Arrr! work training evening - not getting paid

[missjef]

i work in big major womens clothing shop.. and all the staff have to attend a 2 hour training session one evening next week for the run up to christmas, since we have had lots of new people starting work recently.
i wouldn't mind if we would be getting paid for it, but i have been told by another member of staff that we probably won't be getting paid for this two hours!
which i think is unfair to expect 2 hours out of us for no money!
do we have any rights to ask to be paid for this?
please help!
x

[DottyH]

yes absolutely, because if they allow you on the premises on your own time you are not insured and so they are breaking the law

[Psychick]

You should try politley asking if your are getting paid for the two hours or being owed the time.

[missjef]

i'm going to ask the manager on monday, but if i remember correctly last xmas when we did this we didn't get paid.. i know that there will be some reason or other that will be made up as to why we wont be getting paid for.

[haysi06]

You are definitely entitled to be paid either in additional time of in monetary terms. Do you have a trades union rep that you can speak to. If so have a word with them and see what they say. Good Luck.

[DottyH]

cleversod they still need to know how to use the tills, what the evacuation procedure is, how they open accounts etc, plus, if they sell knickers they also sell bras and it is at least a 6 day training course to know how to measure and fit a bra.

[missjef]

the annoying thing is i have worked there for two years, i now all the till stuff and refund procedure.. i can understand doing this for new staff, but i dont know what benefit this will be for me.

[leelapops]

missjef, I remember from a while back the place you work being a bunch of cowboys! They sound like they're really taking the p*** this time!

Tell them you won't attend unless you are paid/given OFFICIAL time off in lieu. Feel free to question why you even need to attend-and if you really have to, as said, make the time up by skiving, if you aren't getting paid for the training, you don't lose out anyway.

In all honesty, and with no disrespect meant, I can't believe you are still there! They reat their staff seriously badly, and I get the impression you deserve better than that-is there nowhere else you'd like to work?
Please don't think I am being overpersonal.

Lisa. x

[missjef]

hey leelapops!
well.. i have got another job at the moment just for over christmas (since i needed some extra cash) which hopefully will be wanting full time staff after, as they are expanding and i have been told there may well be opportunities after xmas. *fingers crossed*!!