Job Discussion Forums

PaulJam · Joined: 01 Sep 2006 Posts: 13 Location: London, UK

10 pounds per hour (I've got four years experience and a CELTA).

Takin the mickey me thinks? From other interviews, the standard seems to be between 14-17 per hour, so they really are taking an advantage here...and God knows how much they're charging students.

I hesitated when she told me the wage over the phone and she said 'well I'll have to tell the boss you hesitated, because we dont want you leaving once you find a better offer'.

:-/ Really not sure what to do. I desperately need a job but don't want to be tied down to a contract that is blatantly taking advantage of me.

What does everyone (or anyone??) else think?

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Sashadroogie · Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2013 2:19 pm Post subject:

Tel her you are going with your offer from McDonald's, as you need the money.

10 quid an hour and telling tales to the boss? Sincerely hope you can walk away from a scenario like that.

Best of luck.

PaulJam · Joined: 01 Sep 2006 Posts: 13 Location: London, UK

As much as I'd love to deliver the McDonalds line, there are no other offers on the table and it's better than being on the dole.

If they get back in touch I'm gonna have a good read of the contract and see if there's anything there that can hold me accountable, should I up and leave for a better gig.

Sashadroogie · Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2013 4:24 pm Post subject:

Well, okay then. Sorry to hear that. But in any case, regardless of a contract, your statutory rights should be more than enough to protect you, surely?

Qaaolchoura · Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2013 5:20 pm Post subject:

Why would you sign a contract anyways? I assume you're a British citizen, and I always assumed time-delimited contracts were for getting visas, since teaching isn't generally the sort of thing one does on contract in one's own country. (Contracts are for finishing a specific task, like remodeling a kitchen.) As an American, I'd be wary of signing a contract in the United States; teaching generally isn't contract work, and it does seem like they're trying to lock you in tight?

Also, in your situation (poverty-level wages on offer in the one place I assume you're currently willing to work), I'd upgrade qualifications, and if I didn't have the money and couldn't get a loan to do that, I'd be inclined to look for a job in a convenience store or something (not McDonalds, but 7-11 maybe).

My mother always said you can do what you want, work where you want, or make decent money: pick any two.

Regards,
~Q

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Captain Coddo · Joined: 04 Feb 2012 Posts: 45 Location: East Coast

My God, ten quid an hour is a truly appalling rate. I was getting the same in London almost 20 years ago! This sort of exploitation makes me really angry!!!

As for the comment about the hesitation, this is classic management bullying. And who wouldn't leave when (not if!) they get a better offer?!

Which school was this? They should be named and shamed on this blog:

http://tefltradesman.blogspot.com

PM me the details and I'll make sure it gets published.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

How could you pay for housing out of that ? Either get out of London or look for a real job. I hear drivers on the Tube are quite well-paid.

Teacher in Rome · Joined: 09 Jul 2003 Posts: 1286

mambawamba · Joined: 12 Jun 2012 Posts: 311

You won't be able to live on that wage in London or anywhere in the South East for that matter. Yes they are taking the Mickey and they sound ultra snide!

With a CELTA and 4 years experience you can do a hell of a lot better in the UK.

Mamba

Dedicated · Joined: 18 May 2007 Posts: 972 Location: UK

PaulJam,

Have you thought of training to be an IELTS examiner (if you have a degree, CELTA and experience) as there is a severe shortage in London?
There would be work 6 days a week, and it pays a lot more than 10 pounds an hour.

Sashadroogie · Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 6:02 am Post subject:

Don't you have to pay for that training in London?

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

You have to shell out for IELTS Training. Pay is not that great. Therew is no guarantee of how much work you will get. You have to maintian your certification and if that is withdrawn at the whim of some "Governement inspector", you cannnot examine until you have re-certified.

You get the same rate in London as in the Provinces !!!

says
Scot47, a disillusioned ex-IELTS Examiner !

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Start selling "The Big Issue" Your income will be higher.