Superdrug Stores

On 17 February 2012 this Superdrug shop posted an advert for a retail assistant on the JobCentrePlus website – job code EAN/29944.

The post is advertised as “permanent”, and for about 25 hours a week.

It’s also completely unpaid. Superdrug is taking part in SBWA, or workfare, which gets companies free labour from the DWP at the cost of their busfares to and from work.

JSA is £53.45. That means whoever is assigned this job – and they will be working under threat of sanctions if they refuse it, or if they miss a day at work – will be paid £2.13 an hour. This is 50p below the legal minimum hourly wage for an apprentice, and there is no indication that this job is an apprenticeship. The legal minimum rate for workers aged 21 and over is £6.08 per hour, and the 18-20 rate is £4.98.

Superdrug aren’t even paying these illegally low wages themselves. The DWP are. The taxpayers. You and me. Their customers.

Sweet deal for this shop, isn’t it?

This decent sized branch of the chain is located on the busy Fishponds Road. They carry all the basic items found in the chain as well as cosmetics, perfume and gift items. I’ve been able to get basic items here, but tend to go to the large store in Broadmeads for some things.

This is a medium sized shop selling very similar items to Boots. I used to work near this shop so I used to pop in at lunch time if I needed any toiletries or make up, skin care etc.. I have picked up a few christmas presents from here before aswell and they also sell perfume behind the counter. I do find they are cheaper on some items than Boots but more expensive on others.