How can I get the money I was promised for trial shifts?

Molliex

I recently applied for a job within an independent cafe. After 2 interviews, they asked me to do a "2 week trial shift". I thought this sounded ridiculous at the time but went along with it as I wanted the job - I clarified with the employer and they said I'd be paid for the trial shifts at minimum wage (£6.95 per hour). After 3 shifts I decided that in fact the job wasn't for me - to put it bluntly, the manager was rude and unwelcoming and the whole cafe was an unorganised mess. I messaged the manager politely and said unfortunately the job isn't for me but thanked her for the opportunity and asked when I would be paid for the shifts I've already done. So far I've not had a reply - I'm going to ring her tomorrow but want to know if there's anything I can actually do/say to ensure I get the money? I obviously don't have anything in writing confirming that I'd be paid for the shift, which I probably should of got in hindsight. However, there must be some way I can get the money I'm owed

Masomnia

Based on what you've told us you have a verbal contract, so you are owed the money.

See how the conversation goes, but don't push it too much to begin with as your best bet of getting what you're owed hassle free is to be constructive.

Ultimately it's a small claims court if they don't cough up, so if you don't get anywhere I suppose that's the thing to mention to them.

sjbrun

If the cafe has your ni, right to work and bank details then you should expect it on their next payroll.

How do they normally pay their staff?

Molliex

They hadn't yet asked me for bank details, NI etc as it was just "trial shifts".. I think it's monthly pay. If I haven't had a response from her tomorrow I will call, give her my details & ask again when I can expect the payment. If if doesn't look like I'm going to get paid - I'll mention small claims!

TBagpuss

don't call, write.

Something like
"when we spoke on [date] you explained that I would initially work ' trial shifts' for which I would be paid at the NMW of £6.95.
as i worked [dates and hours] I have calculated that my pay for the shifts worked will be £xx.xx.

please couold you arrange to let mehave a cheque for that amount together with a pay slip. Alternatively, if you prefer to make direct payment my bank details are xx-xx-xx xxxxxxxx

Please could you ensure that payment reaches me within the next 7 days or, if or any reason that won't be possible, confirm the reason for the delay and when I will recieve payment.

if you need any additional information, such as my NI number, pelaselet me know."

I'd be inclined to post a copy (get proof of postage) and of course keep a copy.

if they ignore you, then you can make a Small Claims Court claim against them for the money. You can also report them to HMRC (directly or via ACAS) for not paying NMW.

If yougot the job via the jobcentre it might also be worth reporting the incident to them,

ohreally

TBagpuss wrote: »

don't call, write.

This. You need to generate a paper trail especially if they are slippery.

Do not put any any ref to small claims on their radar, if you resort to this action do not forewarn them.