A woman has revealed her shocking experience after attending a job interview that took a bizarre turn when she was asked to work for free during a so-called 'trial shift'.
The unnamed jobseeker shared her story on social media, explaining how what she thought would be a standard interview quickly escalated into an unexpected demand for unpaid labour.
The Interview That Went Wrong
"I went in expecting questions about my experience and skills," the woman explained. "Instead, they handed me an apron and expected me to start working immediately."
The company claimed this was a standard part of their hiring process - a chance to 'show what you can do'. However, employment experts warn that such practices may violate UK labour laws.
Legal Grey Area
While trial shifts aren't illegal in themselves, they must be properly structured and, crucially, paid. "Any work of value to an employer should be compensated," explains employment lawyer Sarah Thompson. "Unpaid trial shifts lasting more than a couple of hours are likely unlawful."
The story has sparked outrage online, with many sharing similar experiences of being exploited during the hiring process.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Being asked to perform substantial work during an interview
- Requests to work full shifts without pay
- Vague promises about 'future opportunities'
- Pressure to prove your commitment through unpaid work
Employment experts advise jobseekers to research companies thoroughly and know their rights before accepting any trial shifts.
