Thorn Baker Group: Answering Your Most

At Thorn Baker Industrial, we believe there’s no such thing as a silly question. Our consultants can speak to hundreds of candidates daily – so chances are we’ve heard your question before, and we’re ready with the answers.

With decades of hands-on recruitment experience in print, packaging, manufacturing, and warehousing, we know the FAQs inside out – shaped by the role, the place, and the details that matter.

So, to save you time, we’ve pulled together answers to the questions we get asked the most.

Our top FAQs explained:

1. What’s the registration process?

It’s a simple process. After speaking to one of our consultants or applying online for a role, you’ll be sent a registration form to complete online. This includes the key details we need to move your application forward. Prefer to register in person? You can also pop into your local branch and fill it out there.

2. What’s the pay rate?

Pay rates can vary depending on sector, job type, client, contract length, and size of the business. However, we’ll always guarantee that you’ll be paid at least the National Living Wage or National Minimum Wage. We’ll advise of the pay rate before you start your assignment, and it will also be on your COA (Confirmation of Assignment).

3. When do I get paid and what day can I view my payslip?

Payday is every Friday, and our in-house payroll team works hard to ensure timesheets are processed accurately, so you get paid on time. Payslips are typically issued on Wednesdays and Thursdays, depending on processing volumes and the working week. If you don’t get yours by 4pm Thursday, or something looks off, contact your consultant.

4. How do I access my payslip?

Your payslip is always emailed to you. It's password protected using your National Insurance number. If you have any issues accessing your payslip, or your password is incorrect, get in touch with your consultant.

5. How do I calculate, book off and accrue holiday?

Holiday is accrued based on 12.07% of your basic pay. To book holiday you’ll need to submit a request to your consultant. Holiday will be paid at your basic rate when the time is taken, providing you have it accrued and available to take.

6. How do I withdraw and opt out paying into my pension ?

By law, you’ll be automatically enrolled into a pension scheme after 12 weeks. You’ll receive an email from now:u. pensions with your log in details and instructions on how to opt out. Please note: we can’t opt out for you, it is entirely your responsibility; you’ll have to log into now:u. pensions portal and follow the steps provided.

7. How do I refer someone for a job?

Referring someone for a job couldn’t be easier. All you need to do is head over to www.thornbaker.co.uk/refer-a-friend and fill out the details - every time you refer a friend, you’re automatically entered into our monthly £250 voucher draw!

8. Is there ongoing work all year round?

Most of the time yes, but some of the industries we support have seasonal peaks, which means availability can vary. We’ll always do our best to find you work, but we can’t always guarantee immediate placement. Let us know the type of work you’re after, and we’ll be in touch as soon as something comes up.

9. How I sort pay issues?

The quickest way to get help is to speak to your consultant – they’ll pass your message straight to our payroll team. Alternatively, you can email payroll@thornbaker.co.uk, just be sure to include all the relevant details and be ready to confirm your identity. We’ll do our best to sort things out as quick as possible!

10. How do I fix my tax code or tax issues?

To check your tax code or request a change, you’ll need to contact HMRC directly. You can call HMRC on 0300 200 3300 or +44 135 535 9022 if you’re outside the UK. HMRC will then notify our payroll team.

11.Why do I pay tax?

You pay tax to contribute towards public services like the NHS, schools, roads, and emergency services. If you earn over the personal allowance set by the government, tax is automatically deducted from your wages through PAYE (Pay As You Earn). You can find more information about how tax works and what you’re entitled to on the official government website: www.gov.uk/income-tax.

12. How quickly can you find me a job?

We’ll always try to find you work as quickly as we can, especially if we’ve got roles that match your skills. But it depends on what’s available, where you’re based, and your experience. Job offers also depend on receiving satisfactory references and completing all necessary compliance checks. We’ll always do our best to find you work, but we can’t promise everyone a job.

13. Is transport provided?

We don’t provide transport as standard, so it’s important to consider how you’ll get to and from work. Many of our roles are easy to get to by public transport, within walking distance, or suitable for those who drive. Some candidates’ car share with others working nearby - ask your consultant if you want help with options.

14. How do I make a complaint?

If you have a complaint or concern, the first step is to contact your consultant. They’ll listen to your concerns and, if needed, escalate the issue to the right person or department to make sure it’s properly reviewed. We take all complaints seriously and aim to resolve them fairly and promptly.

15. What sort of jobs are available?

The types of jobs we offer can vary depending on demand, the time of year, and your location. We recruit for a mix of full-time and part-time roles, as well as temporary, fixed-term, and permanent positions. Some roles may include night shifts or offer overtime.

Still got a question we haven’t covered? Reach out to our Industrial team – they’ll be happy to help: www.thornbaker.co.uk/disciplines/industrial!

And remember, no question is too small. We’re here to help make your job search as smooth and stress-free as possible.