How will I be paid?
You will be paid directly into your bank/building society account, so it is very important that you complete the bank details form correctly at your interview.
When will I be paid?
You will be paid on a Friday the week following submission of your timesheet (usually this means one week in arrears). Our working week is from Sunday to Saturday. We try and ensure the money clears into your bank account before the weekend, but sometimes building societies can take longer to clear the payment.
What happens if I change my bank/building society?
You must inform us, in writing, so we can amend your bank details on our system and the pay will go into the account you provide. We are only permitted to accept change of bank details in writing (email or fax is fine). Remember we need sort code, account number and name of account/account holder and the address of your branch.
Who do I contact if my pay is incorrect?
You need to contact your consultant as soon as possible. We will endeavour to resolve the problem immediately.
What happens if I have been underpaid?
This seldom happens, but all under payments are treated urgently and will be adjusted in the next pay packet.
What happens if I have been overpaid?
Again, please let us know and we will endeavour to recover the overpayment from your next pay packet. If this is not possible (perhaps it is your last week) we will agree a repayment schedule with you.
How do I know what my rate of pay will be?
We agree all rates with you, in writing, before each assignment (in your assignment confirmation letter). If you are in any doubt as to what your rate of pay is you should clarify this with your consultant as soon as possible.
Do I need to provide a P45 before I start an assignment?
You should always try and provide a P45, this helps us manage your tax and national insurance (no one enjoys paying too much tax)! If you do not have a P45, or you have two jobs (i.e. you work for many different firms) then you will be required to complete a P46 (this document can be obtained from your consultant or our web site).
Will I get paid if my timesheet/s is completed incorrectly?
Incorrect or missing timesheets makes things hard for us; how do we know how many hours to pay you? So please take every step you can to ensure you timesheet is correct. If, at any time, a timesheet is incorrectly completed we will endeavour to contact you and sort it out. But this might delay payment to you.
What is the most common problem with timesheets?
The four most common mistakes are:
- Missing name (who are you)?
- Lunch breaks not deducted
- The start and finish times not adding up
- The timesheet not coming to us on a Monday, so payment cannot be made for that week
How often do my timesheets need to be submitted?
Your timesheet/s need to be submitted on a weekly basis. Even if your timesheets are sent on-line.
What if my manager is away and cannot sign the time sheet?
Let us know as soon as possible and we will take steps to check the hours and pay you. Even if your manager is away, you have still worked those hours and we need to pay you.
What if the company does not pay you, do I still get paid?
Definitely. If you work, you will be paid – that is the law and it is also the right thing. Any disagreement between you and the client, or the client and us, is not related to paying you for the hours worked.
Does SSR provide information about a stakeholder’s pension?
Yes. We do offer a stakeholders pension, please see our intranet for contact details.
If I do not like the place I am working, do I have to stay there?
The short answer is ‘no’. Your contract with us clearly states that you can accept or decline an assignment and you are not required to provide notice or a reason. However, it will help us if we can at least try and resolve the conflict or problems that you might have with the assignment.
Do you pay expenses?
All payments to be made to you, including overtime, are agreed in advance and specified in the assignment confirmation letter you receive. If anything is mentioned in the assignment confirmation then we will pay it (please note, sometimes this requires specific authorisation, e.g. a form to be signed by the client authorising the payment).
I am being asked to work overtime, do I get a better rate?
The overtime rate, if there is one, is mentioned in the assignment confirmation letter and will normally only apply after you have worked a minimum of 35 hours in a given week. If you agree with the client (your place of work) that they will pay you an enhanced rate not mentioned in the assignment confirmation letter, then please speak to us BEFORE you work the overtime.
What do I do if I am bullied at my place of work?
Unlike an employee, you do not have access to the full range of legal support on offer to staff. This does not mean you should suffer. In the very unlikely event that you suffer any work-place concern, then we have a written policy (on our intranet) that explains the steps to take.
In essence it is like any problem: try and resolve it with the person concerned, if you cannot then please speak to us (in confidence) and we can help you raise the concern with the appropriate manager.
How do I access the SSR intranet?
The intranet is there to help you find answers to work place matters. Access if made via the SSR main web site www.ssr-personnel.com. If you experience any problems or cannot access this for some reason, email your problem to info@ssr-personnel.com and we will respond.
I am working for another recruitment firm and they pay less than you, can I come and work for you at the better rate?
We get this question quite often. The simple answer is we welcome you, BUT your current firm might have a contract with the client that prevents or restricts this. To avoid any mess and confusion, we suggest that you talk to us and we can help you raise the matter of pay with your manager and if that is not successful, then we can help you transfer (if permissible under their contract).
I have heard that you can work and not pay tax, is this true?
No. Everyone pays income tax and National Insurance. The amount you pay is determined by the government AND the means by which you are engaged to work (the contract type). At present, we only accept to pay workers by PAYE (we deduct your tax and National Insurance and pay this to the Inland Revenue) or Limited Company (you have a limited company set up and they invoice us for your services). For advice on this, speak to an accountant or solicitor.
How is my holiday calculated?
For each hour you work, an additional contribution is accrued for you. This means that, if you work five days per week for forty eight weeks, you will receive the full working time directive holiday (as of 1st April this will equal twenty days plus eight bank holiday days). Naturally if you work less, this is reflected in the amount of holiday (it reduces pro-rata). You can check the amount we have accrued for you by asking your consultant.
How do I claim holiday pay?
Simply email your consultant, fax (0208 626 3101) or write on your timesheet, your request and this will be added to your next payment (a note will appear on your pay advice slip). If you wish to check how much pay has been accrued, then simply speak to your consultant.
Is my holiday pay deducted from my wages?
No, we have always paid our temporary staff the full amount to which they are entitled. The cost of your holiday pay is part of the charge we make to our clients. An deductions that are made will be clearly shown on your pay advice slip and once notified to us, errors will be corrected promptly.
I am a Limited Company contractor, how much holiday pay do I get?
Everyone who works as a PAYE temporary worker accrues holiday pay every hour they work. If you are paid as a “limited company contractor” then we will not be accruing holiday pay for you, this is undertaken by your limited company. Sound complicated, it is. Limited Company Contractors receive very few benefits and have little protection under the law, as such it is not our preferred means of paying workers and by default all workers are paid as PAYE temporary staff.
I have been told I am not an employee, is this true?
Yes. Not being “tied” to a single employer with an employment contract can bring benefits to you; temping also has downsides (e.g. protection against being dismissed and some benefits). Temporary staffs have a freedom, enshrined in their contract with us, to work when and where they like (notice is not required, you simply decline to work)! Temporary workers can stop assignments and take time off to suit their needs. Of course if you accept to work an assignment, it would be discourteous to walk off the assignment, but that is your right and we do not influence this in anyway. The same right applies to the client, they can say we no longer require the services, without notice.
Not being an employee does not mean that you are unprotected at work. The law on safety applies to all workers (irrespective of the type of contract you have) and we also take measures to help protect you at work. For detailed advice on this we recommend speaking to a solicitor.
I am working in a permanent job and am thinking of working on a temporary assignment. How safe is my future role?
We do no encourage people working in safe jobs to change to temporary assignments. Temporary means just that, it is for a temporary time and comes without any guarantees for the future. There are very good reasons for wishing to work as a temporary or locum and there are many benefits, but you are moving away from being tied to an employer and their contract, to one that affords freedom to choose.
I am in a trade union, can you deduct my contribution and pay it to the union?
We can make these payments on your behalf, monthly. We cannot make payment if you are not working, for this reason it is often better for the standing order (or direct debit) to come from your bank account.
I am pregnant, can I claim SMP and time off?
This is not as straightforward a question and each worker must be assessed. In essence, SMP depends on when and how much time you have worked. You can, of course, take time off at anytime. We ask that all pregnant workers contact us as soon as they know, this helps us to take additional steps with regard to their safety at work.