postyparker wrote:Probably heard all these questions a million times before but your the best guys to ask as i haven't got the job yet, just had document check and now have an interview on Thursday. Would like some general info tbh. I know the answers for my questions will vary from office to office after looking at certain topics but If you don't mind answerin them I'd really appreciate it!
1. Abbrevations/slang on the site? Is there a list?
No but Hellmail has some - sorry cant link it here type Hell Mail into your browser and it will find it
2. If you apply for a job and the times state 9-2 do you think there will be any possibility of overtime? I would like to work as many hours as poss to be honest. What kind of overtime, chances to make more money is there?
Its a very physical task unless you are a keyer in Mdec (But that is harder in other ways) so pace yourself sometimes newbies burn themselves out taking on too much, However, that said on deliveries there is usually plenty of both official and unofficial overtime. Once you have your feet under the door and are used to the job go and see your lineo and he'll bite your hand off if your still keen to do overtime. Unofficial overtime is possible but is not condoned, basically you agree a price with a mate to do part of their round, at our place about £10 per hour cash in hand.
3. Were you work are you restricted to just the role you do? My cousin does walks in the mornin finishes for two and if he wants collects for a couple of hours in the evening.
Usually so long as you have been trained on the role there is not problem. However, collections is usually done as Scheduled Attendance, if not part of your normal duty, and is paid overtime but there is usually a waiting list. Having said that when they are busy I am sure they will find you something to do. Thing is to get yourself known as willing to do overtime. However also you will need to play it by ear, as we work in large groups you don't want to alienate yourself and become known as a bosses nark, also you will sometimes need to turn down the chance of overtime just so that the managers won't pressurize you onto doing overtime you don't want to. Best thing is play it by ear when you start work.
4. What is the actual rate of pay for less than 40 hours? After 40 hours the same or more?
Basic pay for me for a 40 hr week is £315.27 (without allowances) but I pay for some of my holiday so some peoples basic will be more than mine. Also as a new starter your basic will be lower for about a year. On this watch out as well as the sickness allowance and attendance limits are very strict in the first year, in some case (not sure which sorry) you may not be paid while of sick (except for SSA). Everyone gets overtime rate once they have done 40 hours, but beware for some strange reason the Union (before I joined) signed an agreement that means overtime beyond the first 10 hours gets paid at a lower rate
5. Whats the situation with using your own cars/get on the vans?
It differers from office to office but the Unions official stance is not to use your own cars but let RM get you out to your round. Either by paying for public transport, paying you back, or providing transport (Bikes, vans motorizes trikes etc). If your DO lets you use cars, and the Union/local workforce allows it you need to make sure of a few things.
1. You have the correct business insurance.
2. Whether or not you managers let you store bags in the car (unlikely) and does your insurance cover you. (Royal Mail insurance only covers 3rd Party (not fire and Not theft)
3. What plans do you have in place if you break down, Royal Mail wont care, and they wont pay overtime of a breakdown causes you to go over your duty time, they may also sack you for delay of mail if you are unable to complete your duty or any overtime you agreed.
Think thats enough for now. Sorry to bore you to death!
Was not bored gave me a chance to answer questions that people who are starting out may be too afraid to ask in work.
Good luck I hope you enjoy it.[/quote]
