SCOTTISH newsagent McColl’s has been regarded as one of the worst companies to work for according to a survey of employees across the UK.

The retailer was named in the top 10 worst places to work by community-powered job platform Breakroom, based on reviews from its community of 430,000 UK shift workers.

The results were based on hourly workers’ experiences. They voluntarily shared anonymous feedback on their employer through a Breakroom quiz giving insights into their job, pay, benefits, shifts, and management over the past year.

Most people regarded the pay as "bad" at McColl’s with 92% of people claiming they are paid below the Real Living Wage for where they live. 

According to the survey, a sales assistant is paid between £6 and £9.50 an hour while a manager gets between £8.52 and £12.42.

The Real Living Wage is £10.90 an hour and £11.95 for those living in London.

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Back in 2021, McColl's was named as one of dozens of firms that breached minimum wage requirements by the UK Government.

The company went into administration in May last year but it has now been saved by Morrisons. Over time, the stores will become Morrisons Daily outlets. 

Employees also said they often don’t get any more than four weeks’ notice of what shifts they are working, with 65% of people who responded saying schedules change with one week notice or less.

The survey showed people reporting that most staff don’t get proper breaks, are stressed, and don’t feel well informed by head office.

Canadian restaurant chain Tim Horton’s and underwear store Victoria’s Secret also featured in the worst list alongside McColl’s.

The top 20 best-rated places to work for 2023 included NATS - formerly known as the National Air Traffic Service – BAE Systems, Unilever and TransPennine Express.

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Anna Maybank, co-founder and CEO of Breakroom, commented: “Our communities list of the best and worst-rated employers highlights which employers are listening to employees and meeting their needs and the employers that need to improve.

"We’ve built the first community-powered jobs platform that helps users not only find a job but also learn what it’s like to work there from people who already do. 

"With more job competition for staff in the key sectors of retail, hospitality, logistics and social care than ever before, to attract talent employers must work harder to stand out.

"The next generation of job seekers are not just comparing pay and hours but looking at a range of factors including perks like free meals on shifts, staff discounts and reward programmes.

"Breakroom gives them access to this information so job seekers can learn about the best employers and find jobs that meet their individual needs and expectations.”