That’s more like the pits we all know… ^^^^
All this stuff about “getting unloaded by staff whilst you book off a 45 on the bay” - doesn’t take into consideration that
(1) Staff will go and hide
(2) Managers won’t let you take a break on their bay.
(3) Depot Managers will issue you with WTD infringements if you don’t get enough breaks in
…
What happens too when you actually need to take that 45 and you’ve only got half a load with the staff unusually mob-handed about unloading you quick for another “more important” delivery expected imminently?
But to the upside and credit of the firm - If you don’t get docked for any breaks taken over and above 1hr per day - then fit them breaks in, slide them in sideways, press that mode button like you’re trying to nudge in the jackpot…
How do supermarkets compare with hourly rates these days?
I worked at Tescos on agency November 2011-May2015 where the pay for the weekday nights I was doing - only went up from £10.00 to £10.75ph in that time. I understand the same agency is paying £12.75ph now, so still behind the curve by the looks of it.
Sainsburys - ■■■■■■ me about, so I won’t be working there again. Worked there for a while out of the 20/20 estate depot back around the turn of the century… They got me to sit and wait for 3 hours in an armchair/sofa - and THEN book you on only once a run and vehicle was found for you. There lies the path to an 18 hour shift paid 14 hours and outside legal. NO thanks! Relentless pressure to go on the umbrella their agency as well. Can’t remember if it was Driver Hire or some other firm with “Driver” in the name… (Driver Screw, Driver Pile, Driver Shot, Driver Drive)
Asda - Did a supply shift going into them for Lenham, before I talked myself out the door for refusing to drive a G Reg vehicle with more bits busted off it than a sat-on Airfix kit…
Morrisons, Coop, and Iceland - you had to be self-employed, and their rates were around £13ph during the same period I was at Tescos. I did some shifts at Morrisons on their PAYE rate of £11ph during this period, but not the other two in the end - because they were on the wrong side of the river to get to, and the houly rate didn’t seem worth two lots of dartford crossing toll and the petrol to get there in rush hour traffic in the evening…
Aldi/Lidl seem to be paying £16ph these days BUT “80% of your work is not driving” I’m told. Bit of a put-off to someone who likes the driving, doesn’t mind the unloading but hates hanging about listening to what others on here call “RDC Crap”.
Waitrose, where I am at present - £12ph Days, £14ph Nights, £15ph all day Saturday, £18ph all day sunday, right-through rates, PAYE. “Wot’s Not-to-Like” - I’m thinking… Usually get 10-12 hours in a shift, which is my optimum amount, and don’t mind if it goes over - 'cos I’m getting paid all hours, after all. Got three figures for my “Christmas Pressure Bonus” to boot!
I’m actually looking forward to some quieter weeks coming up - having been pretty much flat out since late November.