Shop not paying minimum wage?

Moonpixie

Hi, I have recently been taken on P/T by a new gift shop. I had an interview last week which was successful and they called me back today to go over details. Basically I'm just looking for 2 days per week (as I have another P/T job) and this is fine with them as long as I am flexible over the Xmas period.

I found out today, though, that the hourly rate is only £6.00.

The owner mentioned that I would be the oldest on the team (aside from herself) as the rest of the staff are all students), so I don't know if they are being paid the 18-20 rate, or whether it's £6.00 for them, too.

Both owners were at the interview and told me what fair employers they were, etc, and in my head I was second guessing whether I was right that the MW is £6.50 (as I've been in my current job years and is above the MW), so I never said anything.

I feel a bit apprehensive about this now. I would like another P/T in a different sector, but I'm weary that they aren't paying the NW, and also the comment about me being the oldest... I said this was fine as I'm used to working with younger people, however, that is in the capacity of supporting them at college as opposed to being colleagues.

Would anyone else feel a bit weary?

[Deleted User]

Can well believe what you have found, MW is now £6.70 I think?
Did they verbally say £6.00?
It was last nearer the figure of £6.08 in early 2012

LittleVoice

Moonpixie wrote: »

Hi, I have recently been taken on P/T by a new gift shop. I had an interview last week which was successful and they called me back today to go over details. Basically I'm just looking for 2 days per week (as I have another P/T job) and this is fine with them as long as I am flexible over the Xmas period.

I found out today, though, that the hourly rate is only £6.00.

The owner mentioned that I would be the oldest on the team (aside from herself) as the rest of the staff are all students), so I don't know if they are being paid the 18-20 rate, or whether it's £6.00 for them, too.

Both owners were at the interview and told me what fair employers they were, etc, and in my head I was second guessing whether I was right that the MW is £6.50 (as I've been in my current job years and is above the MW), so I never said anything.

I feel a bit apprehensive about this now. I would like another P/T in a different sector, but I'm weary that they aren't paying the NW, and also the comment about me being the oldest... I said this was fine as I'm used to working with younger people, however, that is in the capacity of supporting them at college as opposed to being colleagues.

Would anyone else feel a bit weary?

I wouldn't be feeling wary of working with younger people. (The older you get, the more likely it is that you work with younger people.)


If it is a small business I would give them the benefit of the doubt about their knowledge of NMW rates for the 21+ group. But I would point this out to them - that, for you, it will be £6.70 (as from now if you are paid weekly).


Are you (or will you become by April next year) over 25?

Sharon87

I would definitely tell them that the minimum wage for your age group has just gone up. They may not know, if they decide not to pay you that then you can leave/inform HMRC

Moonpixie

Hi, yes they verbally said £6.00 (and I'm 38, btw).

I'd be surprised if they were not aware of this as the co-owner apparently owns a couple of retail businesses, and the woman that took me on has her own design business, etc. Surely this is something they would be aware of.

Also, it's not that I'm weary of working with young people as such, but I guess it's now coming across as much more of a student type job. I'm not so sure now whether it's really appropriate for me.

Rosemary7391

As it was verbal, I'd just drop them an email saying you thought you'd misheard the £6 rate, because minimum wage is X, and take it from there. Then you're not accusing them and they can simply correct your mishearing. Obviously if they don't, you've got grounds to worry.

shortcrust

They genuinely might not know or they might not have really thought about it. People can by dippier than you'd imagine, and if they usually employ younger people they might have that figure in their minds. I'd just say something like "I think there's been a mistake with the hourly rate we talked about. I was speaking to a friend about the job and they mentioned that the minimum wage is actually £6.70 for someone of my age. I've checked and they're right."

I'd probably do it after starting with them. That way there's less chance of a sudden change of heart.

Being the oldest? I changed careers a few years back and have often been the oldest person in various scenarios since. I don't have a problem with it. People are people. I'd rather be with younger people who are nice that a bunch of idiots my own age.

Moonpixie

Thank you all for the advice regarding the hourly rate.

Being the oldest? I changed careers a few years back and have often been the oldest person in various scenarios since. I don't have a problem with it. People are people. I'd rather be with younger people who are nice that a bunch of idiots my own age.

TBH, it's more about being the oldest among 18/19 yr olds. I kind of envisaged something slightly different. I did expect that they would mostly take on youngsters, but I wasn't really expecting to be working in a team of uni students and being made to wear SKINNY JEANS as part of my uniform!! ARG!

The owner even commented that (her and me) would be like the mums of the team. Not really what I was hoping for.

Hmm, I'm seriously thinking of sending my apologies and declining.

getmore4less

check the holiday pay

Moonpixie

They don't give holiday pay.

JJG

Well that's not legal.