Be careful - Part Time Book Seller Waterstone's Employee Review

2.0
25 Oct 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Nice staff, and fun to chat w customers. Half off books, and free proof copies

Cons

No living wage. Come on it’s the most popular book seller in the UK. Pay a living wage. Not keen to give people full time contracts. Often only a couple contracted days and then a little opportunity to pick up more shifts at peak. Managers are not looking out for your best interest. They will short change you on pay or pressure you to stay longer than you are scheduled. Pressure even to not take your breaks because they are under staffed and should have hired more people but they won’t because they don’t want to actually pay for the work they need done. Was once told - if you miss your break that’s it you don’t get to make it up… AFTER being pressured not to take a break because the floor was so busy. Very weird around reasonable accommodation for disability… I never even asked for anything but was constantly micro managed being asked if “I should be doing” this or that given my disability. It’s MY disability I know what I can and can’t do thanks. Honestly feel like this had more weight than any impressive amount of work I was doing.

avatar
Waterstone's Response
2y
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience of working for Waterstones. We are however understandably concerned by your feedback, as this certainly does not represent the standards we seek to maintain and exceed as an employer. With this in mind, we would appreciate the opportunity to confidentially address the points you have raised. Please email supportcentre.hr@waterstones.com, where any information or opinion you choose to share will be treated in the strictest confidence. With best wishes HR Team

Explore other reviews about Waterstone's

5.0
18 Feb 2024
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Nice coworkers and enjoyed the environment.

Cons

Could improve in some ways with management, but it wasn't a huge issue for me.

avatar
Waterstone's Response
2y
We're glad you enjoyed your working experience with us. Feedback from former employees is enormously important and we are pleased to learn that your time with us proved to be so positive. Thank you HR Team
3.0
4 Aug 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

you start slow but then can grow

Cons

work level can sometimes get intense

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All