Specsavers

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Specsavers is an opticians. They also sell hearing aids.

specsavers.co.uk

Do Specsavers pay sick pay?

No. Most people don’t get proper sick pay at Specsavers.

Last updated 27 March 2024

How we know this

Based on data from 163 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2023 and March 2024.

91% of people say they wouldn’t get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.

Why this matters

Everyone gets sick sometimes. You should be able to take time off without worrying.

At a good job you should still get paid if you’re scheduled to work but can’t due to sickness. Your contract should say how many sick days you can take each year.

This is more than the legal minimum, which says you should only get paid if you are unwell for 4 full days. See Citizens Advice for more details.

Jobs at Specsavers

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What people are saying about sick pay at Specsavers

  • Best thing

    Helping people correct their vision

    Worst thing

    No sick pay (even for covid)
    No bereavement pay
    No progression or help
    No pay rise for extra responsibilities or help to progress in career
    Management rarely in so be expected to lock up store when you're not paid extra for doing so
    Stores are franchised so difficult to report when having issues with management

    2.6

    Specsavers Optical assistant, August 2023

  • Best thing

    My other colleagues I work with.

    Worst thing

    Where do I start?

    1. The pay is terrible. Other companies are paying far more for the exact same job role.

    2. It is a toxic place to work. I have witnessed many unprofessional activities which are often swept under the rug. There is no voice for staff to raise concerns higher up and as such many put their head down and keep quiet in fear that they might face consequences for speaking out.

    3. Poor management. As their stores are franchised, they leave the responsibilities to the directors (franchise owners) of the store. These directors only have to have 6 months of 'pathway' training which is usually learned alongside their existing job, many of which have never had any management experience prior and then suddenly they are given a store to own. Many go into directorship expecting to make lots of money and sadly many have no aspirations at all for leading a team. This lack of leadership means that the workplace is often unorganized and chaotic. When the regional managers do bother to come in, they are not checking that the stores are functioning well, they are simply concerned with the figures and sales.

    3. High staff turnover. Staff often feel stressed and undervalued. Many stores find it difficult to retain or recruit people with experience. I have seen too often talented members leave because they know they can get better working at other companies.

    4. No sick pay.

    5. No transparency in pay. We have been told by managers at our store that we must not discuss are pay with others. Obviously in private many of us have. It showcased that many of us were not on equal pay and a few were selected for better pay not on merit, but on favoritism.

    6. Quantity not quality. This is a company that makes its money by over ramming its clinics and keep wages low.

    1.1

    Specsavers Optical assistant, August 2023

  • Best thing

    The team members are nice.

    Worst thing

    The pay is low for what is skilled work. Minimum wage for specialist knowledge relating to the manufacture and dispensing of glasses and contact lenses. No health insurance, no sick pay, franchised company structure means that there are fewer safeguards or rigorously enforced expectations placed on the store owners to ensure safety and well-being.

    3.0

    Specsavers Optical assistant, July 2023

  • Best thing

    Franchise based ownership so under the management of in-store directors rather than a out of touch head office. Good morals.

    Worst thing

    No paid sick time

    9.2

    Specsavers Optical assistant, July 2023

  • Best thing

    Discounts, set shifts and good team

    Worst thing

    Unstaffed, no sick pay, can never swap a shift, holidays are easy to ask for but hard to get sometimes, stressful environment due to how busy the shop can be

    5.0

    Specsavers Optical assistant, July 2022

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