I did a shift last week through an agency. I only worked 6 hrs, that’s all they needed me for. ( I didn’t know that when I started the shift). Got my payslip today, paid for 6 hrs at £8.00 ph.
It was always my understanding that if you turned up for an agency shift you were guaranteed eight hours pay. It was the one and only guarantee you had. On speaking to the agency, apparently not!
Is this something anyone else has experienced?
Regards
BW
I get paid for hours worked, no more no less (well, ok sometimes less). Never heard of a guaranteed number of hours paid.
With my agency I am guaranteed 8 hours, I’m also guaranteed to be paid the rate I’m quoted BEFORE accepting the job.
As most of my work now is for regular contacts I don’t always need to ask the rate but if offered a different job I want to know the rate and expected duration before accepting the booking. My agency is pretty straight up but if they started playing silly burgers then I’d want the details confirmed by text.
Simple answer to this … Next time they need a drive tell them to stick it 
Then leave the blood sucking agency which I have no doubt charged a minimum 8 hours at about 4 times what you get an hour and find a proper job.
Min 8 hours is what I’d expect from any ‘reputable’ agency (there are a few ok ones!)
You will have to tell us the name of the agency as others working for them might have experience of this.
Of the two agencies I’ve used its always been 8 hours minimum (mentioned at initial meeting) and rate quoted on the phone, calls I try and record, sure theres an app to auto record calls from certain numbers.
My record is 8 hours pay for 15 minutes work, turned up, job cancelled, got time sheet signed (to prove I was there), off I skiped.
Think this is beatable if your ever asked to do a city-link 
I start a “proper” job in January. Been doing agency work for the last three month. I have noticed some differences from when I first did agency work a few years ago.
1998 £5.00ph right through guaranteed eight hours. Fuel was about 60p a ltr and I did 120 mile round trip to do a shift.
2013 £8.00ph (some pay time and a half after eight hours). Fuel £1.35 a ltr, and on average a 40 mile round trip for a shift.
In general, more agencies, rates slashed but the offices they work in seem nicer. Also the recruitment consultants, not many ex drivers seem to do the job now?
The problem you’ve got there is that you haven’t agreed the terms and conditions prior to taking the task, you can’t dictate or amend basic stuff like that after the event. One of the clients I went to used to be minimum 8 hrs and then changed it to minimum 6 hrs I then just started to say no thanks, as did a lot of other drivers and guess what after about three weeks they changed it back. It also helps to get it rates and minimums hrs agreed by text or e mail prior to accepting a task from the agency for a new client that you haven’t work for previously.
DD,
You have a pm.
I’d done a few shifts for the firm previous and never had a problem, albeit they were usually 12-14 hrs. I didn’t ask beforehand as I’ve never come across this before. It was always understood that you got a minimum of eight hours. Oh well live and learn!
Tossco and Sainsbugs only guarantee 6 hrs … I’ve always made it clear How MUCH I’m getting paid and The MINIMUM hours I’m to be paid before taking any job… I’ve even got them to text me this which then becomes part of the contract of work.
Pat Hasler:
Simple answer to this … Next time they need a drive tell them to stick it
Then leave the blood sucking agency which I have no doubt charged a minimum 8 hours at about 4 times what you get an hour and find a proper job.
I am no great fan of agencies, but I think you exaggerate.
They probably were only able to charge for the hours worked and at maybe £1 per hour over the pay rate.
Santa:
Pat Hasler:
Simple answer to this … Next time they need a drive tell them to stick it
Then leave the blood sucking agency which I have no doubt charged a minimum 8 hours at about 4 times what you get an hour and find a proper job.I am no great fan of agencies, but I think you exaggerate.
They probably were only able to charge for the hours worked and at maybe £1 per hour over the pay rate.
That’s easy for you to say. You only work one shift a year, I even do more than that! Lol.
The agency i work for is normally guaranteed 8hrs, but there are exceptions - Royal Mail only guarantee 4hrs, Brighthouse guarantee 8hrs, but must do 9hrs before getting overtime, and always take off 1hr breaks regardless of having an hour or not! I ALWAYS take any break that’ll be deducted, and I ALWAYS clarify the wages before working and call them immediately if it’s wrong!
You my friend have been rogered good an proper!!!
At £8 an hour it’s hardly worth getting out of bed for 6 hours pay
trubster:
At £8 an hour it’s hardly worth getting out of bed for 6 hours pay
That’s the average for agency work in Newcastle, some might pay a little more.
Brucewillis:
trubster:
At £8 an hour it’s hardly worth getting out of bed for 6 hours payThat’s the average for agency work in Newcastle, some might pay a little more.
REALLY■■?
Thats ridiculous. £48 in the bank before the tax man gets his hands on it! Sorry, im lost for words.
I was always guaranteed 8hrs, it was something that was agreed with the agency, it wasn’t a compulsory term they have to offer.
Im guaranteed 8 hours, a few times ive only worked 4-6 hours but i still got paid 8 hours 
Time for some new years resolutions lads, resolve to dump the scab arsed agencies where they belong, out of business.
There are a few agencies worth working for, get yourselves signed on there if you really can’t find full time and let the others starve.