Matt shocked by £15 charge

Matt Bidski and his wage slip showing the £15 deduction

A GRADUATE has warned construction workers to be aware of hidden fees when gaining employment.

Matt Bidski (24), a former Groundwork employee, spent two weeks working on site for a construction company in Grotton.

But he was shocked to discover a £15 charge being deduction from his pay every week.

Mr Bidski said that Spectrum Contracting Agency, a specialist in construction, had not informed him about the charge and that Pavillion Management Services, which handled the payroll, said the money was for administration and insurance costs. Mr Bidski, from Long Lane, Dobcross, said: “I found the job two weeks ago through a JobCentre advert.

“But no one said anything about these charges which add up to £60 in a month..”

Mr Bidski, who has a geography degree, needed a temporary job before heading to Mauritius in November to carry out environmental work.

He said: “The fees should be passed to the agent rather than the employee.

“I used to help people move out of low skilled employment into better jobs, now I know what people have to face. I want to make sure people are aware of what goes on.”

A manager at Pavillion, who refused to give his name, said Mr Bidski was advised that taking the insurance was his choice.

He said: “The charge is for insurance purposes to allow the worker to legally be on site. It covers that person for up to £2 million.”

Neil Farrow, from Spectrum Contracting Agency, said: “Mr Bidski signed a contract and was aware of a £15 administration charge. Most agencies do this and larger agencies even take the costs themselves, but it is not an ideal situation.”