New starter - Covid-19 impact on employment

[ST]

Hope it all works out for you.Where are you based?

 

[ST]

Same situation here.
I am due to start my training on the 11th of May with SWR. My plan was to give HR a call at the beginning of April to see if there is a bit clearer picture by then.
Honestly, I’m just guessing here, but I think it’s more likely that they delay trainings rather than terminating someone that has passed all the recruiting process and would be an asset to them in the near future unless this outbreak changes the world as we know it.

I do agree with you. The concern for me would be if they delayed to the point of not needing as many trainees due to the drop in passengers and therefore providing no notice in my case.

 

[magicmcone]

I am really hoping to still start. I have a contract and start date already. Just sitting tight for 2 weeks. No news is good news

Really hope that is the case.
Keep us updated on that one please!

 

[omnicity4659]

I have an interview on Friday for a temporary station role at another TOC over Easter... the way things are looking points towards the whole thing being called off. Beyond worried, but just preparing for the worst! :/

 

[richfoz84]

I think at this stage, everybody seems to be worrying about something they have no facts about. Stay positive and see what happens, this virus seems to be unpredictable in terms of the steps the government are taking but once everyone’s back to work etc the demand will return for trains.. some people’s posts of concern or negativity aren’t helping here. Glass half full and all that!

 

[C J Snarzell]

I'm hoping the 'eye of the storm' phase will pass soon - China has 'relaxed' some of its contigencies such as allowing schools to reopen.

If everyone stays positive & optimistic then I'm sure the job situation will sort itself out.

I'm potentially up 'Dickie's Meadow' myself in a couple of months on the job front but I'm just not letting any of this Coronavirus stuff bother me too much.

CJ

 

[LCC106]

I agree that they have to honour the contract so you would start work...but most contracts allow for a very short notice period when you initially start.

You could find yourself being given notice of termination on the first day....

e.g. just looked at my NWR contract and if you have less than one month's employment there is no notice period to terminate your employment. So worst case scenario they could pay you for the first day of work and that would be it...

They’d need a bloody fantastic reason for it! Believe me! It would very rarely happen. I’d even lay good money on it! Even if you weren’t up to the job they’d have to give you a bloody good go at meeting requirements.

 

[221129]

They’d need a bloody fantastic reason for it! Believe me! It would very rarely happen. I’d even lay good money on it! Even if you weren’t up to the job they’d have to give you a bloody good go at meeting requirements.

They can let you go if you're on probation without much of a reason. And they do.

 

[LCC106]

Same situation here.
I am due to start my training on the 11th of May with SWR. My plan was to give HR a call at the beginning of April to see if there is a bit clearer picture by then.
Honestly, I’m just guessing here, but I think it’s more likely that they delay trainings rather than terminating someone that has passed all the recruiting process and would be an asset to them in the near future unless this outbreak changes the world as we know it.

Sounds like you have a written start date of 11 May so no need to worry.

 

[ST]

I can see where you are coming from regarding being positive richfoz, I think everyone here is trying to be in the face of unprecedented uncertainty. The facts we have however are that people have already been told their courses are being delayed and are not sure what is happening. Let's look out for each other and provide support with positive ideas and experiences.

 

[LCC106]

They can let you go if you're on probation without much of a reason. And they do.

Believe me when I say they can’t. They may try stuff on but they have to have written traceability and evidence of what’s gone wrong, what they have tried to do to sort it etc for a good fair few months after termination of employment.

 

[LCC106]

I think at this stage, everybody seems to be worrying about something they have no facts about. Stay positive and see what happens, this virus seems to be unpredictable in terms of the steps the government are taking but once everyone’s back to work etc the demand will return for trains.. some people’s posts of concern or negativity aren’t helping here. Glass half full and all that!

Best response yet.

 

[Ludus]

I do agree with you. The concern for me would be if they delayed to the point of not needing as many trainees due to the drop in passengers and therefore providing no notice in my case.

I don't see that happening, people who used rail prior COVID-19 will use it just the same post COVID-19, a reduction in passengers is likely to only be temporary and last just a couple of months. In the longterm, the demand will remain the same as it's always been. Also, don't forget summer is around the corner as well, so even during this current crisis there will still be a spike in demand.

The worst I could possibly see happening is an indefinite delay on start dates. Those already offered a role will no doubt just sit in a talent pool until required, I don't see any good reason why anyone's offer of employment would be rescinded. Although I have no railway HR related experience, I would personally keep in contact with HR just to remind them I'm still ready and waiting and don't end up falling through the cracks.

 

[ST]

I can't see that happening, people who used the rail prior COVID-19 will used it just the same post COVID-19, a reduction in passengers is likely to only last a couple of months. Don't forget summer is around the corner as well, so even during this current crisis there will still be a spike in demand.

The worst I can possibly see happening is an indefinite delay on start dates. Those already offered a role will no doubt just sit in a talent pool until required, I don't see any good reason why anyone's offers of employment will be rescinded. Although I have no railway HR related experience, I would personally keep in contact with HR just to remind them I'm still ready and waiting and don't end up falling through the cracks.

Thanks for your advice. Much appreciated.

 

[43066]

They’d need a bloody fantastic reason for it! Believe me! It would very rarely happen. I’d even lay good money on it! Even if you weren’t up to the job they’d have to give you a bloody good go at meeting requirements.

Believe me when I say they can’t. They may try stuff on but they have to have written traceability and evidence of what’s gone wrong, what they have tried to do to sort it etc for a good fair few months after termination of employment.

Completely wrong I’m afraid.

If they decide they don’t need you, or even if they decide they simply don’t like you, they don’t have to give you a “bloody good go at meeting requirements”. They can simply bin you.

From a legal point of view you have no entitlement to redundancy for a two year qualifying period and, as a new employee, you can be dismissed with contractual notice (one week’s pay minimum, more if contractually provided for) for any reason which isn’t an “automatically unfair“ Equalities Act type reason such as race, sexuality, sex etc. and some other limited exceptions - whistleblowing springs to mind.

Trust me I know. I’ve seen it happen in other industries. It happened to me in 2008, when I was six months into a role, and my continued employment was deemed to be commercially unviable due to the financial crisis. I was out on my ear with a week’s notice. And we are now, once again, living in unprecedented economic times.

Best advice for the OP is sit tight, see how things develop over the next few weeks, and DON’T RESIGN until you get a very firm steer from Northern on a start date.

 

[ST]

Completely wrong I’m afraid.

If they decide they don’t need you, or even if they decide they simply don’t like you, they don’t have to give you a “bloody good go at meeting requirements”. They can simply bin you.

From a legal point of view you have no entitlement to redundancy for a two year qualifying period and, as a new employee, you can be dismissed with contractual notice (one week’s pay minimum, more if contractually provided for) for any reason which isn’t an “automatically unfair“ Equalities Act type reason such as race, sexuality, sex etc. and some other limited exceptions - whistleblowing springs to mind.

Trust me I know. I’ve seen it happen in other industries. It happened to me in 2008, when I was six months into a role, and my continued employment was deemed to be commercially unviable due to the financial crisis. I was out on my ear with a week’s notice. And we are now, once again, living in unprecedented economic times.

Best advice for the OP is sit tight, see how things develop over the next few weeks, and DON’T RESIGN until you get a very firm steer from Northern on a start date.

Thanks 43066. Makes perfect sense.

 

[FM511]

This is all very worrying. I'm meant to start with SWR on 30th March, but having spoke to recruitment over the last few days they're now unsure if it will still go ahead or not. They're unable to advise, at this time, what will happen if the training doesn't go ahead or what would happen if it is suspended halfway through.

At this rate I may have try and beg for my old job back.

 

[LCC106]

I have an interview on Friday for a temporary station role at another TOC over Easter... the way things are looking points towards the whole thing being called off. Beyond worried, but just preparing for the worst! :/

Having been on a rush hour train that’s usually full with only 5 people in the carriage today I fear you may be right.

 

[KlaudiaV43]

This is all very worrying. I'm meant to start with SWR on 30th March, but having spoke to recruitment over the last few days they're now unsure if it will still go ahead or not. They're unable to advise, at this time, what will happen if the training doesn't go ahead or what would happen if it is suspended halfway through.

At this rate I may have try and beg for my old job back.

I’m in the same position. Already handed in my notice, plus I’m relocating all the way from West Yorkshire, so kind of worried now.

 

[omnicity4659]

Having been on a rush hour train that’s usually full with only 5 people in the carriage today I fear you may be right.

Just had an email with the expected bad news. My luck never changes!

 

[Knowledgeboy]

Just had an email with the expected bad news. My luck never changes!

Sorry to hear mate. Have they cancelled training or just moved it back. I had DMI last week with gtr and booked in for medical. Expecting it to be postponed. This is so ****ed up. I’m in a job at least but self employed and just about covering expenses now. Had to phone mortgage company today and defer payments for three months. It’s hard to be positive right now but talking helps.

 

[omnicity4659]

Sorry to hear mate. Have they cancelled training or just moved it back. I had DMI last week with gtr and booked in for medical. Expecting it to be postponed. This is so ****ed up. I’m in a job at least but self employed and just about covering expenses now. Had to phone mortgage company today and defer payments for three months. It’s hard to be positive right now but talking helps.

Entire job, it relied on the heavier than usual loadings over the Easter period. Only positive is that I have a good connection with the firm, so it shouldn't be too hard to try again later.

 

[Terryp1984]

I too am due a start date next month awaiting contract. Hr still saying it's going ahead but all this uncertainty I really hope it still happens

 

[ST]

Sorry to hear those who might have to wait. Where are you due to start Terry?

 

[GemGem]

This is all very worrying. I'm meant to start with SWR on 30th March, but having spoke to recruitment over the last few days they're now unsure if it will still go ahead or not. They're unable to advise, at this time, what will happen if the training doesn't go ahead or what would happen if it is suspended halfway through.

At this rate I may have try and beg for my old job back.

In the same boat. Keeping everything crossed.

 

[amanda08]

Just had my assessment cancelled with GWR next week and would assume my talent pool place with EMR is no longer worth the email it was written on

 

[Terryp1984]

Sorry to hear those who might have to wait. Where are you due to start Terry?

Southeastern

 

[domno5150]

Southeastern

Hey mate due to start a course with SE end of the month also hopefully it will still go on ahead as I have signed a contract

 

[ST]

Good luck! I hope the signing of the contract means you will start the course on time.

 

[domno5150]

Good luck! I hope the signing of the contract means you will start the course on time.

Cheers mate fingers crossed hopefully your course still on by may hopefully things would have settled down by then