Failed medical but reed advertising gateline staff, can I apply

[Bluchar]

Hi, I was in the lucky position to being offered a choice of two jobs with southeastern but failed the medical on my eyes. ( have a lazy eye that didn't meet the requirements). I have noticed that reed employment are advertising for gateline staff and I wasn't sure if failing my medical would mean that I couldn't apply for these ( it also says temporary so does anyone know how temporary they are, also why don't southeastern advertise them?)

Southeastern have very kindly kept me on their pool for a non safety critical job but it could be years as there's only one station I can apply for.

I just don't want to waster their time by applying if I'm going to get turned down.

Thanks

 

[ComUtoR]

I have noticed that reed employment are advertising for gateline staff and I wasn't sure if failing my medical would mean that I couldn't apply for these

I know of a similar situation at Sevenoaks. The person there failed the SE criteria (not medical) and still works the gates through an agency.

I see no reason why you couldn't work for Reed as they are the employer and not Southeastern; as long as you meet their criteria

( it also says temporary so does anyone know how temporary they are, also why don't Southeastern advertise them?)

Because they are not the employer. Reed will be your employer. You will be on a different salary/wage and have different terms and conditions. Agencies have their own pitfalls and advantages. I suggest you read... into them a bit more and get an understanding of how they differ and how it will affect you.

I just don't want to waster their time by applying if I'm going to get turned down.

Thanks

Phone them and ask. This is what they do and will no doubt have many many people in a similar situation. Reed are employment specialists so wouldn't see it as wasting their time. I can't speak for them regarding what their criteria is but you only harm yourself by not asking. Phone them, be proactive. As Donald Trump says Grab opportunity by the pu....

Is this the position ?

https://www.reed.co.uk/jobs/gatelin...ce-assistant/31626478#/jobs?keywords=gateline

The role:
You will be required to check tickets on the gateline barriers and around the station, whilst providing excellent customer service when dealing with enquires. You will also be required to liaise with other team members to ensure the information you are providing is correct at all times.

We are seeking individual with:-
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
• Knowledge of the surrounding area
• Previous Face to Face Customer Services experience

Please be aware this position involves working shifts the earliest start is 0600 and latest finish is 2200.

If you feel you have the skills and experience, please send your CV via the link provided.

Nothing mentioned about a medical

9 applications btw.

 

[Bluchar]

Thanks comUtoR for taking the time to reply. ( I understood there would be a lot of interest in the role as the money is like millionaire bracket round here )

I understand it's different at an agency but I'm in a minimum pay job, who will on occasions tell me I'm not needed so it's like having a zero hour contract job.

I just presumed that all jobs went through southeastern but that will teach me to presume.

I will give reed a ring tomorrow ( nothing ventured, nothing gained as they say )

 

[ComUtoR]

Agency work can be quite complicated and sometimes much worse than Zero Hour Contracts. (I've done both)

When you work for a company (Southeastern) you are directly employed and have a contract of employment, terms and conditions and in general its full time employment or time restricted (contracted hours etc) You also receive in work benefits. Not the discount schemes etc but things like Sick Pay, Holiday etc.

When you work for an Agency its different. You can be employed just like a Zero hour and basically be on call for any work that comes up. They often don't employ you directly. You are not much more than a name on their books they can call on. You have a particular set of skills and they know what your working restrictions are so can allocate you work any time and anywhere. With some Agencies you have more skilled workers and they are sector specific. In this case you would become one of those. You would be skilled and qualified in Gateline and could then be used at any Gateline at any time. Unfortunately you often have no benefits. They don't pay sickness, holiday etc and only pay you for the time you work. A bit like Zero hour but much more opportunity for employment.

Southeastern and other companies basically don't need to pay these in work benefits. They outsource the entire cost to an Agency and pay them a fee. They never have to deal with staffing issues and pretty much always have available staff. With no cost for NI, Sickness, SMP, Holiday etc they save a butt load of cash.

They also don't have a wage bill. Southeastern pays the Agency and the Agency pays you. Quite often, and is the case at Sevenoaks, the Agency pays you a different rate than the full time employees. Sometimes more, sometimes less. It often leads to bad blood between Agency and full time staff.

I've been Agency. I must admit I didn't like it but it was a means to an end. I was working and earning. My ex worked Agency and my Mum did for many years. There is an advantage for some people so I'd support it.

 

[Bluchar]

I don't get sick pay at this job, although I do get holiday pay.

You have certainly given me a lot to think about and I thank you for all your help. ( still sad about the failed medical, but life has to go on :cry.

I will certainly have to do a pros and cons today before applying ( I might not even get past the first stage, so it could be for nothing

 

[theironroad]

I don't get sick pay at this job, although I do get holiday pay.

You have certainly given me a lot to think about and I thank you for all your help. ( still sad about the failed medical, but life has to go on :cry.

I will certainly have to do a pros and cons today before applying ( I might not even get past the first stage, so it could be for nothing

 

[Bluchar]

Thanks theironroad. I've emailed to ask the question ( funnily enough, when I went for the role at southeastern that's the role suggested, but other roles were offered before the medical and then after no mention of the gateline one)

 

[ComUtoR]

I'm pretty sure gateline roles aren't classed as safety critical and therefore won't need a medical.

They do more than just gateline. Many also have a dispatch license.

It might be worth asking southeastern if they employ any gateline staff themselves directly so you'd become an toc employee. They might do both permanent and agency but I don't know.

They do both; although only recently agency.