Topic: Crazy reply from Fly U Teach Limited...

[dublinman]

I have started my search for teaching jobs abroad but of course in the early stages I have to come up against this company!

I've been seeing alot of adverts by this company, Fly U Teach, in Irish college vacancy websites and I thought I'd apply to get a post in Malaysia. Well, after much activity I was accepted for an interview but it was to be in Co. Durham (I live in Ireland). I wrote an email asking if it was possible to have a phone interview or something other than me flying to Britain in order to just sit in an interview. The reply was incredible!! David Spencer, the director, wrote that it was only two hours from Dublin by car! Then he began to insult my application and cv (which I've since had checked and have been told it is more than apt for these positions). His whole message was immature, angry and insulting.

I'm just wondering if anyone else has heard of this company. And is this behaviour something I'm going to have to expect when applying to teaching jobs!?! It is a real company, and they are meeting in a hotel in Co. Durham this August but I wonder is this obviously a scam? Maybe the more experienced people in the tefl community can help me out here!

dublinman

[bomha]

Any Englishman with such limited knowledge of geography should not be hiring people for jobs outside his own neighbourhood.  As for South East Asia, a government official in Thailand required an Irishman to take a test of the English language!   Trust me, even the geography teachers here don't know Dublin from Belfast or Cardiff.

[ysl428]

I also have had a very bad experience with Fly U Teach.  I saw their advert on Edinburgh University's careers pages and sent them my CV.  I was offered an interview for yesterday afternoon, again in Peterlee, County Durham.  I initially said that I would attend, but, having thought about it a great deal, I decided to cancel my interview because I had a few qualms about the fact that their company was only established in 2007.  Mr and Mrs Grebe-Spencer both called me, and both had a very vicious manner.  They told me that I would be charged for non-attendance, and that they had a clause on their website saying that, if you send them your CV, you are subject to their terms and conditions of non-attendance.  This is, of course, ridiculous- there is no such clause on their website and, furthermore, such charges are completely and utterly illegal.  I told them that I would not be paying any such charge and contacted my careers service to make them aware of this (they have subsequently removed this company's advert from their database).  I then received an angry email from Mr Grebe-Spencer, telling me, amongst other things, that he was "disgraced" with my "immature and unprofessional behaviour".  He rattled on for quite a while, telling me that I would be subject to Fly U Teach's unattendance fees and would be billed accordingly.  He also said that he would inform other teach abroad companies of this, saying that they "keep each other informed of bad applicants".  He then ended the email by stating  "I do believe you may be serving me in Macdonalds sometime soon."

It is unfortunate that we both came across this company, but I hope that you will not let this experience put you off.  I am counting it as a very close call- if this is how they treat their applicants, how do they treat the teachers that they send out to Malaysia?  I hate to think!

[samvimes]

He has no contractual agreement with you; either verbal or written.

I'll check out his website and get back to you.

[ysl428]

I have just checked Fly U Teach's website again and they have added something that was not there when I checked their website yesterday afternoon: in the "Teachers" section they have added a tiny statement right at the bottom, saying "There is no fee for applications made to Fly U Teach. By sending your CV application you agreed to the terms of our interview unattendance fee's".  This was obviously added to their website after our conversation yesterday. 

[hero]

By sending your CV application you agreed to the terms of our interview unattendance fee

What? 

[samvimes]

HAHA, laughed my head off when I read that.

By sending your CV application you agreed to the terms of our interview unattendance fee

It's about as legal as saying "if you talk to me of respond to me in any way then that means you agree to giving me all the money in your back account".

In my opinion a company is defined by the behaviour and ethics of its owners /managers and I would say this is a huge red flag.

[hero]

"By reading this notice you agree to do whatever we say!"


Hee hee

[hero]

I just e-mailed them a link to this thread via their website

[Nemesis]

Sounds like they need a special warning given to them? I'm sure they can explain things away, but bad is bad and a warning is a warning.

On the main page there is a solicitation for CV's but no fee mentioned. It's on a secondary page....

http://www.flyuteach.co.uk/page2.html

[wangsuda]

I would never work for an outfit that uses English like:

Unlike many other companies Fly U Teach is run by ex-teachers, international and in the UK and can appreciate the objective factors that can often pervade in everyday life as a teacher.

What the hell does this mean? It doesn't even sound impressive.

[hero]

On the main page there is a solicitation for CV's but no fee mentioned. It's on a secondary page....

On the page http://www.flyuteach.co.uk/page9.html there's no mention of it either.

We process all CV within two weeks and inform all of our candidates if you have been successful or not. You will then be invited for an interview which will allow us to get to know you and more importantly allow you to get to know us....

They also say, "Call us today...." but no mention of the fact that by showing interest in a position you may be liable for an "unattendance"(sic) fee!

[Paul Mawson]

I can’t understand where this is coming from..I have been with Fly U Teach for 4 months now and they have been excellent, helping me settling in, the school is amazing and the support is tremendous.  I am in the process of renewing my contract.  They are the most professional and supportive company and I would recommend them to all.

I also can inform you that they have no “hotel” in Co. Durham, but they DO have offices with a boardroom.

They also have the most attractive and rewarding teaching package than any other companies. David and Zak are the most dedicated and supportive characters and they have been a huge influence to my success in Malaysia.

Paul

[Fly U Teach]

Here at FlyUTeach we operate with empathy, dedication and respect and when we encounter applicants who do not share our vision to improve education standards throughout Malaysia we decide not to waste any precious time and instead dedicate this time to the applicants who are genuine about becoming a successful international teacher. I am genuinely distressed to hear of 2 disgruntled applicants. We never ever endeavour to upset any candidates and in this instance the people in question have created distress themselves.

We have a huge number of applicants and choose not to waste time with applicants who decide to cancel on the morning of interview thus depriving someone else of an interview. We also do not waste time with candidates who posses a confrontational nature in email. The reason being that we want only the best for the students in Malaysia and these characteristics don't manifest well when in the classroom. The Malaysian students are our utmost priority and care and it is our duty to respect and develop these students as best we can. In doing so we carefully select our teachers based on academic background, attitude, and experience. We are very meticulous in our selection process and I have no reservations in stating that the students are subject to the education provided by our teachers therefore it is our responsibility to dedicate them with only the finest teacher, mentor and character.

I'm sure you don’t need me to say but teaching is about developing young, impressionable minds, and actually teaching your subject is only a small part. You are developing character and interest and are supporting these students through a crucial time in their life. The students in Malaysia are even more impressionable than most therefore putting trust in the right teacher is crucial to our vision. If we have any doubt about a candidate we will not risk the students welfare - the student comes first. In addition we have massive support form the UK and Malaysian governments. The Malaysian government are very keen on FlyUTeach and understand our vision as it is directly comparable with theirs as outlined in the 2004 report by the Ministry of Education.

Along with our current teachers in Malaysia we are sending more in the next 2 weeks for the September start. Our current teachers are doing very well and are delighted with their experience. Many teachers have already extended their contracts which is a direct result of our handwork, dedication and support.

We welcome all applications, provided that you have a dedication to teach and are mature, professional and committed. 

At FlyUTeach we don't have an application fee or programme fee. We feel this is unfair on our teachers. However when candidates don't turn up for interview without informing us we feel this is very unfair on another candidate who could have had that slot. Not to mention that this wastes our valuable time. Hence, why we have interview unattendance fee's. It takes all of 1 minute to either email or phone with a cancellation. Several candidates have done this in the past and this is not a problem. We thought this is a much fairer way than imposing an application fee.

In response to the claim that we run interviews from a hotel I must state that we have offices in County Durham with a boardroom that we normally use for interview. We occasionally interview at Job Centres if we have meetings that day.  We are also launching our office in Kuala Lumpur in the coming weeks. We have vast experience in recruiting teachers in other businesses. We have dealt mostly in the UK with supply teachers and are well versed in teacher recruitment.

It is unfortunate that this situation has occurred and I am genuinely distressed to hear that certain candidates have reacted indifferently to our company. We always support and dedicate ourselves to our teachers and have never had any problems with our teachers. Our company prides itself on being Capable, Caring and Confident and we always put the welfare of the students first.

(name removed)
Company Director
FlyUTeach

[Paul Mawson]

I am a graduate of Teesside University. I applied to the company in response to an ad on my Uni website.  I am back home at the minute due to the holidays in Malaysia and fly back next week.

I'm sorry if you don't agree with my statement but this is how I feel. I am very happy to be employed by them.

I strongly suspect that this attack is an effort to promote your own website and discredit other companies...

Paul
 

[hero]

I strongly suspect that this attack is an effort to promote your own website and discredit other companies...

Ha ha.  Right!

[Paul Mawson]

Its awfully interesting how many emails are actually coming from this sites administrators. I recalled only 3 genuine mails, the rest from your administrators.

If you must know I am home to see my family as my father is currently very ill in hospital. Not thats any of your business.

I feel its not good practice to be slating other companies just to promote your own. In any case FlyUTeach is not a TEFL. I actaully teach history.

Paul  

[hero]

Let's leave it at that - we had a couple of complaints, the MD answered back, now we have a happy worker to redress the balance.

Let's not start making crazy accusations or stir up another catfight - I think readers have plenty of information to decide for themselves 

[Stan the Man]

I also have had a very bad experience with Fly U Teach.  I saw their advert on Edinburgh University's careers pages and sent them my CV.  I was offered an interview for yesterday afternoon, again in Peterlee, County Durham.  I initially said that I would attend, but, having thought about it a great deal, I decided to cancel my interview because I had a few qualms about the fact that their company was only established in 2007.  Mr and Mrs Grebe-Spencer both called me, and both had a very vicious manner.  They told me that I would be charged for non-attendance, and that they had a clause on their website saying that, if you send them your CV, you are subject to their terms and conditions of non-attendance.  This is, of course, ridiculous- there is no such clause on their website and, furthermore, such charges are completely and utterly illegal.  I told them that I would not be paying any such charge and contacted my careers service to make them aware of this (they have subsequently removed this company's advert from their database).  I then received an angry email from Mr Grebe-Spencer, telling me, amongst other things, that he was "disgraced" with my "immature and unprofessional behaviour".  He rattled on for quite a while, telling me that I would be subject to Fly U Teach's unattendance fees and would be billed accordingly.  He also said that he would inform other teach abroad companies of this, saying that they "keep each other informed of bad applicants".  He then ended the email by stating  "I do believe you may be serving me in Macdonalds sometime soon."

It is unfortunate that we both came across this company, but I hope that you will not let this experience put you off.  I am counting it as a very close call- if this is how they treat their applicants, how do they treat the teachers that they send out to Malaysia?  I hate to think!

Top post pal!

Fly Ugly Teach are certainly a pack of tossers. Them and their 'unattendance' fees'.

They've discredited themselves and been shown up on the shit radar.

[Mods-Rockers]

Well seeing as how a mod has asked that we tone it down I shall not answer most of your questions (although I would suggest that you start using a spellchecker), however:

I wonder what trading standards would think of this unlawful agression?

Paul

They probably would not give a toss seeing as how this site is not registered in the UK, they might however be very interested in the highly illegal Unattended interview clause that your site is trying to use!

[Fly U Teach]

General Forum Rules:
1. No unsubstantiated rumors, innuendos or otherwise damaging posts without offering factual support, some of this may be waived in "Sour Gripes" and/or "The Squared Circle."

[hero]

Right - I just cleaned the thread of anything off-topic.  Let's keep on-topic.

Hero

[Mods-Rockers]

General Forum Rules:
1. No unsubstantiated rumors, innuendos or otherwise damaging posts without offering factual support, some of this may be waived in "Sour Gripes" and/or "The Squared Circle."

Now what would that be? The two posters who posted about the treatment they received from your company? The “unattended interview” clause?


[quote from http://www.flyuteach.co.uk/page2.html]
Support
Fly U Teach's commitment to Professional Teacher Development is highlighted by regular informative Workshops and support network. These workshops could focus on a series of skills from Teaching Vocabulary to Developing Learner Autonomy. Working away from home can be daunting, as former international teachers, we appreciate and understand potential anxiety, for this reason we occasionally hold team building session for all teachers to get together to discuss about your teaching experience, adventure holidays and more importantly making people jealous with your exotic adventures!
Support and advice often goes beyond the purely professional here at Fly U Teach. We go above and beyond the call of duty lending support throughout thus ensuring you are happy. As former teachers we understand the strains that life can bring and do our up most to support with understanding and empathy. We believe that you do your best work when your happy - I know this from my own personal teaching career. We have a 24 hour contact service.
At Fly U Teach we are keen to stress that we are a team, no one WORKS for anyone, we all work WITH each other. This is the way we like to strive forward - TOGETHER. In sustaining our unique work ethic we believe this to be the reason why our team is so successful and is the reason why our teachers are so thrilled with their experience with our team.
There is no fee for applications made to Fly U Teach. By sending your CV application you agreed to the terms of our interview unattendance fee's

[/quote]Bold and font change by me,

[Paul Mawson]

So you realised you had maliciously overstepped the mark and have certainly surpassed all boundaries of professionalism so you have removed all the unacceptable comments.

Not to worry I saved them and will be reporting you to the authorities or possibly the police in due course.

As a professional I have many other things to be getting on with and can’t spend all day typing immature nonsense. Why don’t you get a job?

I would love to stay and chat but have my dying farther to visit.

Paul

[hero]

So you realised you had maliciously overstepped the mark and have certainly surpassed all boundaries of professionalism so you have removed all the unacceptable comments.

No, I removed them - another user posted them.  They were off-topic is all and pretty irrelevant.

Not to worry I saved them and will be reporting you to the authorities or possibly the police in due course.

Well I hardly think they'll be interested, but do as you will   Deleted posts go to the recycle bin in the board's private area so technically they still exist.

As a professional I have many other things to be getting on with and can’t spend all day typing immature nonsense. Why don’t you get a job?

I don't know who that's aimed at - I'm based in Thailand where it's 8 p.m.  Thankfully, I have long finished work for the day.

[samvimes]

I wonder what trading standards would think of this unlawful agression?

Paul

Obviously you didn't study law Paul or you might understand what trading standards do....

[Mods-Rockers]

Interesting post Paully:

So you realised you had maliciously overstepped the mark and have certainly surpassed all boundaries of professionalism so you have removed all the unacceptable comments.

So, what exactly is professional about your company’s totally illegal “unattended interview” clause? Hidden like it is in fine print on a different page to your invite to send a CV, now to me that seems damn malicious! And fraudulent! And downright petty!

Not to worry I saved them and will be reporting you to the authorities or possibly the police in due course.

But don’t worry I have saved an offline copy of your site and could no doubt send it to County Durham trading standards office!

As a professional I have many other things to be getting on with and can’t spend all day typing immature nonsense. Why don’t you get a job?

As a recent grad with at best 4 months under your belt as a teacher, can you tell me, WTF you would know about professionalism?
Oh and what a childish comment “Why don’t you get a job?” Does someone still have to change your diapers?

[Nemesis]

Is it Paul or is it Fly U Teach? I don't know, but nice to see that you two are so acquainted enough to be at the same computer within mere minutes of each other. I am sure that our loyal userbase can see that you definitely are two different people, even though it might appear to anyone with access to your posting times and IP addresses that these two accounts are shared by the same person. Far be it for me to call your ethics into question on this matter.

 

About this site, this site is for teachers. If someone just came on and told me about your nearly hidden text proclaiming an interview non-attendance fee, I'd let you know how much I think your company sucks.

Feel free to report anything here to the police or your lawyer. You may want to read other threads here. You may want to understand US law that says this is a safe harbor.

I strongly suspect that this attack is an effort to promote your own website and discredit other companies...

Just wait until the number 1 Google result for Fly U Teach is TEFLWatch.

[Mods-Rockers]

Just a small snippet of info; the registered address for Fly U Teach is:
41 Grampian Drive
Peterlee
Co. Durham
Now if you do a quick search on this address you might get the following site:
http://www.aboutmyplace.co.uk/showmap?ms=s&mv=r&type=property&id=6168888&mt=i&poi=property
the aerial view is quite interesting, Grampian way appears to be residential in the main with what looks like a small industrial area, but counting either way from the end of the road 41 does appear to be a private house, one wonders does the boardroom also do double duty as the lounge?

[RobRoy]

Paul,

As a teaching professional and as a simple business professional, in my opinion is that taking money from someone without being clear on your policy is a bad business practice, if not illegal. 

You've questioned why only moderators have commented.  Two big reasons:
1.  Not all users of this forum are online just waiting for you to comment.  Actually, I've been working on my final exam for this semester.  I apologize.  PM me and I'll give you my email so when you are going to post, you can let me know and I'll do my best to spread the word.  I didn't comment because I'm not a lawyer, I don't have time to look at your website and frankly could care less about you or your organization.  So, as a professional to a professional, I kept quiet and didn't post.  I kept my opinion to myself.  I didn't start questioning people why they didn't have a job, I didn't rant about the BS your firm is apparently doing....as, I would assume, did many other posters.

2.  Our mods do something you may be unfamilar with...they MODERATE the forum, so they are online frequently.  Thats why they removed inappropriate comments made by some users of the forum and gave you the chance to defend your organization.....right up to the point that you started talking bad about the mods and the users of this forum.  Remember, just because someone is acting like a child and saying stupid things doesn't mean you should lower yourself to their level.  That, was as I recall from my "Don't be a stupid wanker of a manager 101" college class.

Many of the teachers on this forum have been teaching in Asia for many years.  I'm one of the newer teachers, having only been here for four years.  The majority of teachers on this forum have in one way or another, heard this kind of story before.....many times.

I appreciate your attempt to explain your organizations position.  You did really, really good.  I was even almost impressed!  Right up to the point where you were so stupid as to threaten legal action on a person exercising their right to express their opinion on a server that is located where that right is protected by law.

Now, if you want your organization to regain the good graces of this forum, I would suggest an apology would be in order.  It doesn't have to be a "Ok, bend me over and have a go!" type of apology, but just something to say perhaps you were a little out of line.  The mods admitted some of the posts here were out of line and removed them.  I would think as a PROFESSIONAL, you would respect that kind of action and show appreciation.

Its up to you...oh, and I hope your farther gets better.  I know how it is.  My farther had a severe heart attack and I had to fly home.  It sucks and puts you under a lot of pressure.  Good luck and hope to hear a little more soon!  Let us know how your farther is doing!!!!

[ysl428]

Further to the last comment, I would like to agree with what RobRoy was saying.  I merely wanted to share my upsetting experience with other users so that they would exercise caution if they come across this company themselves.  It is most certainly not my intention to make personal comments or make any threats.  I do not believe that this forum was intended for such purposes.

[hero]

I do not believe that this forum was intended for such purposes.

It isn't.  This thread will not degenerate into an argument.  It was me who invited Fly U Teach to comment, I'm glad I did so as we now have both sides of the coin.

[Paul Mawson]

I don't know what happened with your experience with FlyUTeach but they have been excellent with me. I have read your comments and it was not like this at all for me.

The personal attacks about my accademic background and the illness of my dying farther is totally unacceptable. 

I really dont see what the administrators had to attack me and my farther.

Paul.

[RobRoy]

Mods, please excuse me.....I'll try and explain it to our newest child....

Paul, remember, you attacked this forum first....you said....

"So you realised you had maliciously overstepped the mark and have certainly surpassed all boundaries of professionalism so you have removed all the unacceptable comments.

Not to worry I saved them and will be reporting you to the authorities or possibly the police in due course. "

You attack, you get attacked....I would assume you can understand that.

[samvimes]

If he can't understand he can get his farther (sic) to explain it to him....

[RobRoy]

Sam, thought about going there on the last post ....but I want Paul to keep posting.  Reflects on the quality of teachers this agency employs and from my humble experience is if the agency is willing to employ people with that skill level, it makes a comment on the agency, doesn't it?  Keeps the thread on topic for users who might read the thread later.

[Paul Mawson]

All personal comments been removed... get upto date.

I'll explain again... this has been removed.

I am home visiting my farther who is dying in hospital. I will fly back to Malaysia next week. This is probably the last time I will see him.

Why are you people so insensitive... so personal all the time, just because I reflected positively on my experience with FlyUTeach. I strongly suspect none of you are actually teachers. Your insesitivity speaks volumes.

What is the meaning this personal attack then? I thought this was a teacher forum?

Paul

[hero]

I deleted all that stuff, now he wants to keep mentioning it - I don't get it!  In any case there were no personal attacks about your farther(sic) dying - the other poster suggested that you were in the UK and didn't really work in Malaysia at all - you told us your farther(sic) was dying!

As for the 'personal attacks' about your 'accademic'(sic) background - well IMO it was more of a sneer than an attack!

It wasn't posted by any administrators or moderators in any case - it was just another poster.  As a moderator I have been trying to keep this thread sensible;D

I deleted all the stuff basically because you were complaining about it - it's gone .... let's get back to the topic in hand .... let's hear how great (or otherwise) FlyUTeach are.  We'll understand if you don't want to explain why you are using the same computer as their boss despite the fact you claim to be an employee only  and based in Malaysia!


I'd like to ask for your observations on the OP - do you really think that co. Durham is only a two-hour drive from Dublin?  What car do you drive?

[hero]

Look - I can put back all of the removed posts if you like.  These personal attacks that you talk of simply don't exist!

[Paul Mawson]

Too personal & not about teaching...

Why waste my breath..

FlyUTeach are in my experience excellent... not using same computer at all...

end of conversation.

[RobRoy]

Paul,

I've never been to England....so please explain to me...

"I'd like to ask for your observations on the OP - do you really think that co. Durham is only a two-hour drive from Dublin?  What car do you drive?"

Can you really do this...tell me, I don't know "who" to believe. 

[hero]

not using same computer at all

Ha ha ha


Enough said.

[Nemesis]

"Paul" is resorting to the same trick many other bad schools pull when their bad deeds are made public. He is claiming to be the victim. I looked at the removed posts and "Paul", if you keep on, I'll put them back on here so EVERYONE can see not only the comments of other users but yours as well.

Your father is sick at home...and you are back to see him. Great. Go see him. Spend some time with him, but maybe stop spending time at your boss' office trying to protect his company's name because guess what, my friend? You share the same IP address as your boss and you posted within minutes of his posting time. It leads all of us to believe that you and he are the same, but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt.

Go see your dying father and stay away from your boss' office and the problems he is undergoing.

 

You've told me, Paul, enough to make me think Fly U Teach is a bad employer. Why? Any agency that expects you to come into their office and log into an internet discussion forum to defend them as if you are the owner while you are home on leave taking care of your dying father is an agency I'd put in the Hall of Shame.

Paul, now is the time to either be honest as to who you are OR I'll have to read things at face value and put FLY U Teach in the Hall of Shame. I hate how this agency is taking advantage of you in your time of need.

[bomha]

You may call me pedantic, but I would never go to work for a company whose representative wrote so many long paragraphs without a single comma, when numerous commas were needed.  Then, he suddenly discovers both the comma key and the upper case key, and carefully considers company to be Caring, Competent, and some other C-word (that Nemesis has deleted, I see) that need not use upper case.

However, you canna careen your car from county carlow to county cork unless you take a two hour car ride from connaught to cornwall.

[retiredstillteaching]

Great post above, Nemesis. Certain people out there gotta learn that you go for the IP first and the jugular second.

[dublinman]

I have just checked back in here and am blown away by the interest! I just read through the comments by the supposed Fly U Teach employee and I have to say his language and writing style (not to mention feeble insults) looks very much like the series of replies I recieved from the director of the company.

This is one of them:

"As made clear on our website (thats if you've actually bothered to read it, judging by this I expect you have not) and the University advert, the interview is held at Durham. Since your not in a position to fly to Durham for interview I would assume that your in no position to fly to Malaysia either. Dublin is about 2 & 1/2 hours by car from Durham. In the past 40 interviews we have had people travelling from Bristol, Brighton and Southhampton - 7 hours drive. We have a very high number of applicants and although your CV showed us nothing special we gave you the benefit of the doubt and did believe your application to have potential. Not to worry, I will pass on your slot to someone else.   
 
Kind regards,
 
David Grebe-Spencer MA, BA(Hons.), Dip, ABRSM (Pno.)
Company Director"


I have to laugh, I've never seen such an obvious attempt at presenting oneself as superior as I've seen from this fella in all his correspondence, and I've never seen somebody fail so much! I think this new company of his will inevitably be a flaming crash before it even gets off the ground unless he starts wising up and treating people with a bit more respect.

[hero]

Dublin is about 2 & 1/2 hours by car from Durham

One more time

[Mods-Rockers]

One hopes he is not supplying geography teachers!

[dublinman]

 

The sad thing is, even if Ireland was not an island completely separate from Britain and you could sit in your Ford Focus and drive across to Wales and up towards Co. Durham... it'd still take alot longer than two and a half!

[hero]

Maybe he was thinking of Edinburgh

[Nemesis]

Too personal & not about teaching...

Why waste my breath..

FlyUTeach are in my experience excellent... not using same computer at all...

end of conversation.

Yes, you were using the same computer, the same IP address within minutes of each other. That's the same computer. Sorry, but you've been outed. Keep lying. How many teachers would want to work for a company that is lying on an internet forum? If they lie on an internet forum where the truth is known, how much more will they lie in private?

[ysl428]

Well, this morning I received an invoice for £49 (£39 "Unattendance Fee's" and £10 administration charge) from Fly U Teach.  Curiously, the envelope was marked "Urgent", and yet a 2nd class stamp was used.  I also was surprised to note that the invoice was dated the 21st of July 2007- a month too early.  How bizarre.

[Mods-Rockers]

Well, this morning I received an invoice for £49 (£39 "Unattendance Fee's" and £10 administration charge) from Fly U Teach.  Curiously, the envelope was marked "Urgent", and yet a 2nd class stamp was used.  I also was surprised to note that the invoice was dated the 21st of July 2007- a month too early.  How bizarre.

Take it to trading standards, its quite easy to prove that the illegal clause was posted after that date, and anyway its not legally binding, have them checked out by the regulatory bodies and then see where their Malay contacts will get them!

[samvimes]

They have no grounds to bill you and I can think of at least 2 grounds off the top of my head but my legal knowledge is a little out of date.

A valid contract requires: an agreement between parties (and there is no agreement clearly in this case)  and also a contract has to be reasonable as stated in the UNFAIR CONTRACT TERMS ACT 1977.

Refuse to pay them, they have no grounds to sue you.

[Mods-Rockers]

The scary part is that from what I can gather they (FlyUTeach) do most of their recruiting through universities. Therefore most of the people they have dealings with, fresh graduates, may well be a little short with respects to being worldly wise (I may get flamed for this, but I remember what I was like at that age) and some will possibly pay the money if such an invoice came through.
It might be good to find some who have paid as they would then be the victims of fraud and the police could be called in as well as the trading standards!

SCAM is a word that springs to mind!

[Mods-Rockers]

MMmmmmmm, seems that Paul and his boss have become strangely quiet! Maybe they did as they threatened and spoke to their legal representatives onl;y to find that they were in a situation similar to a double amputee, i.e. they didn't have a leg to stand on!
Shame really!
I posted a link to this thread to my old unis jobs service, They were quite interested in the Unattendance fee!

[RobRoy]

Well done Mods!!!! 

Posting a link on universities sites might be a good way to get the word out about "possible" scams.  I would think as long as the word "possible" is included, no real legal action could be taken. 

For instance...set up a mailing list of a bunch of English speaking universities.  Whenever a setup like the subject one here or perhaps another one that may use the initials TI and they are inducted in to the HOS a email could be sent to inform the schools of a scam.

This will accomplish several things....
Give some of the "Certified by the MOE" types notice that someone is watching.
Give teachers, both new and old broader access to possible scams.  Most older teachers understand this, but lots of newbies don't. 

Think about if all the major schools in the area around FLY UR SCREWED were notified, how long would such people last in the business.  It would both expose them and educate others about organizations such as them.

Just a thought...heck, I would spend time looking up uni's in the area and forward addresses to the mods.

Once again...good idea Mods!!!!

[Mods-Rockers]

Did anyone notice that Mr Mawson was lurking earlier today? I guess from what he stated before that he is now back in Malaysia, I wonder if he has anything new to report? Perhaps he can tell how his visit to his legal advisors went!

[Mods-Rockers]

Its nice to note as well that the reference to the unattendance fee has been removed from the website. Still, it will be there of the webservers backups should trading standards want to see it!

[dublinman]

So what's the process to putting these companies into the Hall of Shame? Has Fly U Teach done enough to warrant that?

[Mods-Rockers]

Think you would have to ask admin about that!