‘There was never a job offer’: Server successfully completes a 3-hour trial shift at restaurant only to be rejected from the job and told they just wanted free labor

Bar Mor Hazut • Senior Editor

Aug 15, 2024 7:00 AM EDT

Although there should definitely be a law against it, in some countries, an unpaid 'trial shift' is an accepted way for employers to examine their candidates' abilities. While it is understandable that this is a good way to test if a candidate has the required skills for the job, it is still unlawful to then not pay those who don't get the job. Besides, knowing that this type of action is legal, must mean that many workplaces take advantage of that and bring people in to work for free when they have no intention of hiring them afterward.

Which seems like exactly what happened to the server in this Reddit story. In the UK, where OP (original poster) is from, it is not illegal for unpaid trial shifts to occur. OP was asked to work one in a restaurant, but a week later got a rejection email with little to no explanation. OP decided to answer and see if they could still have a chance, but it seemed like all the restaurant wanted out of them was someone to work for free during rush hour…

Scroll down to read the full story and the helpful advice that followed. Up next, click here for a story of an employee who went over their boss's head in order to secure their raise.