Hi Nikki,

I'm so sorry to hear this story and of course you did the right thing putting your children first.

I suspect that this employer uses a lot of temporary staff (I'm assuming that your role was permanent but you were on your probation period) and employers that use temporary staff seem to have a different attitude towards the disposable nature of staff.

Employers don't argue with temps. They smile and wave as they leave the office and then you get an evening call to say not to bother turning up the next day.

It all comes from a mentality of seeing temporary workers as disposable resources.

If you had been working with a better employer they would have attempted to nurture you for the entirety of the probation period (normally three months although can be longer) and only reacted in this way for acts of gross misconduct, negligence and / or incompetence.

Best I think not to use that agency again as they have shown themselves to be representing the employer rather than the employee whereas in the ideal world they should be representing both and trying to resolve issues without showing a stance of advocacy towards the client employer.

It cannot go down at all well that the agency takes the stance that you've done all this study and basically they are telling you that you should be thankful because people in your position are ten a penny... Wonder how many exams and how much study the agent had to do to get their job?... My opinion of agents isn't that great since one offered to sleep with me in exchange for employing some staff through her!

Agencies sucker up to management a lot on the assumption that suckering up will get them sole supplier status. The reality is that employers go to whoever supplies the quality and quantity of staff that they require the cheapest and has no more loyalty to the agency than they or the agency had to you.

Moving forwards you should put this behind you. Find another agency more alligned to your requirements.

Good luck in the future and as I say, sorry that this one didn't work out for you.

All the best,

Shaun.

Hi All

I totally agree agencies are for the employer and not the employee,my husband was made redundant from his job two weeks ago, he has just secured a tempory job through an agency, the conditions he is working in are appalling, no health and safety in force whatsoever, working 12 hour shifts for just the minimum wage.  He was totally gobsmacked to work in such victorian conditions, but sadly he says he has to stick at it till something better comes along to pay mortgage bills etc. Sadly I must say this country is totally going to the dogs.  Employee's  just don't seem to have rights anymore, because business's know if you speak up for yourself or just step out of line even if its  just for  your normal rights, they can get rid because  they know unemployment figures are high and can replace you at the drop of a hat. I honestly think the workforce is gearing for  just employing selective people, puppets that dance to their tune.  Kind Regards Sue

Thanks for all the replies, it's made me feel a lot better. To be honest, I never considered to agency to be the bad ones, but maybe I should.

This was a temporary job and it has proved to me that the agency/employer considered me to be disposable and my family values obviously didn't fit in with their idea that I should put everything else in my life on hold. The employer has actually taken voluntary insolvency and has taken on an army of temps to try and recoup as much money as they can... in hindsight I should have expected this from them!

All your advice is great... yes I have taken and passed my exams (thanks for the reminder Shaun) unlike the recruitment woman (who I Googled and found she has nothing even close) so I shouldn't take it to heart that she talks to me like dirt because I put the needs of my children first. Ray, if I could take this further I would, but unfortunately this was a temporary position they can hire and fire as they please. Sue, I've spoken to a couple of friends who are looking for work and they've found the same; they're losing out to people who are willing to sacrifice they're personal life in favour of a lower paid job where they'll work all hours, I know people want to work but I can't believe the lengths some people go to. Bill, the agency was a big agency (one of the biggest I would imagine) and it was a well paid position. I won't be approaching them again, but if they come to me with a permanent position I would consider it... though by the way she spoke to me I doubt that would happen!

About time I started approaching Accountants... and I will follow up with them for sure! It's coming up to a busy time of year, I'm sure the well established places will be looking for some help soon enough!

Thanks again guys. I appreciate you all listening.