Where to Buy

Career FAQ's

  • Can I find out my application was not successful?

    Yes, we are always pleased to provide constructive feedback to you.  To make a request, please either contact the HR department by phone or email us.  Please note that we will not provide feedback over the phone, we will always write to you.

  • When will I hear if my application has been successful?

    We can only make a decision once all candidates have been interviewed.  We endeavour to make a decision once all interviews have taken place.

  • I can't attend my interview date, what should I do?

    Please contact the Human Resources Department as soon as possible if you are unable to attend and we will try and be flexible where we can.

  • Will I have to bring anything to the interviews?

    Your interview invitation will explain everything that you need to bring with you to the interview.  If you have any questions or queries reading the content then please contact the HR Department for clarification.

  • What can I expect at interview?

    If you have been shortlisted for interview you will receive communication from us inviting you to attend an initial interview.  The communication will give details as to location, time, date and panel members.  We aim to communicate with you within 1 week after the closing date.

    For the majority of vacancies, the first interviews usually last no longer than 45 minutes.  You will be interviewed by at least two panel members which would include an HR representative and the Appointing Manager.

    If you are successful at first interview you will (in the majority of cases) be invited back for a second interview.  These interviews will last for approximately 3 – 4 hours and would include spending time in the department for which you are applying, meeting team members and testing which is appropriate to the job role.  It is key that you like Norbar and we like you.

    In some cases you might be invited to a third interview.

  • When can I expect to hear about the status of my application?

    For all vacancies, we aim to reply via email to you within 24 hours of receiving your application. This email will confirm that your application has been received and we will respond to you as soon as we can regarding the next stage of the process.

  • I’ve already applied for another position previously; can you use the same application form for another vacancy?

    To ensure that your application form is tailored to the position you are applying for you will need to complete an on-line application form on each occasion.

  • Can I just apply using a CV?

    Yes, we are happy to accept CV’s.

  • How much detail do you require on my application?

    In order to give yourself the best chance of success please detail your work history in full including overseas experience.

  • What will be my working hours?
    Office and support functions
    8.00am/8.15am - 4.45pm/5.00pm Monday - Thursday 'with a 30 unpaid minute break'.
    8.00am/8.15am - 12.30pm/12.45pm Friday (37½ hours).
     
    Factory & support functions
     
    1. Day Shift:
    7.30am – 4.30pm Monday – Thursday 'with a 30 unpaid minute break'.
    7.30am – 12 midday Friday (38½ hours) or
     
    Day Shift - Manufacturing:
    7.00am – 5.15pm Monday – Thursday 'with a 30 unpaid minute break' (39 hours).
    Plus up to 20 minutes per day for refreshments in agreement with Line Manager (paid) or pro rata for less than a full working day.
     
    Nightshift - Torque Wrench Assembly, Torque Wrench Manufacturing & Manufacturing:
    8.45pm – 7.00am Monday – Wednesday 'with a 30 unpaid minute break'.
    9.15pm – 7.00am Thursday 'with a 30 unpaid minute break' (38½ hours).
    Plus up to 20 minutes per night for refreshments in agreement with Line Manager (paid) or pro rata for less than a full working night.
     
    Weekend Shift:
    7.00am – 7.30pm Friday – Sunday 'with a 30 unpaid minute break' for lunch and two 15 minute paid breaks (36 hours).

     

  • What date will I be paid and how?

    Pay day is the 25th of every month.  Salary is paid directly into a bank account.

  • Is there a probationary period?

    Yes there is a probationary period of 6 months with reviews at 2, 4 and 6 months service.

  • What is the holiday year?

    The holiday year is 1st January - 31st December.

  • What is my holiday entitlement?

    The holiday entitlement is the equivalent of 5 weeks.  Please note if you join Norbar part way through a year your annual leave will be pro-rated based on the number of weeks worked in that year.

    The 5 weeks is converted into hours.

    Eg 5 x 37½ hours = 187.5 hours or 5 x 38½ hours = 192.5 hours or 5 x 39 hours = 195 hours.

    Holiday can be taken as you wish with a minimum of 1 hour and 15 minute units thereafter.  This allows flexibility around personal arrangements.

  • Is the holiday inclusive of bank holidays?

    Yes of which there are currently 8.  If an employee works less than a 5 day week, prorata’d bank holidays will be included in the annual entitlement, in addition to the 5 weeks holiday.

  • Will I be able to join the pension scheme?

    Yes it is a workplace pension plan run by Legal and General.

  • When can I join that scheme and what are the contribution levels?

    You will be automatically enrolled after 3 months’ service if you meet the criteria, or you can join earlier if you wish, but it must be at the beginning of a month. If you want to be auto enrolled, it will be at 5% or 6% with an employer contribution of either 5.5% or 6.5%.

  • Are there any death in service benefits?

    Yes but only if you are a member of the pension plan.

    It is equivalent to 3 times basic salary.

  • Is there a company sick pay scheme?

    Yes from day one.
    8 weeks full pay and 20 weeks half pay.
    5 years onwards attendance at long service evening and long service bonus (based on recommendation from Line Manager & Head of HR).

  • Are there eating facilities on site?

    Yes we have an award winning Restaurant run by Connect Catering.   We prepare hot meals, snacks, salads and a range of sandwiches/baguettes from fresh ingredients everyday.  We also offer homemade cakes and fresh fruit.

  • Is there any form of bonus scheme?

    Yes, we have a non guaranteed employee bonus payable to a maximum of 5%.

  • Will I be able to park on site?

    Yes but we cannot guarantee a space and there is no allocated parking.

  • Do you have a uniform / dress code?

    No we believe that everyone has an individual approach but we ask that employees dress appropriately for the job they carry out.

    We do offer 'corporate wear' at reasonable prices.

  • What is the notice period to terminate my contract?

    For unskilled / semi skilled roles, in the first 6 months of service it is 1 weeks' notice on either side, thereafter, 4 weeks'.

    For more technical roles it will vary..

    For management or more senior roles it is 4 weeks' notice within the first 6 months and 12 weeks' thereafter.

  • What other ad hoc benefits do you offer?
    • A complimentary health scheme of up to £250 net p.a.to be used for physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment, counselling etc
    • ‘Know your numbers’ annual health screening, and health seminars
    • Financial support for evening classes and other areas of learning
    • ½ hour free Solicitors telephone advice and discounted rates thereafter
    • Annual review process to discuss your performance, training and development
    • A 16 session comprehensive Induction programme to give you a broad understanding of the business
    • An employee Christmas lunch and gift
    • A Christmas party for children up to the age of 10
    • A voluntary benefits scheme to include a lifestyle hub offering discounts on groceries, leisure activities including gym membership and travel
    • We also offer:

      -    Cycle to Work Scheme on a salary sacrifice basis
      -    Gym membership discount
      -    The services and support of an Occupational Health Team
      -    5 year anniversary recognition
      -    25 year gift and extra week’s pay on anniversary start date, and annually
      -    60% staff discount on some Norbar products
      -    A fully funded Employee Assistance Programme which includes mental well being support
      -    Access to the Mental Wellbeing Support Team and the use of an outdoor wellbeing area