JD Sports Warehouse and Assist Recruitment criticised again by former workers

JD Sports and Assist Recruitment have come under fire again from former employees regarding turnaround of staff. Rochdale Online has spoken to one former employee who was 'let go' by the company after only completing twelve shifts.

The former employee, who wishes to remain anonymous, began working at the warehouse in mid December and was told on New Year's Eve, three weeks after they started their job' that they were no longer needed due to “not enough volume of work.”

Even though this former employee picked up several hours of overtime, was often told they were good at the job and never missed a shift out of the twelve given, they were still let go.

“It completely came out of nowhere,” said the former employee. “It makes you very angry.”

When the employee was informed of Assist's decision, they told Rochdale Online the representative from Assist was “rude, hostile and lacked empathy.”

“I knew it was a temporary position but I expected a good couple of weeks work from the job, not three,” added the employee.

The former employee was then astounded to discover that jobs for temporary and full time warehouse positions were still being advertised by Assist as of 2 January 2014. Rochdale Online also found vacancies for the positions advertised on-line.

A spokesperson for JD Sports and Assist Recruitment said: “As with other retailers, JD typically needs additional staff in the build up to the busy Christmas period, and demand decreases in the New Year. 

"Staff are recruited on this basis and are made fully aware that these roles are temporary. It is common practice for staffing agencies to advertise for workers on a rolling basis so as to build up a pool of available candidates to meet changing demand; however we aim to re-engage staff with previous experience wherever appropriate. 

"So as to avoid any confusion arising again, such adverts placed in relation to JD’s Kingsway site will state that there may not be roles immediately available. 

"We have plans to expand our Kingsway operations which should have a positive impact for employment locally.”

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/81564/jd-sports-criticised-by-former-employees

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/81603/jd-sports-criticised-further