I went for an assessment/interview with the countries least favourite haulage provider yesterday and was rather amazed at their view of “Casual” vacancies. I passed the driving assessment which was pleasing and I have to say their assessor was a very nice chap who was most helpful. I then started the interview element with the depot ops manager.
I was more than a little surprised considering it isn’t mentioned in the website advert to be told they expect a minimum of 18 shifts per month commitment from their casual staff. Now I’m rather inexperienced in the haulage industry but in anyone’s terms I would have thought that doesn’t quite meet most people’s interpretation of “Casual” employment.
Is this me being naive or are they expecting a touch too much? Perhaps “part time” would be a better description? I couldn’t help but think it might be casual to the employer but not from the employee’s viewpoint!
Lets see how many off those 18 shifts you do when its quiet.
Its their own way off trying to do away with agency workers. You will be offered full time work but as I said when its quiet you will at home twiddling your thumbs.
I’m no expert but would think the term ‘casual’ would require about 2-3 shifts per week. Now if the term ‘expected’ was used this shifts away from the term ‘casual’ more into a part time employee, course thats an arguable point.
This applies to workers that are employed on an “as and when required” basis. The relevant case law indicates that this type of arrangement does not produce a contract of employment, but this is only definitely the case if the individual has an absolute right to turn down a request for work without the risk of disciplinary action being taken against them. While this arrangement does not usually produce an ongoing contract of employment, the individual IS effectively to be treated as an employee during the time that he/she is actually carrying out the required work.
If a business wants to ensure that the casual workers do not gain full employment rights protection, it must ensure that the “casual” status is properly confirmed in writing. (PAYG Casual Employment Letter)
But this isn’t agency work it’s through ESL directly. Zero hours contracts are one thing but asking for an up front commitment of 18 days is something else. When they go quiet are you supposed to just twiddle your thumbs at home because your are committed to ESL? It reminds me of the franchise they tried to sell, you can’t wok for anyone else when we don’t have work for you.
Casual has to work both ways and in this case it most certianly isn’g going to. You have to admire ESL for their audacity.
peak_46:
But this isn’t agency work it’s through ESL directly. Zero hours contracts are one thing but asking for an up front commitment of 18 days is something else. When they go quiet are you supposed to just twiddle your thumbs at home because your are committed to ESL? It reminds me of the franchise they tried to sell, you can’t work for anyone else when we don’t have work for you.
Casual has to work both ways and in this case it most certainly isn’t going to. You have to admire ESL for their audacity.
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Yes - I know it’s Stobarts and not Agency.
They have put their cards on the table and now you
decide - take it or leave it. Whilst it will suit some
people it will not suit others.
I think you should take the job and see how it goes.
If it is crap then just jack it in and find something else.
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I think there must have been a level of naivety on my part as I only went looking for two or three Saturdays a month. The recruitment assistant at Widnes said that was fine so I went for the assessment. Obviously the recruitment team don’t read their own internal memo’s as it clearly said on the internal flyer minimum of 18 shifts but no mention is made on the website.
Bit of a shame really as I was quite pleased when I passed the assessment. All part of the learning curve I suppose and at least I made a resonable fist of the driving. As has been said it will most probably suit some people and would be a foot in the door.
Looks like a shrewd business move to get some disposable drivers on the books (well not really on the books), should be an easy stepping stone to a more permanent job for those who want it. Would suit me if it wasn’t for the 18 shift expectations.
Also might be a way to cover this anticipated driver shortage that will probably never materialise but experts say from September next year things could be tough. Not for drivers though sure the laws of supply and demand will see drivers rates go up.
First heard of this driver shortage in 1991 and thought it would have kicked in by now
I could only think that to justify the cost of the training and incredibly fetching uniforms they calcualte a minimum return on their investment. I could have lived without the uniform to be honest .
jessicas dad:
Lets see how many off those 18 shifts you do when its quiet.
Its their own way off trying to do away with agency workers. You will be offered full time work but as I said when its quiet you will at home twiddling your thumbs.
This ^. Worst thing you can do for the industry. Like Alex has said, you’re basically an agency worker but without the added benefit of a higher hourly rate to counter the times when you’re not added. Anyone that even considers signing up to this arrangement is an absolute mug of the highest order, unless of course they’ll be paying you a tenner an hour and time 1.5 after 8 hours (the chances of which are 0).
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