Work a week for free at the start of a new job

Dr Nic

Did anyone ever hear of this? And i dont mean a week in advance. I mean a week of some training and plenty of copying what the guy you're replacing does?

Is it common?

The_Conductor

Dr Nic wrote: »

Did anyone ever hear of this? And i dont mean a week in advance. I mean a week of some training and plenty of copying what the guy you're replacing does?

Is it common?

Its not unusual in the public sector- and then you get paid between 2 and 6 weeks in arrears (made paying the rent and other bills rather interesting for a few weeks for me). Its not normal- but its far from unheard of. As a personnel officer I had to put through a number of emergency salary advancements (this is about 12-13 years ago)- for people who got nobbled by an unexpected gap for their first salary. Its not normal- but its not unusual either- is the best way of putting it.

StillWaters

I think it's unusual. Perhaps a day or two of handover, shadowing or training. But to expect you to work for a week unpaid is a bit much I think.

Is this a trial or is the job definitely yours after the week?

wmpdd3

Sounds like a trial also will you have to sign of social welfare for this week.

April O Neill

My boyfriend is starting a new job in a month, and this week is going in to the new place to shadow people and get a feel for the place. Seems a good idea to me!

markpb

April O Neill wrote: »

My boyfriend is starting a new job in a month, and this week is going in to the new place to shadow people and get a feel for the place. Seems a good idea to me!

Isn't that what probation is for? It allows employer and employee to exit quickly if things aren't working out. Not getting paid is a whole other issue though.

jacool

I remember one place I worked in where I was promised a BJ every week.
On the first Friday I went in for my thrill and was slightly disappointed that I was just tossed off.
The girl on payroll said that you had to work the first week in hand.

This isn’t the same, no?
I’ll get my coat.

April O Neill

markpb wrote: »

Isn't that what probation is for? It allows employer and employee to exit quickly if things aren't working out. Not getting paid is a whole other issue though.

If you're shadowing, you're not working at full steam, TBH. It wouldn't bother me personally, the views of others may vary. Shrug.

Mrs OBumble

I think it's outrageous - assuming that you mean working for free, rather than week-in-hand, ie your pay is delayed by a week. Week - or even month - in hand if fine, and happens fairly often.

And it could leave you in potentially murky waters if anything went wrong, eg is a person who's not actually an employee covered by employer's liability insurance.

Dr Nic

Yes MrsO i mean a week for free and not at all a week in advance. Theres 2 weeks in advance to come aswell...
And yes, that question of liability is a massive concern...