I’m a bit annoyed about something that happened yesterday so I thought I’d air my grievance here.
I did a few years with an agency a while ago and despite the way agencies can be I was always happy with them and got on well. They gave me my first go with Class1, more work followed and I ended up in a spot I was very happy with.
Now it is a few years later and I could do with a few shifts to supplement a quiet period in my usual work.
I thought, why ring round a bunch of agencies when I can give them a call and get back on one of the old contracts.
So I went to re-register yesterday, and of course I will need to do an assessment to make sure I can drive a lorry.
Fine.
If the assessment goes well I will have to attend the following day to do a site induction, this will only cost me £50.
But the good news is that it counts as 7 hrs to my DCPC.
I appreciate the DCPC is here to stay and have no issue with that (well… not much) but if I am going to undertake mandatory training (at my expense) I intend to do courses which will benefit me, maybe Moffet, ADR, First Aid, Refresh my HIAB etc.
So here’s the thing.
My license is currently valid, but I am being told I must hand over £50 for an “induction” course if I want to work.
I have never paid to work, and on principle do not intend to.
Looks like I will have to ring round after all, but really, I find it depressing.
A mock test I have already passed, followed by mock training I have pay for.
But its no problem they told me, its not like I have to pay up front… they will simply take it out of my first weeks wages.
Thats OK then.