engineer

meter reader

quantity surveyor

administrator

associate

Morrison Utility Services

It was a good place to work while it lasted but the past few months it's went downhill so fast there won't be a team left by the end of the year. 

While the world (and senior management) worked from home during a global pandemic, you're made to come into the office because the same people who wouldn't set foot in it for months would deem it safe. Even though you're working from home just fine for a few months, you're now suddenly unable to work from home and just had to be in the office...for some reason. To the surprise of no one, half the office workers at the time caught covid and it had to shut down. Only after was weekly testing and better safety precautions put in place because peoples lives were too expensive to adequately protect so they waited until they absolutely had to.

Poor senior management with zero leadership when the company needed it most. No care or concern for the wellbeing of their employees. There's clearly an issue when half the staff from the field and every department in the office are leaving but management would rather bury their heads in the sand and pretend like it's not happening and act like there's nothing wrong with the company or there's nothing they can do to stop it. They used to at least pretend liked they cared by trying to engage with employees and send out surveys every now and again to then do nothing based on the feedback but they don't even bother doing that anymore. Probably because they know what the response would be.

It seems that at every turn your job is made to be more miserable and they try and take whatever little you have left. Working from just fine for over a year? Nah you're in the office now because your job requires "in person collaboration" (or so they can keep an eye on you). Like dressing down in jeans and a top for the past year? Yeah only on Fridays again and business dress Monday - Thursday. Like doing the work of 4 people every day on national living wage with no thanks or appreciation because half the team is off sick with stress and mental health issues? Better get used to it and don't bother asking for a pay rise or gratitude. But don't worry, because "MDS cares about their employees". Yeah right. Prove it. The company is an absolute dinosaur and while very other company has used the pandemic to adapt and move forward, MDS have decided to take a leap back.

They need to seriously wake up and listen to their staff. How hard is it to just ask what can be done better and then act on it? Promote from within the few people that are still there who want to progress because what's the point of hiring outside talent to get new knowledge and a fresh perspective when they won't even listen to them? People hired internally is only done when their face fits and when they'll be a yes man/woman. No one with a voice and who can think for themselves gets a chance as they might actually stand a chance at bringing about real and constructive change. There's a massive disconnect between senior management and their employees and it's only widened during the pandemic. One rule for them, one rule for us. Just one example is a senior manager saying that employees aren't allowed to work from home when self isolating from returning from an Amber list country and have to use annual leave or go off sick when they themselves have just finished working from home while self isolating from an Amber list country. 

Multiple people are or have been off recently due to stress of the job and related mental illness but it never gets looked into. People who have never had anything wrong with them mentally are being diagnosed now with anxiety and depression and prescribed medication. People who had mental illness under control are starting to lose control due to the company. I've watched more colleagues than I'd like to admit break down at their desk and cry or have had to go home/to the toilets to have a panic attack or crisis. Multiple people leaving state it's one of the reasons they leave. It's just ignored like everything else. 

The only positives to take away is that the people you work with are great (even though many have left/are leaving), the job itself is quite good, and you do have job security and especially now that they need all they people they can get. However this is simply not good enough at a time when job vacancies have been unfilled for months, wages are well below market for every position, zero actual benefits, new people leave after days or weeks as they realise what a horrid place it is to work, and there's now more jobs on the market than there's ever been this century. 

My advice to any prospective applicant is to stay far away. Gone are the days when it used to be a decent place to work with good people and a good atmosphere. It's now not even worth it as a stop gap to gain experience then go elsewhere for a 30% pay rise, better benefits, and actual appreciation. My advice to any current employees is to spruce up that CV and get out before it gets even worse.

I left Morrison Data Services about year and a half ago now, and some recent experiences with the company has prompted me to think back to my time working for this absolute farcical company, and as the role of the equally farcical ‘meter reader’.

So the job itself; most of the time you are chasing an almost impossible access rate. To try and hit this rate/target, you will be required to work above your contractually obliged hours, and LATE AT NIGHT. And I am talking knocking on peoples doors past 6/7/8 at night. And they call this working SMART, or SMART TIME (get used to that). They are not happy unless you are working SMARTLY, and that means, working as late as possible. And they’re not happy unless you are doing exactly that, which is all the time as you are hardly ever hitting your targets. Who wants to do that? And is there any wonder why you get abused or interrogated by some homeowners asking why you’re knocking on their door so late, or why you’re there at all? Additionally, the job is becoming more and more redundant due to the advancement of smart meters which obviously don’t need to be read anymore. Oh, and this rather small fact doesn’t even get factored in with your access rates and targets that you still need to hit. Jobs/meters are drying up because of smart meters (not your fault), but yet you are STILL required to hit your targets even though there are less and less meters to read. Laughable!
Also in this job, you can easily cover a 100 odd miles some days if you work even in a semi-rural location (oh and of course, the access rate stays the same even though it is IMPOSSIBLE to hit it in these areas). It can be like a 15-20 minute drive between properties that you need to visit, so it looks to management like you aren’t working when you are in fact just simply driving from one to the other. Furthermore, on the rare occasion that you do hit your access rate, there is ZERO reward. A “well done” text message if you’re lucky, but nothing in the way of financial gain. The bonus scheme is as much of a joke as the management team you’re working under are. 
And that neatly brings me on to the next point...the MANAGEMENT. They do not care about you. You are there to hit their targets. Your work, is their gain. If you’re failing to hit targets (which ISN’T your fault) they’ll let you know. You’ll be called into a public place to meet them where they’ll advise you on where you’re going wrong (common sense never applies to the failings they uncover), and ask why you’re not working late enough (“SMART TIME”...always, it’s ALWAYS about the SMART TIME). It’s like a warning, and then you’ll leave worried and end up working later and longer than you want/contractually obliged to. 
Then you get the difficult customers. Abuse is common. I never experienced anything more thankfully, but have heard plenty of stories about assaults, and even a quick YouTube search of the company will show you of what you might be faced. For the bare-minimum wage you receive, it is just not worth it. 
Further to that, you are using ancient and outdated equipment, of which you will spend a considerable amount of your own time at home trying to simply get it to work so you can send off the work you’ve done for the day, or download new work. The list is honestly endless, and I could go on all day. Avoid at all costs!


Working as a duel fuel engineer at Morrison Data Services has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and I am delighted to share my positive feedback on the remarkable communication culture within the company.

From day one, Morrison Data Services has fostered a supportive and collaborative environment that empowers employees to excel in their roles. As a duel fuel engineer, I have had the privilege of working alongside a talented team of professionals who are not only passionate about their work but also dedicated to achieving excellence in everything they do. The company's commitment to open communication channels has been instrumental in fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose among all staff members.

One of the most impressive aspects of Morrison Data Services is the seamless communication flow from the directors to the staff members. The leadership team consistently emphasizes the importance of transparency and encourages open dialogue at all levels of the organization. Whether it's through regular team meetings, one-on-one sessions with supervisors, or company-wide updates, every effort is made to ensure that everyone feels heard, valued, and informed.

As a duel fuel engineer, I have personally experienced the benefits of this strong communication culture. Not only does it facilitate smoother project execution and problem-solving, but it also fosters a sense of trust and mutual respect among colleagues. Whether I need guidance on a complex technical issue or want to share ideas for process improvement, I always feel comfortable reaching out to my teammates and supervisors, knowing that my input will be welcomed and considered.

Furthermore, Morrison Data Services recognizes the importance of continuous learning and development, and the company regularly provides opportunities for training and upskilling. Whether it's through internal workshops, external certifications, or on-the-job mentoring, employees are encouraged to expand their knowledge and expertise, which ultimately benefits both the individual and the company as a whole.

In conclusion, my experience working as a duel fuel engineer at Morrison Data Services has been nothing short of exceptional. The company's strong communication culture, coupled with its commitment to employee development, sets it apart as an employer of choice in the industry. I am proud to be part of such a dynamic and forward-thinking organization, and I look forward to contributing to its continued success in the future.

I was a former Meter Reader employee around the Wirral and Birkenhead area and left the company in 2019 due to resignation.

I worked a 25-hour week for 5 hours a day as I was tuped over in 2012 from another well-known company whilst still working to their same contract.  In the 5 hours I worked, I was expected to obtain 80 reads a day as the job is based around targets.

I MUST stress that these targets are NOT based around how many houses/properties you get around an hour but ARE based on reads you obtain from actual meters!!

With the introduction of smart meters and many customers now these days submitting their reads by other means such as online and through phone apps etc which is killing the job off anyway, to get 80 reads a day is getting more and more impossible!

Basically, to get 80 a day, it would mean you would need to get entry into a property every 4 minutes! COMPLETELY unrealistic!

When you do not hit target, you are regularly pulled into meetings and are questioned why you are not getting the figures they want, and they are always on your back for underperforming etc.

Ideally, they want you to work longer hours than what you are contracted for but not pay you for it as it is the only way you have a hope in achieving the targets!

The equipment is old and outdated and many of the records on the handheld have wrong information such as incorrect customer names/suppliers etc as nothing is ever updated! You do your bit to try and correct things, but nothing ever gets altered so you are left wondering why even bother!!!

I have also suffered a stroke in the back of my eye in 2017 possibly brought on by stress. (This happened only 3 months after I was put through a company medical to find out if there were any barriers as to why I was not hitting the targets!) I also suffer from mild learning difficulties and it was recommended by the medical professional that my work should be adjusted accordingly to accommodate this. Since the medical, NO adjustments or allowances had been made at all and I had no support whatsoever!

To anyone thinking of working here as a Meter Reader, I would strongly advise to look elsewhere unless you are REALLY desperate! NO job is worth risking your health over!!

I can honestly say that although I have met many nice customers along the way during my time here, after 14 long years of service doing this job, I am glad to be out and to have finally left! I have no regrets of giving up the job whatsoever!

I worked for M Group Services for around 7 weeks and unfortunately it became one of the most stressful and disappointing working environments I’ve experienced.

Issues I personally experienced included:

• Micromanagement to an extreme level
• Feeling monitored constantly, including around toilet breaks and time away from desk
• Contradictory instructions from management depending on who you asked
• Poor communication across teams
• Being moved around seating/hot desking with little notice or consistency
• Training that felt rushed and disorganised
• Being expected to handle complex customer situations before feeling properly prepared
• A culture where staff often felt anxious about making mistakes rather than supported to learn
• Lack of clarity regarding hybrid/WFH expectations, with different information being given to staff versus management
• System access and logins taking days to be sorted, while expectations remained high
• Constant changes in process and expectations
• Low morale amongst staff, with many openly expressing stress and burnout
• Feeling like concerns were dismissed.
• Stress levels that began impacting my mental wellbeing very quickly

One of the biggest issues for me personally was how concerns about management were handled.

At one point I became so overwhelmed that I left mid shift and sent a lengthy email outlining multiple concerns I had regarding my line manager, the management style and the impact it was having on my wellbeing.

Despite raising those concerns formally, I was then expected to simply return to work as normal and continue working directly under the same manager without any meaningful resolution, mediation or support. That experience left me feeling extremely uncomfortable and unheard, and it ultimately confirmed for me that the environment was not the right fit.

The workload itself wasn’t impossible, but the environment made it extremely difficult to feel settled or confident.

If you’re applying for the temp jobs be aware they’ll tell you it’s 6-12 months with 4 weeks notice, but if they don’t have the calls coming in they’ll dismiss you on the same day. 

By the end of my time there I was experiencing significant anxiety, dread before shifts and a complete loss of confidence in myself, which is not how a workplace should make employees feel after such a short period of time.

Based on my personal experience I could not recommend this role or environment to others looking for a supportive workplace. I left this job mid shift again and I do not regret it. 

I worked for M Group on a fixed-term contract and honestly wouldn’t recommend it based on my experience.

The job itself is easy enough, but the management and overall working environment let it down. Different people seemed to be treated very differently. Some could get away with doing the bare minimum, while others were constantly monitored and micromanaged. It just felt really inconsistent.

The training was one of the biggest issues. New starters were often training other new starters, which meant there was a lot of mixed information and not much proper support. For a company this size, I expected a lot better.

One of the main reasons I applied was the pay and the work-from-home option. The money looked great and being able to work from home was a huge selling point. In reality, it took months to get set up and I had to keep chasing it. It felt like staff concerns were pushed to the bottom of the list because managers and team leaders were already stretched too thin.

I knew the role was temporary, but I expected to at least finish the contract. Instead, I came into work as normal, took calls for part of the morning, and was then told I was being let go due to “budget cuts”. There was no notice at all and the whole thing felt very cold.

I’d already started looking for other jobs because I wasn’t enjoying the role, and I’m fortunate that I have multiple interviews lined up and some savings to fall back on. In my case, I’ll be fine. However, if this had happened to someone with a mortgage, rent, children or other major financial commitments, the impact could have been far more serious. That’s what I found most disappointing about the way it was handled.

The pay, location and work from home promise might make the role look appealing, and that was exactly what attracted me in the first place. But between the poor training, lack of support, micromanagement and being let go with no notice, I personally wouldn’t recommend it, even as a short term contract.

Ok, the job itself is actually ok! If you like walking (lot's of time spent on your feet) and meeting new & sometimes interesting people you will like doing the actual job of visiting people's homes to read their utility meters.
The management were decent people but the problem seems to be the lack of trust....this is where the problem is:
Because some employees may of previously took liberties by instead of being out doing the job they'd really be at home pressing the call-back option on the handheld, this has led Morrison to calculate your hours via the handheld, so if you don't get a 'read' for 20 minutes (believe me that can very easily happen and does and did to me) you are clocked as having been on a break, 2 of them a day (really you'll get more than 2 breaks clocked) and you'll soon be behind on your hour's. They say to go out 'smart hours' (between 4-8pm) and you'll catch more people in....this depends on the area you're doing, it really is down to chance.
Text your manager Thursday night for your hours (when in reality you KNOW what hours you've done) so in your head you've done for eg: 30hrs, you'll get a text back saying- worked hours 23, unworked hours 7...so that means you're going to have to be on the Saturday to make those hours up! You'd of been out doing the job knocking over 45hrs at best to get a full weeks pay....
At the interview they explain EVERYTHING apart from how they calculate your hours...they drop that on you after a couple of weeks via the field manager visiting you whilst you're out doing the job....I wonder why!
This is the only reason I left, I basically refuse to work for free because of what others before me have done, if Morrison change this they'll keep their worker's and wouldn't have such a high turnover of staff.

So good job but poor way of treating staff in way of hours. Shame really!

I left my career as a qualified gas engineer after being contacted by a recruiter with the job opportunity I went in it to thinking I would have a new career in the industry I completed all my training and this is when everything went down hill 

I started to meet some of the management team and supervisors whilst I was being mentored. The first thing I was told by a mentor is if they don’t like you you won’t be here long they’ve seen it happen many times before and that is one of the reason why they only bring people on as subcontractors (you get a permanent role from supervisor and up)  with this knowledge I carried on with my mentoring after a couple of months the onboarding team started having trouble finding mentors for the new recruits which resulted in large stays at home 3 and half weeks 

What was more disturbing was the fact that we had to do a final sign off and if you didn’t pass you would have to continue with a mentor 

I found out the hard way that if you didn’t pass by the third time that you would be fired and then the agency in which you worked for would then demand money from you 

I was shocked that I was left in this position but it didn’t come as a sup rise as I had been told by a mentor you have a target on your head they don’t like you and the supervisor wants you gone 

I wouldn’t of left my Gas career if I knew I would of been treated like this but advise any body that is thinking or newly joined to reconsider as you aren’t treated correct at all 

I started out on poor salary having to work stupid hours to get by. The miles you would cover and places you would go wasn’t how they first described the job. The targets are unrealistic and office staff are useless. Also the franchise model doesn’t work only for accept few. There was 7 franchisees i was one of them moved to self employed after 3 months of being on salary. With expenses stacking up one for example over priced van they give you at the cost of £325 a month. Before you’ve made anything your looking at £650 a month in overheads. I was promised around £3k a month earning but with type work i had some months best you could achieve was £2000. Think about it  your working all year round no holiday pay, no sick pay, no pension contributions, no job security, no redundancy if event they lose the contract. I asked if i could use my own vehicle to save money. I was told only if i have my vehicle adapted. I later found out one of there favourites was driving round in his car which was adapted. They tried to say he was due to have his done because the vehicle had to be compliant with the Regulator conditions. 6 months later he was still using his vehicle that had no beacon and chevrons. It’s one rule for one another for rule for another. They make it up as they go along. This company also give you cheapest tools for the job or non at all. You using bars instead of keys to life certain chambers. OFWAT with have a field day if they knew how this lot was operating.  Avoid this company like the plague!!

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Engineer 17 salaries reported	£38,101 per year
Meter reader 9 salaries reported	£24,335 per year
Quantity surveyor 51 salaries reported	£43,102 per year
Administrator 10 salaries reported	£28,933 per year
Associate 29 salaries reported	£32,456 per year

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