Pros
Staff relationships. Great if you’re desperate for a job or a student.
Cons
Absolutely shambolic work practices. Bullying environment and an absolute show of incompetence from Store Manager and upper management. If you have a grievance with said manager, they’ll make your work life absolutely miserable. Shortening hours due to apparent labour cuts but following a complaint is very coincidental. Apparently making friends within work makes the manager upset so they will try and push you out. Backstabbing employees and an environment similar to being in secondary school. Failing equipment but not willing to invest in software that is streamlined enough to sustain a simple transaction. Fridges older than myself which keep breaking down. Ignores UK laws regarding health and safety. Upper management will always side with Store Management so there is no use in reporting them to HR. Immaturity and inappropriate behaviour from all sides. Rotas are made last minute and you’re expected to drop everything to serve your workplace. They offer “work life balance” but that is something that makes themselves look “good”. SSP apparently offer bonuses (refer a friend or meet sales targets) but they do not actually fulfil these. Constant excuses as to why we are not protected as staff. Management would rather invest in an end of year celebration. Given a measly £20 that can only be spent in store. Hardly a “gift”. Absolutely disgusting that SSP bank charity pot donations. I do not recommend anyone putting any money into the macmillan pots. The pay rate of a standard employee and a duty manager is nothing short of poor. £11.42 for team member and £12.22 for duty managers. The workload they give for duty managers is stressful. Store managers pile on the work and expect us to pick up for them. The unit is heavily short staffed due to a high turnover rate. The unit is unfit for anyone to work in. It is an open space and can get bitter during winter. No security and is unsafe. Working there made my mental health the worst it has ever been and I regret giving years to such a disgrace of a company. I personally see no longevity in this company or unit.
