u/SubtractAd

Zero-hours agency work sucks. Putting in the work, but feeling completely undervalued.

Just needed to get this off my chest to people who get it.

I work in a warehouse through an agency on a zero-hours contract. I actually enjoy the physical work, I put a solid shift in every single day, and I try to be decent and respectful to everyone on the floor.

Lately, the environment is just grinding me down:

The "Banter": Because of how I speak and pronounce words, some of the staff constantly take the piss out of me. They probably think it’s harmless, but it gets proper wearing after a while. I'm well spoken, having lived in Surrey. But I live in the North West now.

No voice: Anytime I make a suggestion or offer an idea to help things run smoother, it just gets laughed off. Some of the perm staff don't realise how lucky they are to have security and just act completely closed off.

You’re literally just a number filling a slot. No one checks in to see how you’re doing, and the door never feels open to just have a chat. Zero-hours gives you zero leverage and zero respect.

I want to stick with warehouse work and actually progress, but being treated like disposable headcount makes it hard to stay motivated.

Is agency work designed like this, I get it isn't for everyone. But the agency seems to create a distance and you're just a name on a system or spreadsheet.

Anyone else dealt with this? Did you stick it out until a perm job came up, or is it better to just cut ties and look for direct-hire roles elsewhere?

Bury New Road is closed due to a fire at Marc Darcy/ Gordon Bennett International.

What are your thoughts on No. 10 North being based at Heron House? There's a big police presence and plenty of press along with barriers. Good for the city that No. 10 is based there or do you think it changed the vibe around the area?

I used to work at Yodel's contact centre. I was the voice telling people that lines were closed and they should visit the website.

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A few years ago, I was given a free sample of fabric conditioner in the Arndale Shopping Centre in Manchester.

Without even looking, I thought it was a probiotic yoghurt drink and proceeded to start drinking it. Things only got worse when I started drinking water.

I had to go to the drop in centre. I wasn't well. I was mortified having to explain to the Arndale staff and a nurse what happened and I'd downed some Comfort.

For obvious reasons, I don't tell this story very often. In hindsight, I can see why people were laughing at me. 👍🏻

Hi! I'd be really interested to know your thoughts on Manchester?

What is the city doing well and not so well on? Is there a particular part you like or dislike?

If you could change or improve three things - what would they be?

Obviously we're not restricted to the city centre, as we've got places like Stockport, Chorlton, Altrincham etc.

Be great to hear what people think? 💬

I was wondering if anyone has ever visited Uppermill and what you thought about it? Some nice cafes and restaurants. I have one problem though - the people who live and work there seem a bit 'stand offish'. Is it just a thing when you go to well do village or town? They don't seem particularly friendly or willing to joke/ laugh. All a bit distant.