EC Human Resources would actively encourage employers to “try out” potential new recruits before offering them a position with you. It is often a good way to see if both the company and the individual are a “fit” for each other. 

However, During the summer SNP Minister Stewart McDonald launched a petition against unpaid work trials. He argued on behalf of individuals that the practice of unpaid work trials was exploiting workers and breaching the national minimum wage regulations. Although at present there is no definite law in place making unpaid work trials unlawful, care should still be taken if offering this type of opportunity to prospective employees. Businesses who offer unpaid work trials outside of the Jobcentre Plus scheme, may find that individuals may start to make complaints that they have not received pay for the work which they have performed during the trials.
 

Watch this space for more news!