Pros
The almost common interaction with customers. Easy to succeed at job interview; B&M always on the lookout for new staff (for very good reasons: see below).
Cons
Without proper training, you are expected to know what to do plus understand the workplace jargon (rumble, face-up, backstock, overs, brown-box etc). This includes use of warehouse tools and equipment and H&S rules for warehouse are not given! You are not encouraged or complimented for your hard work. It is likely you will be given no progression. All statements on B&M's "working for us" web page are not true and progression is only ever offered when managers leave due to the conditions. Managers moan about and insult staff, particularly new ones, in warehouse together behind said coworker's back. Managers take as many cigarette breaks as they like and sit around drinking coffee or typing away on their phones whilst all staff are busy. Certainly no understanding of "lead by example" and cannot commit to hard working themselves. Easy to blame staff for mistakes. Very bad management. Store managers use abusive, intimidating language to subdue, devalue and demoralise each employee. Almost always done to everyone at the same time in the warehouse. Very stressful environment surrounded by drama. Constant feud between day and night staff; both alienated by disinterested management team. Every man for himself attitude. Poor training: 2 of the 4 hours of introductory day spent signing documents and hijacking the word "training" by instead being given a questionnaire and a manual to read for the answers - including H&S regulations! Health and safety regulations commonly ignored. Store managers act aggressive and implies job loss if you vocalise your in-work concerns. Management make it clear CCTV is "carefully monitored to keep watch on staff" or reviewed the day after. Your hard work will never be appreciated. You will be reminded that you are easily replaceable by "just a phone call to the Jobcentre". Warehouse is untidy, unsafe, poses H&S risks in all directions, and you are expected to use equipment with no prior training or without wearing the proper equipment. You will likely be given a 12-hour contract but to abide the contract you cannot accept a second job to ensure you retain availability. Most weeks you will be working 28+. However, remember, you will never know which week when your hours will go down to your minimum. Rotas changed often, almost always without notice. Nor will the amended rota be put up on the staff noticeboards. Mostly, hours are taken away from you. If you agree to a low-hour contract and the availability clause, you will lose your job by taking a second. I have witnessed this myself by two other General Assistants. Supervisors and managers are paid only a few pence more than GAs. All of this, plus stress, plus poor working conditions, plus constant mental wellbeing concerns, for only £7.20 per hour (NMW)