NIC Services Group Review - Real Employee Experience

Rating:
1/5

Published: 14 December 2025

NIC Services Group presents itself as a professional cleaning and facilities management company serving retail and commercial clients across the UK.

However, an in-depth examination of employee experiences paints a starkly different picture.

Reports from current and former staff reveal a recurring pattern of serious issues: persistent underpayment, abrupt reduction of working hours, lack of proper training, inadequate or missing personal protective equipment, unmanageable workloads, and a pervasive culture of mismanagement and intimidation.

This review delves into these claims, drawing on first-hand employee accounts and documented incidents, to uncover the realities behind NIC Services Group’s operations.

The aim is to provide an honest, fact-based perspective for prospective employees who may be considering working for this company.

Editorial note: Content on this page reflects commonly reported employee experiences observed across publicly available review platforms. It represents opinion and commentary, not verified facts, and does not reproduce individual reviews.

Table of Contents

Company Details

Recruitment Process

The recruitment process at NIC Services Group has been widely criticised by former employees for being inconsistent and often misleading.

Many individuals report being promised specific hours or conditions during interviews, only to find these expectations altered shortly after starting work.

Part-time staff, for instance, frequently discovered that the hours they had been assured were later reduced without explanation, while others were unexpectedly asked to cover additional shifts or even entirely different locations at short notice.

Such discrepancies indicate a lack of transparency in the hiring stage, leaving new employees feeling unprepared and undervalued from day one.

Transparency issues extend beyond working hours.

Multiple reviews highlight that pay structures, benefits, and job responsibilities are often poorly communicated.

Employees have described being unaware of key aspects of their role until after they were hired, resulting in confusion and, in some cases, abrupt disciplinary actions or termination.

For example, one worker reported being dismissed over a past conviction that they had disclosed at interview, illustrating inconsistent policies and a lack of clear communication during recruitment.

Onboarding at NIC Services Group also appears inadequate.

New staff often receive little to no formal training, leaving them to navigate complex tasks independently.

Essential equipment, uniforms, or protective gear are not reliably provided, forcing employees to supply these themselves in some cases.

This lack of preparation not only undermines staff confidence but can also create safety risks in day-to-day operations.

There are also indications of bias in recruitment and early retention.

Some reviews suggest that favouritism plays a role in who is hired or retained, with employees perceived as more compliant or personable being prioritised over those who demonstrate competence or diligence.

This practice can erode morale and contribute to a high turnover rate, as capable staff leave due to perceived unfairness.

The recruitment process at NIC Services Group is marked by poor communication, misleading expectations, and inadequate support for new hires.

These issues create a shaky foundation for employees, setting the stage for the operational and cultural challenges that continue throughout their tenure.

Pay and Benefits

NIC Services Group consistently receives extremely negative feedback regarding pay and benefits, with former employees reporting systemic issues that affect both their financial stability and morale.

A common complaint is that wages are often calculated incorrectly, with staff regularly underpaid for hours worked.

Multiple reviews describe instances where employees had to repeatedly chase management for overdue pay, sometimes waiting weeks or even months to be compensated properly.

This inconsistency creates financial stress, especially for staff relying on NIC Services Group as their primary source of income.

The pay itself is widely regarded as low, particularly when compared to the workload and responsibilities expected.

Many employees report being pressured to work additional shifts or cover multiple sites without receiving adequate compensation, including overtime that is often paid at the standard minimum wage rather than the higher rate promised.

This practice contributes to the perception that the company undervalues its staff, despite relying heavily on their labour to maintain client contracts.

Benefits are equally problematic. Sick pay policies, holiday entitlements, and other statutory or contractual benefits are frequently mismanaged.

Several reviews detail situations where employees were not compensated during periods of illness, including time off due to Covid-19, or were denied proper payment for holiday leave.

Promised allowances, such as petrol reimbursements for those travelling between sites, are often delayed, withheld, or miscalculated, further exacerbating employee dissatisfaction.

Uniforms and necessary equipment are inconsistently provided, forcing some staff to purchase essential items themselves, adding another financial burden.

This, coupled with the absence of meaningful perks or incentives, creates an environment where employees feel unsupported both financially and practically.

NIC Services Group’s pay and benefits structure appears unreliable and insufficient, failing to match the demands placed on staff.

Coupled with poor administration and frequent errors, this has left employees frustrated, financially vulnerable, and questioning the company’s commitment to its workforce.

Work Environment and Culture

The work environment at NIC Services Group is widely described as toxic and demoralising, creating significant challenges for staff at all levels.

Across multiple reviews, employees consistently report a culture dominated by stress, poor communication, and a lack of respect or recognition.

New starters are often left to navigate their roles with minimal guidance, leading to confusion and frustration.

Staff describe being treated as disposable, with high turnover and constant pressure to meet unrealistic demands, all while management remains largely absent or unapproachable.

Many employees highlight the prevalence of favouritism and internal politics.

Some report that promotions and favourable assignments are given based on personal preference rather than merit, leaving hardworking staff overlooked and undervalued.

This culture fosters resentment among colleagues, eroding team cohesion and contributing to an environment where staff feel unsupported and isolated.

Several reviews specifically mention bullying and intimidation by managers, creating a climate of fear that further undermines morale.

The physical and operational work environment also adds to the strain.

Employees often have to manage excessive workloads with insufficient resources, whether that be cleaning supplies, PPE, or adequate equipment.

Combined with long shifts, early starts, and expectations to cover multiple sites at short notice, the work environment is frequently described as chaotic and poorly organised.

This operational disorganisation mirrors the broader cultural issues, highlighting systemic weaknesses in how the company supports and manages its workforce.

NIC Services Group’s work environment and culture appear to be deeply flawed.

Staff consistently report feeling undervalued, overworked, and unprotected, which not only affects morale but also the company’s ability to maintain a motivated and reliable workforce.

Management and Leadership

Management and leadership at NIC Services Group are repeatedly described by employees as ineffective, inconsistent, and often hostile.

Numerous accounts point to a lack of oversight, poor communication, and an absence of accountability from managers at all levels.

Staff frequently report that line managers and area managers are rarely present on site, leaving employees to navigate complex or demanding tasks on their own.

This hands-off approach, combined with inconsistent enforcement of policies, creates confusion and frustration across teams.

Leadership is often portrayed as unsupportive and, in some cases, intimidating.

Several employees describe being bullied, threatened with dismissal, or publicly humiliated for raising concerns or questioning errors, particularly regarding pay or scheduling.

There are widespread reports of favouritism, where managers reward staff based on personal preference rather than competence or effort, further undermining trust in leadership.

Decisions are often reactive rather than proactive, with managers appearing more concerned with appearances or audits than with the wellbeing of their teams.

Moreover, communication from management is largely criticised as poor.

Employees report minimal feedback, unclear instructions, and slow or absent responses to queries, leaving staff feeling unsupported and undervalued.

The company’s reliance on group chats for important updates rather than structured channels also contributes to miscommunication and uncertainty.

NIC Services Group’s management and leadership are consistently perceived as a major weakness, fostering an environment of stress, fear, and dissatisfaction.

The lack of effective leadership directly impacts employee morale, operational efficiency, and the company’s ability to retain skilled staff.

Work-Life Balance, Hours and Workload

Work-life balance at NIC Services Group is widely reported as virtually non-existent.

Employees consistently describe being expected to work long hours, frequently exceeding their contracted time, with little regard for personal commitments or wellbeing.

Many accounts indicate that staff are pressured to cover extra shifts at short notice, sometimes on consecutive days, creating a highly stressful and unsustainable workload.

The expectation to be constantly available, often communicated through late-night or early-morning messages, further erodes any semblance of a predictable schedule.

Hours are reported as both inconsistent and unpredictable.

Staff note frequent reductions in promised hours, last-minute rota changes, and insufficient notice for extra shifts.

This instability makes it difficult for employees to plan their personal lives or maintain secondary employment to supplement their income, which many are forced to do due to low pay.

Additionally, the company appears to rely heavily on temporary or short-term staff, contributing to a constant cycle of overwork for existing employees.

The workload itself is frequently cited as overwhelming.

Staff often report being expected to perform multiple roles simultaneously, cover absent colleagues, and meet stringent audit or cleanliness targets, all without adequate support or resources.

Cleaning, supervisory, and managerial roles are described as particularly demanding, with little allowance for breaks, rest periods, or time to complete tasks to an acceptable standard.

NIC Services Group demonstrates a clear disregard for the work-life balance and reasonable workload of its employees.

The combination of long hours, unpredictable schedules, and excessive responsibilities contributes significantly to staff stress, low morale, and high turnover rates.

Job Security and Career Advancement

Job security at NIC Services Group appears extremely precarious, with multiple reports highlighting arbitrary dismissals, sudden reductions in hours, and a high turnover of staff across all levels.

Employees frequently describe a “hope your face fits” culture, where continued employment seems contingent on personal favour rather than performance or experience.

This unpredictable approach creates an environment where staff feel constantly at risk of losing their job, fostering stress and anxiety among the workforce.

Career advancement opportunities are virtually non-existent.

Numerous reviews point out that promotions or role expansions are given inconsistently and often based on subjective preferences rather than merit or capability.

Staff report that long-serving employees rarely see progression, with management failing to recognise or reward dedication, experience, or hard work.

Any potential for moving up the ranks is overshadowed by favouritism and a lack of structured development plans.

Employees also cite a lack of transparency in policies related to contracts, hours, and progression, leaving them unclear about expectations or opportunities for growth.

Many feel trapped in low-paid roles with no guidance on how to develop their skills or advance professionally, despite the company’s size and apparent resources.

NIC Services Group offers minimal job security and negligible opportunities for career progression, creating a workforce that is both demotivated and expendable.

Training and Support

Training and support at NIC Services Group are reported as inconsistent and largely inadequate, leaving employees ill-prepared to perform their roles safely and effectively.

Many staff members describe a complete lack of formal onboarding, with new hires expected to learn on the job without guidance, supervision, or structured instruction.

This absence of proper training contributes to confusion, mistakes, and stress, particularly in roles requiring specialised knowledge or adherence to health and safety regulations.

Support from supervisors and management is similarly lacking.

Employees frequently mention that line managers are either unavailable or dismissive when approached for help, leaving workers to resolve problems independently.

There is little to no ongoing professional development, mentoring, or coaching, which further undermines staff confidence and the overall quality of service.

The combination of insufficient training and poor support creates a culture in which mistakes are common and employees feel unsupported and undervalued.

It also increases the risk of workplace incidents, errors, and dissatisfaction, reflecting a broader organisational failure to invest in its workforce.

Health and Safety

Health and safety at NIC Services Group appears to be a significant concern, with multiple employees reporting unsafe working conditions and a lack of proper equipment.

Many cleaners have stated that they were not provided with adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) when required, particularly during high-risk tasks such as cleaning toilets or handling chemicals.

Some reports indicate that employees had to supply their own equipment or work without it, putting both staff and clients at risk.

Employees also describe a work environment where health and safety procedures are inconsistently enforced, and guidance from management is minimal or absent.

Staff frequently mention being left alone to handle large or hazardous tasks without supervision, which raises serious concerns about compliance with safety regulations.

Additionally, the high-pressure culture - where speed and task completion are prioritised over safety - further exacerbates the risks.

The company’s approach to health and safety reflects a lack of adequate planning, resources, and accountability.

This contributes to employee stress, injury risk, and a broader culture of neglect that impacts both staff and operational standards.

Employee Experience by Role

Cleaner / Cleaning Assistant

Cleaners report one of the most challenging experiences across the company.

Pay is consistently described as low, with frequent errors in wage calculation and delayed payment.

Staff are expected to cover additional shifts at short notice, often without acknowledgment or compensation.

Workloads are heavy, and employees frequently lack proper cleaning supplies, PPE, or uniforms.

Communication is primarily through group chats or last-minute texts, leaving staff uncertain about their schedules.

Many cleaners report feeling undervalued, bullied, or dismissed by supervisors, and the high turnover of staff results in constant pressure to cover shifts.

Mental health concerns are common due to the stressful and unsupportive environment.

Key points:

Cleaning Manager / In-Store Cleaning Manager

Managers face a unique set of pressures.

They are responsible for overseeing staff who are often inexperienced or absent, completing audits, and maintaining cleaning standards under tight deadlines.

Despite this, managers report being underpaid and unsupported by area or regional management.

They also experience bullying from higher management, unrealistic expectations, and a lack of autonomy to resolve issues.

Many managers work excessive hours, often six or seven days a week, and report being forced to handle staffing problems themselves due to chronic understaffing.

Key points:

Supervisor / Mobile Supervisor

Supervisors and mobile supervisors report extremely high stress due to their dual responsibility for managing staff and completing operational tasks.

They often work over 60 hours per week, with expectations to pick up and drop off staff, cover absent employees, and ensure work completion under tight schedules.

Many report that company vehicles and fuel reimbursement systems are mismanaged, leaving them out-of-pocket.

Communication with area managers is poor, and supervisors often feel disregarded and unsupported in their roles.

Key points:

Operations Assistant / Order Manager

Operations and order managers experience similar issues to supervisors, with additional focus on logistics and coordination across multiple sites.

Employees in these roles report being left to manage complex schedules, staffing shortages, and operational challenges with minimal guidance or resources.

Mistakes in pay, lack of training, and unsupportive management are common themes.

Staff frequently describe feeling “set up to fail” due to unrealistic targets and poor organisational planning.

Key points:

Overall Observations

Across all roles at NIC Services Group, a consistent pattern emerges: low pay, inadequate training, chaotic work schedules, poor communication, and a stressful work environment.

Employees often feel undervalued and unsupported, with management failing to address concerns effectively.

Mental health struggles, high staff turnover, and a lack of work-life balance are reported across the board.

While some staff enjoy interacting with colleagues, this is far outweighed by the systemic issues affecting morale, performance, and employee retention.

NIC Services Group: The Real Picture

Despite presenting itself as a professional facilities management company with services spanning cleaning, security, catering, landscaping, pest control, and washroom solutions, the reality of working at NIC Services Group is starkly different.

Employee experiences paint a picture of systemic mismanagement, low pay, and toxic work culture that contradicts the company’s public image.

Key findings:

The reality of NIC Services Group is a company that systematically undervalues its employees.

While it projects the image of a well-managed and professional business, the internal experience is dominated by poor pay, chaotic management, and a culture that disregards employee wellbeing.

The consistent negative experiences reported across roles make it clear why NIC Services Group receives consistently low ratings from those who know it best - its workforce.

Working at NIC Services Group: Pros and Cons

Pros:

Cons:

Verdict: Should You Work for NIC Services Group?

The overall picture of working at NIC Services Group is overwhelmingly negative.

Employees across all roles consistently report low pay, frequent payroll errors, and lack of benefits.

The work environment is stressful and toxic, with poor communication, absent management, and high staff turnover.

Long hours, last-minute shift demands, and minimal support make work-life balance nearly impossible.

Career progression is limited, training is inadequate, and health and safety standards are often neglected.

Key elements to consider:

While some staff may have positive interactions with colleagues, these are outweighed by systemic issues affecting nearly every aspect of employment.

Prospective employees should approach NIC Services Group with caution, as the company fails to provide fair pay, support, or a safe, professional work environment.

Note: Employees report poor management, constant last-minute rota changes, and long hours in fast-paced cleaning and facilities environments. Training is minimal, staff are often expected to cover multiple sites with little guidance, and communication from supervisors is inconsistent. Understaffing, insufficient equipment, and frequent payroll errors contribute to daily stress and workplace dissatisfaction.

In short: Working at NIC Services Group Ltd can be highly challenging and unrewarding. Pay and benefits are generally considered inadequate for the workload, career progression is extremely limited, and a culture of favouritism and poor management creates frustration. Prospective employees should be prepared for high-pressure roles with inconsistent support, minimal training, and difficult working conditions across multiple sites.

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