Dad’s anger after Test and Trace job offer withdrawn

A DAD has been left jobless and back on Universal Credit after landing a Test and Trace role – only to have the offer withdrawn.

Pawel Nolan, 31, said it was ‘disgraceful’ the way US-based contact centre firm Sitel had handled his recruitment.

The father-of-one, from Moseley, said he passed a screening test and DBS check for the ‘Work at Home’ customer services adviser position and was set to start a three-month contract on May 23.

He claimed he received another three emails ‘thanking me for my patience’ and promising information on training which ‘never came to fruition’.

And then on Wednesday, June 3, another email landed in his inbox, which stated the offer had to be withdrawn because the ‘capacity has now been reached’ for the position.

Pawel lost his regular job as a touring merchandise manager when the lockdown brought the live music industry grinding to a halt. He said: “I am now in a worse position than when I first started looking for a job back in March.

“I was let go by another company that works in the live music and events industry who understandably couldn’t afford to contract me as a self-employed worker due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I think it is disgraceful that Sitel has treated anyone in this manner.” Pawel stated several weeks had elapsed between the time he was first offered the job and the date it was formally withdrawn.

He added: “Whilst I was waiting to start I was offered another two jobs elsewhere, but I ended up turning them down because working at home would have suited me more. “I am not saying I spent the money before I had it, but I certainly budgeted differently.

“I have had to go back on Universal Credit and I feel totally let down.”

We contacted Sitel for a response but the firm, which is headquartered in Miami, stated: “Applicant and employee information is confidential. Sitel can’t comment.”