Meter Reading Job. A Con?

[Wispy68]

I've just filled out an application form for employment with a gas/electric meter reading company (Meter-U). I have just read their employment information and the company are expecting successful applicants to hand over �520, which would then be re-imbursed weekly over the first three months of employment. I would have to 'beg, borrow or steal' this amount of money! Does anyone else on AB have any experience or advice about this company? Many thanks in advance.

[maximo]

Apologies if I'm wrong, but you should never have to pay to get a job. It sort of beats the purpose, don't you think ? What if you decide to quit before the end of the three months ? would they give you back the full amount ? Anyway, I can't think of  what the money would be for, except fund some unscrupulous person's holiday to Florida.

[stoo_pid]

I've had some crap jobs in the past but never one where I had to pay my employer!

If you give them �520, I bet you they'll be going somewhere nice, sunny & very, very far away for Christmas...

[Miss Zippy]

No experience of them but my advice is not to touch them with a barge pole! No bona-fide employer would require any such payment. Even if it's purported to be required to cover the cost of training, a reputable employer would invest in its employees and provide all the training needed. Not sure how the reimbursement of the �520 would be treated for tax purposes - if they don't have proper processes in place and it is taxed as income then you wouldn't get back the full amount.

[stoo_pid]

Just run a quick search.  Meter-U only employ you for 3 months and you are only paid per reading - if no-one's in you don't get paid.  (You do not get paid any expenses so deduct the use of your car, petrol etc from that wage.)  After that you are self-employed.  You DO NOT get that �520 back.  That's what they charge you to use their equipment & name.  If you quit before 3 months are up you get nothing other than payment for the readings you've made.

Click here for further info:
http://www.meter-u.co.uk/opportunities/information_pack.asp

 

[cardboard]

Personally, I would never pay money to get a job. But if you are seriously considering it, do some research before hand. A quick skeg on the internet reveals meter-u have won a contract to do readings in the east of england and london. You should first check with the parent company (spice holdings plc) and the contract provider (siemans). An email to both these companys will reveal if the job opportunity is genuine or a scam to rip people off. Make sure you check that both companies are aware meter-u are charging applicants for a postion. Also check with trading standards (i think) to make sure they are a properly registered company

[georgit79]

Report them to Watchdog! Nicky'd love this one...

[FP]

Still clear Nicola Jane.  However, bear in mind that this is a Franchise as opposed to a job and you always have to pay for a Franchise so they are not breaking any laws.

[FP]

Sorry, meant to say 'Steer clear'

[rod]

Pay your employer to work? What next they will want you to pay them holiday pay.

[smudge]

I admire you for seeking employment Nicola Jane & don't feel silly or embarassed by asking this valid question. Just steer clear of any Company that requests payment up-front. If indeed it is a franchise, then that's a different kettle of fish. Good luck.

[FP]

It's definitely a franchise Smudge.  This is similar to running your own business and you are not paying them for employing you but buying from them to run your business.  Franchises can work very well.  Don't forget McDonald's restaurants are franchises as are lots of businesses these days.  Do some homework on the company.  It could be fine.  I did advise you to stear clear, but this was hasty advice.

[rod]

Nicola Jane you say you have filled out an application form for employment and you have to pay �520 up front and they then pay you that money back over three months. This does not sound like a franchise as you would not receive any money back otherwise the franchise would be free also I don�t think that McDonalds would refund the money paid for their franchise. Nicola Jane it might be a good idea to take the application form to your local citizen�s advice bureau and see what they say.  

[smudge]

I know what a 'franchise' is & most of the little Co-op stores around here are now 'franchises'. I was explaining to Nicola Jane, not to have any dealings with a 'private' Company that requires payment up-front in return for employment, unless of course entering into a 'franchise' agreement.

 

A 'franchise' is something you can legally buy into out of choice. If you are still confused NJ & as rod says - pop along to your local CAB for professional advice.

 

[redshoot]

Yes you are right Rod as is Soo_pid, entering a franchise agreement would require some investment as Nicola Jane states she has an application form for employment not a franchise agreement. I would go with Cardboards approach as well.

[rod]

Smudge I�m sure you know what a franchise in fact the part of my answer referred to McDonalds in Fakeplastics reply and at no time did I say that you or Fakeplastic did not know what a franchise is. The Co-up is run using unit trust investments and employer share options the franchise as such is still not free.

[paula.e]

Rod I think Smudge was replying to Fakeplastic after Smudge said it may be a franchise
And Fakeplastic said �it�s definitely a franchise Smudge. This is similar to running your own business�.
 N.J will you be safe? Give it a miss you might have to go in peoples houses as not all meters are outside. 

[FP]

My belief from the website is that the company employes you for the first three months, hence the application form.  After then it becomes a franchise.

[FP]

Sorry Smudge.  The only bit of my answer that was addressed to you was the first sentence.  I must admit, it did look as if I was telling you what a franchise was!

[smudge]

No offense taken anyone. The most important thing is that NJ receives the correct information she needs, for her not to persue something that will in the end be detrimental to her future.