soon to be starting

[panch1989]

Hello,

Just been offered a 25 hour contract to which I am taking, leaving my full time job in retail for. In the office I'm going to they work 6 day weeks with the 7th week off. So is this normal or rare.

[lollollol]

Hi mate... the shift pattern what you are referring to is called 'Wallingtons' but I believe you work 5 weeks then have a week off... good luck in your chosen profession... the first day is the hardest... it gets easier after that... if you are fortunate to be given a duty, and left on it, within 4 to 6 weeks you will be up to speed... good luck...

[panch1989]

Thanks, it's going to be daunting leaving full time secure job to start a 3 month contract but the guy who interviewed me assured me that the 3 month contract is normal for starters and that very rarely do they let people go that actually want to work. Just hope the risk pays off. The guy interviewed me seemed to be alright. Recommended I joined the union and that overtime is always available to those who want it.

[lollollol]

Thanks, it's going to be daunting leaving full time secure job to start a 3 month contract but the guy who interviewed me assured me that the 3 month contract is normal for starters and that very rarely do they let people go that actually want to work. Just hope the risk pays off. The guy interviewed me seemed to be alright. Recommended I joined the union and that overtime is always available to those who want it.

To be frank they'll do anything to get you in the door... temporary staff are being laid off left, right and centre in some regions particularly where TNT are now delivering... you're joining the business at the quietest time of the year which is a good time to start... overtime might be a little difficult to come by at present... depends on the staffing levels at your office... pleased to hear the interviewer advised you on joining the CWU... think of it as an insurance policy in some ways... hope you've got a decent Rep at your unit, makes a big difference...

Don't be put off by all you read on this site... yes, there are lots of issues going on both locally and nationally... but they do not affect all offices... good luck...

[TrueBlueTerrier]

We have a thread full of advice for new starters http://www.royalmailchat.co.uk/communit ... =1&t=27513" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; but in essence if you keep to the idea of for the first few weeks, please forgive the bluntness:

Ears and eyes open, mouth shut except when asking questions.

.... and you'll do fine.

[panch1989]

Yeah I get that. Did 5 years in the army. Would still be there if it wasn't for a bit of misfortune in Iraq. Nothing phases me and I'm a very quick learner and don't let people take advantage. I'll just be glad to get out of retail. Postman is my second dream job. After all what job lets you wear shorts all year round.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Yeah I get that. Did 5 years in the army. Would still be there if it wasn't for a bit of misfortune in Iraq. Nothing phases me and I'm a very quick learner and don't let people take advantage. I'll just be glad to get out of retail. Postman is my second dream job. After all what job lets you wear shorts all year round.

This job attracts a lot of ex-squadies me included. Don't expect managers to be as good as the SNCOs and Officers even the worst in the mob would be the best in this business. The camaraderie, sense of humour, physical aspects, and if you are in strong Union office the solidarity, will all make you feel at home.

[lollollol]

Yeah I get that. Did 5 years in the army. Would still be there if it wasn't for a bit of misfortune in Iraq. Nothing phases me and I'm a very quick learner and don't let people take advantage. I'll just be glad to get out of retail. Postman is my second dream job. After all what job lets you wear shorts all year round.

I've just passed six years in shorts... not a day missed...

[panch1989]

So, I've been accepted to Start but they want me to start whilst I'm in Morocco doing a trek for help for heroes. I've emailed them telling them but I'm still to hear from them. A week later and nothing, I emailed them back instantly aswell. I've never known a company to only communicate via email and not supply a single phone number, any help in getting in touch with recruiting would be appreciated

[lollollol]

You might want to try ringing or visiting the Delivery Office you will be employed at... explain the situation to the manager there... you've yet to start and are already experiencing the incompetence that many of us face on a daily basis...

[panch1989]

Finally got my start date 22nd of September with a visit to Warrington to watch a few videos then the next day at my office. Contract is from 22/9 to 21/12 so hopefully I will be offered another contract with it being Christmas and usually busiest period right?

[lollollol]

All being well you'll be offered an extension to your contract... rolling 3 months seems to be the way forward with the business these days... the unpredictable climate we work in with TNT and Amazon direct (and others) wiping out a lot of work in some areas means there's a lot of uncertainty in some regions... if you show an aptitude for the job and work the hours offered then a contract extension could be on the table if staffing levels at your particular unit warrant it... good luck...

[panch1989]

Cheers, still unsure on the whole work wear as my information says I can't order anything because my contract is 13 weeks and it also contradicts itself by saying employees in contact with customers day to day must wear uniform. So here lies my confusion. What do I do, cheers

[lollollol]

They'll give you an orange high-vis thingy to wear when you go out on delivery in the first instance... speak to your manager about being kitted out further... RM is full of contradictions...