Pros
The people you work with are probably the best part of this job. Mainly young and initially enthusiastic new starters. Subsidised canteen. Good Entry level opportunity into the insurance industry. Exam fees are reimbursed when passed and you don't have to repay after 6 months with the company. You must stay 12 months though after the higher level exams e.g MDI's Beside the train line. 35 hour working week. Free coffee machine.
Cons
The pay is poor, way under industry standard for the majority of roles and they don't compensate the difference with any commission structure which appears standard elsewhere especially with lower based salaries. They don't offer sufficient onsite facilities for staff to relax or prepare their own meals e.g microwave. Staff often can't afford to buy canteen food on the pay so they would like to be able to save money were they can. No consistent or transparent pay structure. Pay increases with exams but they vary it at a whim. They will also lowball you at every pay review regardless of performance and as a result have created a negative vibe amongst hardworking staff. Some poorly thought company decisions have designed a culture whether unintentionally or not so it discourages people from staying. Turnover is high as every staff member feels under appreciated and the high turnover in turn has a knock on affect on moral. On my first day of training multiple staff were talking about leaving and recommending just to pass exams and leave as soon as possible. Not what you want to hear when starting a new job with the hopes of developing a career with a company. Quarterly bonuses are offered for your performance after 6 months probation but for some reason take 5weeks after each quarter to be given out. If you hand in your notice at any point you will instantly be removed from the bonus scheme which is another farewell dig at hardworking staff for their previous terms hard work and honouring the companies unusually long 4 week notice period. They seem surprised then when people don't give them adequate notice. Staff can just wait til it's paid and not bother giving notice or turning up the day after. Everyone brings their own coffee because what's offered is awful.