Working Conditions For T Staff Criticised

Working conditions for bar staff at this year's T in the Park have been criticised by trade union officials.

The Scottish Trade Union Congress claim that under-21s employed by Barcode Recruitment are being employed at £5.30 per hour, having been led to expect at least the 'adult' minimum wage. The company is also allegedly demanding money for transporting workers to the festival site at Auchterarder and back, advising that they will be left in George Square at midnight on Sunday to make their own way home. STUC also say tips earned by employees are being  "commandeered" by the company and donated to a charity of its own choice.
 
Grahame Smith, General Secretary of STUC said:
 
"It is clear from some of the discussions we have had that young workers contracted to this job feel that they have been misled. They want to know why one of their hours of work is worth less than that of older colleagues and why other companies and other contracts are able to offer better rates of pay.
 
"Making contributions to charity is an admirable thing. But it would be much more admirable if the donations came from barcode's profits, not the tips of underpaid young people. DF Concerts made pre-tax earnings of £4.53 million in 2013/14 mainly on the back of the enthusiasm and spending of young people. They should be ensuring that those they contract to deliver catering and hospitality services pay their workers the real living wage for Scotland of £7.85."

Barcode Recruitment has been approached for comment.