The new Terms and Conditions may be illegal
I used to work for ALS and then for Capita. My experience with ALS was better because I could negotiate rates with them and they often paid a 2 or 3 hour minimum. I am not proud of this but I had no other way of making a living at the time. Since January, it has not been worthwhile taking most jobs because of the reduction in travel costs. The new terms and conditions are a real cause for concern and I agree with Helene that nobody should sign them without speaking to a solicitor.
I took advice from my local CAB (I can't afford a solicitor) and I will not be signing them. They could even be illegal. The CAB advisor thought the new terms and conditions were unfair and if I signed, I would risk too many financial penalties without being insured against them. I do not have an insurance policy of this nature. One thing that comes to mind is Capita's "fees" for investigating complaints. There have been thousands of complaints since the beginning and presumably under the new contract the interpreter would have paid for any investigations into these???
Payment for cancelling jobs is another minefield. If the Lithuanian interpreter mentioned in the death by dangerous driving case foolishly signed the contract he/she is liable for all the costs of any investigations and the adjournment.
My husband has his own business and proper business contracts include penalty clauses which are clearly defined. The Capita contract has many financial implications but does not say what these are. My husband advised me not sign and seek advice. I advise all Capita interpreters not to sign the contract without seeing a solicitor.
The Lithuanian interpreter who did not turn up in North Wales may now be liable for hundreds of pounds. If this was a Crown Court trial, Capita could charge him/her thousands of pounds. Capita is not making any money and this could be a way to make some money out of the underpaid interpreters. Please do not fall into that trap.
