Barry Island Pleasure Park in Wales has been caught in controversy after it was accused of offering a job that paid well below the minimum wage. The amusement park denied these allegations, stating that their official Facebook page was compromised, possibly due to hackers. The person who posted the job advertisement was also claimed to be unauthorized to do so.
The advertisement, which appeared on the fairground’s Facebook page, called for staff for the upcoming 2025 season. It specified that ride operators must be 18+, available to work weekends, bank holidays, and school holidays. A 22-year-old individual from Barry messaged the provided phone number to inquire about the pay and hours. The response stated that they would be paid £50 for a nine-hour shift, which is significantly below the minimum wage requirement.
Upon further investigation by WalesOnline, it was revealed that the person behind the job ad claimed that the payment was in cash at the end of each day, ranging from £50 to £60. However, when confronted, Harry Danter, responsible for recruitment at the pleasure park, stated that the amusement park was not hiring and that the unauthorized conversations about job vacancies were not sanctioned by management.
Harry Danter went on to explain that their hiring practices are in line with minimum wage standards and that the individual named in the ad was a former ride operator who had left the job in February. The owner of the park, Henry Danter, echoed these sentiments, adding that they often have voluntary workers who simply enjoy being part of the funfair atmosphere.
Mr. Danter clarified that they provide health and safety training to all staff, including voluntary workers, and emphasized their commitment to legal and ethical employment practices. The issue of the misrepresented job advertisement was later attributed to a potential hacking incident on their Facebook page, leading to the park reclaiming control and resolving the issue.
In light of these developments, questions have been raised about the transparency and communication regarding job opportunities at Barry Island Pleasure Park. The park’s management has reiterated their adherence to legal standards and expressed regret over any confusion that may have arisen from the job ad incident. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the pleasure park will address concerns raised about their employment practices.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying job offers and ensuring that employment arrangements comply with statutory regulations. With the amusement park being a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, maintaining trust and integrity in their operations is crucial for Barry Island Pleasure Park. Time will tell how the park navigates this challenging episode and restores faith in their hiring processes.