Hours cut- retail

karlr42

Hi guys, hope this question isn't nonsensical, just it's an issue that's annoying me and I would like to see if it's a common occurrence or not. Basically, I've been working in the glamorous workplace of a supermarket for just under a year now part-time, and lately everyone's hours have been cut dramatically. When I was in college earlier in the year I was working about 24 hours a week, evenings and weekends. But now, I'll only be working 14/15 hours next week, 3 days, and it's a similar story for everyone else here. I'm sure it'll pick up as the summer moves along(as I've been assured by management, and know first-hand from last year), but I'd just like to know if this is a common thing to happen in the sector? I'm only 18 and this is my first job and I actually want to keep it on (boring as it is)until either college gets too much or I graduate! :P

seamus

It's common enough in most casual jobs such as retail and the like - places where they hire students in to do irregular hours and such. If business is slack or they otherwise don't need as many staff on, they'll often do it.

Check out what kind of contract you signed though. I remember my first job was in a supermarket and the part-time contract I signed guaranteed an minimum 18 hours per week. This usually worked out as 2 x 5.5 hour weeknights and an 8 hour day on a Saturday.

karlr42

Thanks for the reply, seamus, confirmed what I thought.
I was just thinking of the contract, pulled it out a minute ago and it guarantees 15- which I'll be getting I'll keep an eye on how many hours and kick up a fuss if they fall below 15

luder

Other supermarkets have the habit of hiring new workers that earn the minimum wage or just above it. They then give extra hours to thr new staff and cut the hours of the more experienced staff that are more often or not on larger hourly rates.

mcaul

Tis quite simple - summer is quieter due to number of people on holidays. People also eat more casually and eat out more in summer.

Less business for supermakets, less man hours needed.

Picks up again in August.

parsi

If you're around Carlow you could try for a job in mccaul's shop - just remember to use vellum for your cv.:D