the three weeks I have been there as I didn't start until the 5 January. However it might not be payday tomorrow!
Any polite advice would be welcome, thanks

cr1mson

I think there is a chance you may be over thinking it. Is it possible that the person you spoke to is just not sure and you actually need to speak to whoever does the payroll? Or ask others who are paid monthly when they get paid?

The other thing to bear in mind is that you may not get paid until February depending on how long they take to get someone set up on their payroll. 3 weeks should be enough but if they have only just asked for your NI number who knows? Did you give them a P45/P46?

ohreally

queline wrote: »

I have been in a new job for 3 weeks. I know that my new employer doesn't have to give me any sort of contract yet as I believe they have 3 months in which to do so.

It (written statement) should be provided within 2 months of starting employment.

[Deleted User]

I will have been in my current job 5 months now, and I have yet to receive a contract - it's really not for lack of asking!

Also, when I first started there were issues over when I would get/got told I would get/when I actually did get paid - it was the pay roll department that eventually sorted it out - my advise would be that if you can contact them directly then do that.

Sorry I can't offer more advice, but I empathise at how difficult it is organising your own finances without know when exactly you are going to get paid!

D9

queline

cr1mson wrote: »

I think there is a chance you may be over thinking it. Is it possible that the person you spoke to is just not sure and you actually need to speak to whoever does the payroll? Or ask others who are paid monthly when they get paid?

The other thing to bear in mind is that you may not get paid until February depending on how long they take to get someone set up on their payroll. 3 weeks should be enough but if they have only just asked for your NI number who knows? Did you give them a P45/P46?

Its a small company and I have spoken to the person who does the payroll herself, she is the company accountant and she is one of the people who gets paid monthly. I have also given her my P45. I have also had it confirmed from her that I will get paid maybe tomorrow, so I dont think I have to wait until February for my first pay.
I come from a much bigger organisation with a dedicated payroll department so I do know how it is done properly.
No one has actually answered my question about it an employer can chop and change a pay date?
Thanks for the replies I have received anyway.

Two4Tuesday

queline wrote: »

No one has actually answered my question about it an employer can chop and change a pay date?

The only thing stopping the employer from chopping and changing pay dates is contractual.

However, it's just good business to keep these things consistent. From a management perspective, they can factor it into their cashflow projections.