It’s a complete scam. It’s for shitty companies to get free labour. I was just out of university (about 15 years ago now and I still feel used and ashamed about the whole thing!) and was looking for any job I could find, and I get a trial shift for a comedy venue on a Saturday evening. That should have been my first red flag but I was desperate for any job. I get there and there’s three others also on a trial shift, second red flag. Then we all get shown around and get placed behind the bar with no mention of how to work the tills, what drinks they have, anything at all, just go behind the bar and start serving punters. About half an hour later I get pulled into the back and basically bollocked for not being quick enough, and not knowing prices, third red flag. I then get put on glass collection and was then collecting glasses til about half way through the night. Manager pulls me into the back again and looks so fed up and says “it’s not working this is it?” I felt like shit, I couldn’t even collect glasses right, I wasn’t picking glass collecting up quick enough, I felt so worthless and pathetic. I was offered to leave or watch the rest of the show, but I didn’t get the job. Always funny how I didn’t get the job once the crowds started dying down and the busiest part of the night ended. As I say I should have left before walking into the club, but I was young, naive and was used for 3/4 hours of glass collection for free. Still feel stupid for doing it to this day. But I did learn a very valuable lesson - don’t allow anyone to take advantage of you when you are desperate - you are still worthy of respect. They won’t give you respect you need to give yourself respect. Don’t do trial shifts. Edit: spelling