Last year after working for 24x7 Ltd in North Yorkshire I went through the formal grievance process. This resulted in a court case through the Employment Tribunal system.24x7 Ltd had deducted 30 minutes per day (2 and a half hours per week) of time from my daily journey time transporting Special Education Needs children in North Yorkshire for a year and a half, taking my pay rate below minimum wage for the hours I actually worked.The management style was dismissive and at times rude. When offered the opportunity to engage Head Office ignored my grievance. When Acas contacted them to attempt early conciliation, HR ignored them, hence why we ended up in court.Building up to the court case I sent 24x7 Ltd copies of all of my evidence as instructed by the Employment Tribunal staff. I sent this ‘signed for’ and have a photograph of the package being delivered to Head Office and a signature from a member of staff there.24x7’s solicitors claimed that I had never sent my evidence, when I challenged this with my proof of receipt, the company came back and said that it had been ‘lost’.This company has no respect for its employees. It treats their drivers and passenger assistants (who are on the front line dealing with some very challenging behaviour from some of their passengers) with disregard and will do anything to save money.I won my court case, and 24x7 Ltd were ordered by the Judge to give me the backpay I was entitled to.My experience of 24x7 Ltd was dire. The attitude of the staff in Head Office was shocking and they care little about their customers and employees, it is all about money. My advice is do not be taken in by their slick website and claims like I was, and think very carefully before you decide to work for this company.Transporting children and adults with special education needs is a complex and responsible role. It can be very difficult, with some drivers and passenger assistants experiencing physical abuse from their passengers who have very challenging behavioural problems. All those working in this role deserve respect and support.With the right support and training transporting SEN children can be very rewarding, however it is not for everyone and not the easy job 24x7 Ltd paint it to be.
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