Excellent training but conditions for staff can be improved - Customer Service Representative first direct Employee Review

2.0
May 21, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The training period of 6 weeks in academy was excellent and thoroughly prepares you for taking core calls. Benefits like Bupa and pension contributions are a plus. The job itself can be repetitive but resolving customer issues is very rewarding.

Cons

Can get some really nasty customers and expected to just take it on the chin - not enough protection for frontline staff in this respect. Constantly micromanaged to the point it is detrimental to job performance and your mental health. Extremely unsociable shift patterns. Only 20 minutes break on a 9 hour shift, which you have to use any time you go to the toilet. If you go over break by a matter of seconds you are pulled up on it but can work over 15 minutes after the end of your shift and receive no overtime pay.

Explore other reviews about first direct

4.0
Jul 22, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

good benefits and culture, pay ok, you get support

Cons

constantly micro managed constant restructures have forced everyone onto hybrid

1
2.0
May 7, 2021
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The money is okay & aGood package, Starbucks on site.

Cons

Micromanagement around stats, call quality, absence, behaviours. Ridiculous amount of pressure to squeeze as much out of there from end staff as possible. Unclear, untruthful communication. Lack of engagement or adaptation to working from home as a business. Poor business model.. We're a telephone bank but push all customers online? Poor systems 🤔a digital bank proposition with a poor digital platform but a high expectation still exists to engage and push customers to self serve. Terrible and detrimental handling of staff with long term existing mental health issues - with total disregard for the equality act and protected Characteristics. Not following FCA guidelines in line with FIV customers causing risk and harm.

4
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