Hi, this forum has made for great reading for this newbie. I’ve passed all the modules, got my CPC. And now I’m beginning to look for my first job.
I’ve driven as an online delivery driver for a supermarket for almost four years now, and I like it but I want more responsibility and to earn more money.
After a look around it seems the only way to get work in the industry to begin with is with an agency. But since I already enjoy a very secure job, it is a little intimidating. My bills aren’t going to go away if I can’t get work. I get no benefits of any kind.
Working anti social hours for peanuts is not a problem for me. I do that now anyway.
So am I right in thinking everyones first job driving a cat C was with an agency?
If the answer is yes that’s no problem. But I would prefer a permanent position.
Cheers.
I have not seen ant perm LGV jobs advertised in my area for a long time
If your current perm job is say mon to fri then you could try getting LGV work for one day every other weekend
In my day many years ago you could pass the test and have a choice of perm jobs immediately but the current economic situation is very different and if you are lucky to get one you still have the 2 years where an employer can say bye bye saying that they do not think you are suitable in their opinion - think I got that right
Employment law has changed a bit over the last few years.
ACAS say:
There are two types of notice period: statutory and contractual. Statutory notice is the minimum legal notice that can be given, employer’s should give the employee:
one weeks notice if the employee has been employed by the employer continuously for one month or more, but for less than two years
two weeks notice if the employee has been employed by the employer continuously for two years, and one additional weeks notice for each further complete year of continuous employment, up to a maximum of 12 weeks. For example if an employee has worked for 5 years then they are entitled to 5 weeks notice.
my first agency job was with Palmer & Harvey who i cannot speak highly enough about. The supermarket job will stand you in good stead in terms of the concept of grafting, with regards to responsibility though Im not sure it equates to more money. A good agency will probably be recommended to you, if you can get a foot in the door of somewhere you like, do a good job, be reliable and have a good attitude then they will, more often than not, offer you a full time job before you have to go on equity pay after about 12 weeks,
although I’ve been wrong before 