Paul Smith

Spicerhaart’s latest recruitment programme has provoked a mixed response from former employees.

The company is currently looking to take on 15 new trainee customer service agents at its Colchester headquarters, under the government’s new Kickstart scheme.

Spicerhaart has developed a learning programme to help recruits under the age of 25 learn a range of new skills.

Group chief executive Paul Smith said: “We see this is a fantastic opportunity to bring young people into the profession who are motivated, enthusiastic and hungry for success.

“The six-month government-supported programme will be a stepping stone to further career development and qualifications within the Spicerhaart group.”

But the recruitment announcement by the company, which was reported by the local press, prompted a backlash from some of those that previously worked for the firm.

Alex Alvarez Hayes said: “Was hired through an agency, worked there for one day where they had me literally delete emails. Fired the next day, on my way to work. Tbh I’m glad, it was an awful atmosphere. The job I have now saving lives cannot compare. This company is pure poison. There are better jobs out there where everyone would be a lot more appreciated for the work they do.”

Nicola Lake: “Gave a year of my life to this company, felt like a life sentence.”
Dan Silver said: “Most awful place I’ve ever worked in my life. Wouldn’t send my worst enemy there
Gave a year of my life to this company, felt like a life sentence.”
Mark Everard remarked: “Is this the same Colchester estate agency that fired a load of people over conference call hours after the furlough scheme was announced?”
Cameron Clarke said: “If I had to choose between working here and jumping infront of a train it’d be difficult to decide between Greater Anglia and South Western Rail.”
Daniel Charles commented: “Avoid this place. Plenty of other places out there.”
Jack Wheatley said: “Avoid like the plague.”
Jessè Snikwah stated: “Don’t do it! Horrific place to work!”
Adam ‘Billy’ Lee said: “Run, run as far away from here as you can!”
Harry Paul Mitchell remarked: Awful place to work, avoid as much as possible.”
William Bowring commented: “This possibly has to be the most toxic place I’ve ever worked. I’d avoid this place at all costs.”
Megan Hough said: “Horrible place to work.”
A spokesperson for Spicerhaart was keen to point out that these comments are, as far as she is concerned, not a fair representation of the company and many are allegedly from people who left years ago.

The spokesperson told EYE: “We are obviously disappointed to read a small number of negative comments on social media about working in our call centre as we have many people who tell us how much they love working here. However, we know it’s not for everyone as it involves excellent inter-personal skills and communicating with the public, many of whom are concerned about their house move during the pandemic. The challenges have been felt more acutely as many of our team members have been working from home and not experiencing the team spirit and support that comes with working collaboratively in the same environment.

“Let’s keep this in context. There are very few businesses of our size that don’t have some disgruntled staff members and we know that people are more likely to use social media to air negative views not positive ones. We know there are many people who do want to work in our call centre – having had over 1,000 applicants in just three days for the roles we are advertising as we are expanding our team, plus we have received hundreds of applications for our vacancies on the Kickstart scheme.”